On Sportsmanship, and the Football Friday Lineup

My good friend Nick Stevens brought up an interesting topic on our page about sportsmanship. As I prepare for Football Friday, here’s my short take on it.

I feel that there’s nothing wrong with a show of emotion after a good play. It’s hard not to do that, actually, for sports is all about emotion. It’s hard not to get excited about a good play, no matter what the sport. It’s also hard not to feel elation over a victory. There’s nothing wrong with celebrating the genuine thrill of victory.

However, I don’t think that taunting and showing up the other team should be tolerated. Neither should showboating or any other obvious attempt to draw attention. I always loved the way the great Detroit Lions star Barry Sanders just handed the ball to the referee after scoring a touchdown. He was the best and he was classy. He didn’t need to embellish his greatness.

I remember many years ago when I played high school basketball. We were playing a team that wasn’t as good as we were. Late in the game, they were pressing us, and I looked at one their players and motioned with my finger cockily, as if to say to him, “Hey come on and get me." Then I drove around him. I thought I was being cool when, in effect, I was being a jerk.

I was showing up the other team. Our coach immediately took me out. Obviously, that had an impact on me because 40 years later, I still remember it, and frankly I’m not proud of it. You learn a lot through sports and you can learn a lot about yourself. Some of which you may not like.

Games are about winning, to be sure. Nobody would rather lose than win. But I do believe it does matter how you play the game. The reaction to victory or defeat can be a real test of one’s character.

I’ve become, over the years, a true believer in being humble in victory and gracious in defeat. I believe the game should be played with a burning desire and passion but with a quiet confidence. A game should also be played with a sense of fun and joy and for the simple love of competition. If you aren’t having fun, you shouldn’t be playing.

I truly love to see two teams go at it with everything they have and then, when it’s all over, to meet and offer sincere congratulations. Not just the obligatory hand slap, which means nothing, but a handshake or another gesture that signals true respect for an opponent and really conveys the honor it was to have competed. And it is an honor, for not everyone has what it takes to be a part of a team.

I think winning with dignity and respect is just as important as holding one’s head high in defeat. As long as a team or individual plays as hard as they can and gives it everything they have, there’s no disgrace in defeat.

To taunt, to gloat, to rub it in is no way to act in victory. Conversely, to blame others, to throw things, to sulk and not to acknowledge your opponent is no way to lose. Life is about respect. No one wins all the time. The heart of a winner can shine even in defeat, while the compassion of a victor can sometimes show the merit of a true champion more than any athletic triumph.

How the game is played does matter, and it should never be forgotten.

And now, speaking of games, this week, we will attempt to cover 27 football games involving teams from 16 counties, despite some of our photographers being on vacation. We’re also trying for some additions, but a lot depends on whether we can find another “shooter.”

Here’s where we plan on sending camera crews.

Wakefield at Garner

Athens Drive at Sanderson

Jordan at Knightdale

Fuquay-Varina at Clayton

Lee County at Northwood

Southeast Raleigh at Cary

Enloe at Riverside

Millbrook at Northern Durham

Carrboro at Orange

Eastern Wayne at Fike

South Johnston at Smithfield-Selma

Ravenscroft at Cardinal Gibbons

Green Hope at Leesville Road

Holly Springs at Panther Creek

Southern Vance at Northern Vance

Nash Central at Hunt

Beddingfield at Southern Nash

Louisburg at Bunn

Clinton at Triton

Chapel Hill at Broughton

Hobbton at North Johnston

Tarboro at North Edgecombe

Greenville Rose at Rocky Mount

Westover at Pine Forest

Terry Sanford at Jack Britt

Seventy-First at South View

North Raleigh Christian at Franklinton

A lot of our schedule also depends on what the potential tropical storm that Greg and Mike have been talking about does in the next few days.

We appreciate all of you who have taken the time to call in scores. We can’t thank you enough. Again, our toll free number is 1-888-472-9725.