“March Madness” is the name given to this time of year, when a good share of the country’s population goes nuts over the season-ending and post-season basketball tournaments.
Considering the numbers of unethical and illegal practices involving college presidents, basketball coaches, athletic directors and players that have surfaced in the past several weeks, there might be another reason to call this time of year March Madness.
In addition to the actions noted above, an official of the National Collegiate Athletic Assn., the governing body of intercollegiate athletes, acknowledged it favored universities putting out bloated attendance figures at football games. Their reasoning, according to a recent Journal-World story, is to hype attendance and try to get the public to think there is far greater interest and attendance than is the case. For example, announced attendance figures for KU football games are not accurate, and neither are the athletic department estimates reported to the NCAA. It is the same at most Big 12 schools.
This may seem like a minor matter, but why not be honest and accurate? And why would the NCAA be a party to such actions?
Several years ago a California attorney named Michael Josephson started an organization called “Character Counts.” The effort started small, but Josephson was tireless in his visits with college and high school athletic directors and coaches. “Character Counts” spread across the country.
Josephson sends out a number of mailings that point out instances where “character” and playing by the rules are important.
Included in a recent mailing was the following title: “It’s Not Easy.” This writer does not know if Josephson wrote the feature, but regardless who the author may be, it is excellent reading. More people of all ages, whether or not they are in athletics, should try to follow the ideals expressed in the “It’s Not Easy” piece:
“Let’s be honest. Ethics is not for wimps. It’s not easy being a good person;
“It’s not easy to be honest when it might be costly; to play fair when others cheat or to keep inconvenient promises;
“It’s not easy to control powerful impulses, to be accountable for our attitudes and actions, to tackle unpleasant tasks; or to sacrifice the now for later;
“It’s not easy to bear criticism and learn from it without getting angry, to take advice; or to admit error;
“It’s not easy to really feel genuine remorse and apologize sincerely or to accept an apology graciously and truly forgive;
“It’s not easy to stop feeling like a victim; to resist cynicism and to make the best of every situation;
“It’s not easy to be consistently kind; to think of others first; to judge generously; to give the benefit of the doubt;
“It’s not easy to be grateful or to give without concern for reward or gratitude;
“It’s not easy to fail and still keep trying; to learn from failure; to risk failing again; to start over; to lose with grace; or to be glad for the success of another;
“It’s not easy to avoid excuses and rationalizations or resist temptations;
“No, being a person of character is not easy. That’s why it’s such a lofty goal and an admirable achievement.”
The ideals expressed in Josephson’s message are good medicine for all people, regardless whether they are engaged in sports. It’s just as applicable to those in business, elective offices, members of a family and minors or adults engaged in most any activity.
As this is “March Madness,” Kansans have every right to be proud of their Jayhawk basketball team and the standards and expectations of Coach Roy Williams. That’s particularly true when compared to so many other university sports programs. Williams stresses the importance of character and proper behavior, and his excellent record of success shows you can win playing the game honestly and by the rules rather than to cheat and be dishonest.
Character does count!
