As a classroom teacher, I am often disappointed and occasionally outraged at the behavior of athletes and the preferential treatment they receive. I was even scolded once by the assistant principal for holding the athletes to the same academic standard and offering them the same opportunity to retake a quiz for a better grade- after school. This scolding occurred in a meeting with both the parent and the student in attendance. Shame on her. Athletic participation is a choice, and a privilege. It comes with rules and responsibility.
In 1999, Coach Ken Carter benched his entire basketball team at Richmond HS in Richmond, CA, for not meeting their academic and behavioral obligations. He was played by Samuel L. Jackson in the movie.
Now, Coach Matt Labrum of Union High School in Roosevelt, UT has held his football players to similar standards. Upon realizing the young men were skipping classes, failing, possibly bullying someone online, and being disrespectful to teachers, he called them together after a game and directed everyone to hand in their jersey and equipment, until they were EARNED back through community service, a leadership class, and study hall to make up work. I hope they get someone good to play him on the big screen, too.
No comments:
Post a Comment