02/21/2022
It’s really, really, bothering me that Michigan Basketball, Coach Juwan Howard has not apologized for letting his emotions get the best of him, losing his s**t and physically lashing out and striking the Wisconsin Basketball Assistant Coach! I lose hope in humanity each time a politician, celebrity or athlete refuses to accept responsibility for the role they played in a situation. They are in privileged positions with a platform to lead, guide and inspire. Yet few, (some!) appreciate the responsibility that comes with it.
Ever since my kids were young teaching them, not only the words, but the deeper meaning of
“Please, Thank you and I’m Sorry” were paramount to building character. The words not only demonstrate good manners but they illustrate humility, gratitude and self-responsibility - 3 traits important to one’s character.
Athletic Coaches are leaders, mentors and role models. The players and the fans are watching and learning. Character Counts!
To me, the absence of an apology is almost as bad as the act or misdeed itself and shows total lack of character.
A strong man is one who admits his weaknesses and mistakes, feels and shows true remorse, promises not to repeat the behavior and takes steps to overcome the behavior or weakness. In Judaism this is called Teshuvah!
Yes, I’m a Badger (and I no longer have to cheer on the Wolverines) BUT no matter what team you are rooting for, we are all rooting for Character.
As I write this I am reminded of a blog I wrote 6 years ago about “The Importance of an Apology” during another controversy in an Olympic Season. See Link below.
Last night as I watched television coverage of the Ryan Lochte scandal, (pre-apology) I COULD NOT BELIEVE what I heard Mario Andrada, spokesman for Rio 2016, say. Mr.
