What's done is done. And since our scientists have not mastered time and space there is nothing we can do to change the actions of yesterday. So regardless of how bad the NBAs King and Most Valuable Player, Lebron James, looked by refusing to shake hands nothing can be done about it. But the incident can still be used. Used as a learning tool for those playing and aspiring to play sports, of sportsmanship.What Lebron James did is not unprecedented. Isiah Thomas and a slew of other Detroit Pistons rushed off the court after Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls beat them in 1992. Blackhawks goalie Ed Belfour didn't shake hands with the Red Wings after losing in the Conference Finals in 1995. And you never see any Major League teams congratulate an opponent. So what Lebron did is not that crazy, but given his status it does not look for him or the league.
Whether you are a professional athlete, weekend warrior or youngster it is vital to show humility, especially in the face of defeat. In doing so you are setting a proper example for whomever may be watching. For example this past weekend Guayama (Buse's softball team) lost two games in extra innings and after each loss we shook the hands of our opponents. And that's something that, if I were a father, I would be incredibly proud of. Because regardless of how much of a competitor I am-Lebron- I took the time to give credit where credit was due. Remember it is just a game, no matter how heated things get while playing be humble, gracious and a big enough sportsman to accept defeat. You can't be called a winner until you learn to lose.
Sportsmanship is important to the integrity of any game. That is fact, backed not only by the countless sportsmanship awards dolled out in amateur sports. But also by the rules against taunting and such throughout professional sports. When Dikembe Mutombo is told to stop wagging his finger at opponents after blocking a shot or when Chad Ocho Cinco is flagged for celebrating a touchdown, their respective leagues are trying to set an example. An example for the legions of young fans of what is unsportsman-like. You do what you can to best your opponent but you do not embarrass them, act like you have been there before is the adage.
Whether you are a professional athlete, weekend warrior or youngster it is vital to show humility, especially in the face of defeat. In doing so you are setting a proper example for whomever may be watching. For example this past weekend Guayama (Buse's softball team) lost two games in extra innings and after each loss we shook the hands of our opponents. And that's something that, if I were a father, I would be incredibly proud of. Because regardless of how much of a competitor I am-Lebron- I took the time to give credit where credit was due. Remember it is just a game, no matter how heated things get while playing be humble, gracious and a big enough sportsman to accept defeat. You can't be called a winner until you learn to lose.
1 comment:
i like that. "u cant be called a winner until you learn to lose" well said. enjoyed the blog.
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