Danny White;2921374 said:
I've always tried to teach my son the value of being graceful in both victory and defeat... but man, it's a tough battle in this day-and-age with all of the bad examples they get from the pros.
I watch so much pro sports with my son, that he gets it in his head that it's acceptable to bring attention to yourself and showboat and do ridiculous celebrations (thanks, T.O.).
To counter those impulses, I've always told him that if he does anything self-promoting or directed towards the other team, I'll pull him off the field so fast his head will spin. I've always told him that the only acceptable celebration is to celebrate with your teammates... high five and congratulate them.
Fortunately he's got a good head on his shoulders and has listened to me so far.
Good for you. I agree, it is tough when you turn on pro sports today and you see all the self promoting.
I remember when I was starting freshman football, and my dad took me to buy cleats. I picked some white ones, and my dad said "No way". you'll look like billy "white shoes" johnson, and you don't want to bring attention to yourself. You'll look like an idiot. So he made me buy black cleats instead.
Funny thing is, I get to the first practice, and I was the only one wearing black shoes, so I looked like the "stand out". My dad just shook his head, and said my team was full of a bunch of primadonnas.
Another time, I was injured and wasn't suited up for a game. I worked on the chain gang during the game, and at halftime, I stayed out on the field with another guy who was hurt, while my team went into the locker room. So me and this other injured player decidd to have a race from hashline to hashline during halftime. Everyone in the stands saw us.
After the game my dad yanked me out of the parking lot telling me I looked like a damn idiot out there running like nothing was wrong with me, yet I wasn't playing.
I didn't understand it right away, but I sure do now. I was an idiot.