TPM #307: Basketball Great Shares Critical Message On Treat Others With Respect.

Competition does not give green light for disrespecting others. A message that all kids and parents need to hear.

Welcome to TPM edition #307.

If you spend enough time around the playing field in youth sport, you will see acts that make you scratch your head.

I am talking about behavior from one competitor to another participant.

· A hockey player taunting the other team’s bench after a goal or win.

· A basketball player standing over opponent after a contested basket

· A football player waving the football in opponents face after a scoring play.

· A baseball player lipping off to the other team after a big hit.

These are just a few acts that we see, without looking too hard, that never happened years ago.

In addition, we also witness parents getting in on the act, taunting opposing teams players from their perch in the stands.

Part of the competition?

Some would say so.

I don’t agree. And I am not the only one.

Recently in the NBA, the Indiana Pacers eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks from the playoffs. At the conclusion of the game, one the parents of the winning team players confronted snd cursed at a player from the losing team.

Have a look :

https://youtube.com/shorts/DD1kRFMWy0Y?si=vj5A0c9_b_iy3Q1r

There are so many red flags to this.

1. How does the NBA let people run the court in this day and age anyway?

2. Perhaps most importantly, what has the competitive arena come to where this not only happens but is endorsed by some?

It is a bad look for this particular league, but also sets a terrible example of what is acceptable behavior after a big win, or any time, at any level on the playing field.

The response to the situation could not have been handled better by one of the great talents in the game. NBA Champion and future hall of famer Giannis Antetokounmpo did not lash back at this parent, he did not lose is cool (which is remarkable as he would have been very emotional on the heels of a tough loss).

We can see his reaction on the court. He simply stood there.

Then he shared post game, his thoughts.

This the message we should be teaching kids.

Respect. Humility. Compete hard but be respectful .

Let me know what you think?