100 - 0
Last week, I posted a link to an article about a school that encouraged their fans to cheer for the other team. (Go here for that post.) This morning I came across another sports story dealing with a girls basketball team that beat the other team 100-0. In response to the victory, the board member of the winning school made the following comment: It is shameful and an embarrassment that this happened. This clearly does not reflect a Christlike and honorable approach to competition.
In contrast, the (now former) coach of the team made this comment: In response to the statement posted on The Covenant School Web site, I do not agree with the apology or the notion that the Covenant School girls basketball team should feel embarrassed or ashamed...We played the game as it was meant to be played. My values and my beliefs would not allow me to run up the score on any opponent, and it will not allow me to apologize for a wide-margin victory when my girls played with honor and integrity.
So, who is correct? Could a case be made for both sides? How would you handle this ethical dilemma? Or do you even see this as an ethical dilemma? Should they have passed the ball around instead of scoring ? Or were their actions in the game appropriate? How would you wisely respond to this situation? The comment section is open for your reply...
1 comment:
Some quick thoughts in response to thoughtful questions. First, and assuming a 'fair' game, perhaps it would be more injurious to the losing team if they knew the other team turned it down a bit. Does it make defeat less difficult if you know your opponent did not play their best?
Second, I think more important is the question of how the teams react to their respective victory and defeat given the large margin. How do their actions and attitudes regarding the outcome reflect on their character?
Could ramble on, but enough for now ;-)
Good question and good blogging!
Ron
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