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By JOHN GORDON jtgordon@leader.net
Thursday, January 27, 2000 Page: 29
My favorite football team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, lost the National
Football Conference championship Sunday and I was crushed. I thought the Bucs
made some bad plays near the end of the 11-6 defeat to the Rams and I was
obsessing about the mistakes throughout the night. My sulking gave way to
sorrow — and then enlightenment — partly due to the tragic event that took
place earlier that afternoon in Kansas City. I was watching ESPN Sunday night
when it was reported that Kansas City linebacker Derrick Thomas was injured in
a fatal car accident. Thomas’ friend was killed in the accident and
preliminary reports said that Thomas was paralyzed. Doctors remain hopeful
after Thomas underwent more than four hours of surgery Tuesday to rebuild part
of his spine. His spinal cord was not damaged as badly as they originally
feared. But, after the early reports, I started to think. Suddenly, the Bucs
loss was not all that big a deal. It is after all, just a game.
That just a game attitude led me to think about the hundreds of youths
involved in sports in this area and the events they participate in. It led me
to think about the parents and coaches and how they have a hand in shaping
positive attitudes in their children.
The next time your child or someone else’s son or daughter misses a shot in
basketball or fumbles the football in a game, remember, as trite as it sounds,
IT IS JUST A GAME. It’s meant to be fun, and there will likely be many more
games. On Sunday, sadly though, it seemed that there would not be another game
for Derrick Thomas. A police report said that neither Thomas nor his passenger
were wearing seatbelts.
That made me think about local sports and some simple lessons or positive
ideas that can be gained from a tragedy. The next time you are on the way to
one of your children’s local sports events, make sure you all buckle up,
especially during this snowy week. The backseat passenger in Thomas’ car had
his belt on and walked away virtually unscathed. Protect your children from
harm and help them to be productive and positive.
Chiefs coach Gunther Cunningham speculated that Thomas would take the
tragedy on with a positive attitude like he has everything else in his life.
I’ve seen quite a few sporting events, especially those involving children,
in the last few weeks. During my visits to various local gyms I have witnessed
some negative actions by fans. However, for the most part, I have been a party
to seeing many parents and coaches wield words of encouragement and praise to
the young athletes. Positive words from parents and coaches yields
strong-willed individuals. That kind of recognition gives confidence for
future doctors, scientists, or for whatever the chosen profession may be of an
aspiring youth.
That kind of recognition is what builds character, and perhaps,
professional athletes. Tragedies like this also force us to see how trivial
things like a missed foul shot or a bad pass really are. Whether your child
misses what could have been the winning basket or scores the winning goal,
enjoy it. John Gordon covers sports for the Greater Wilkes-Barre Leader. To
reach him, call 831-7373 or send e-mail to: jtgordon@leader.net