"I'm a salesman." - Chuck Daly
"Facts are stubborn things." - John Adams
Why do we coach? Why do we write?
Ideas are the currency of the future. We share them to inform, to educate, to change behavior. But we can use them to misinform just as easily. We've all heard Shakespeare's quote that "the devil can cite Scripture for his purpose."
In the Navy, I occasionally had to do "JAGMan" investigations. A JAGMan had a specific format consisting of FACTS (what happened), OPINIONS (based on facts), and RECOMMENDATIONS (based on opinions, facts, and policy). Often, the most difficult task facing the investigator was ascertaining the facts.
Nowadays, we have an almost continuous record of data, video information, and social media communications. Of course, discerning the facts amidst the claims, counter claims, and counter-counter claims can still prove challenging.
For example, consider coaching "behaviors". What some might call 'aggressive coaching' others can see as belittling or dehumanizing.
For example, video emerged of Mike Rice at Rutgers' practices. As a coach, I would not want to have this type of video representing me.
Of course, situations arise where conflicting information exists. Fellow coaches, administrators, and players may support their coaches as other players or family members raise questions or complaints.
"It's complicated", to say the least. Our standards of appropriateness may vary...what is 'acceptable' in my opinion may be unacceptable to you. My argument is that transparency is the best policy. Basketball knowledge is in the 'public domain' and I don't think many careers have been made or lost through secrecy surrounding innovation. When our programs are open and subjected to scrutiny, sunshine usually reveals where legitimacy ends and personal differences begin.
Stephen M. R. Covey's quartet of integrity, intent, process, and results are all integral to effective and humane coaching. But the simplest question is "would I want my child or myself to play in this program?" The results would never be universal but often revealing. We are salesmen.