"Does character matter" in sports? Sometimes. The Kareem Hunt video exposed the consequences of bad publicity, undetected by "thorough" examination of the incident by the Chiefs and the NFL. The "bum's rush" to show Hunt the door overtook rushing yards.
This isn't news. It isn't even shocking, as NFL players may have less tendency to criminal behavior than men the same age.
We're all flawed. We might succeed anyway. Dennis Rodman helped win five NBA titles and etched a Hall of Fame career. He also was charged with spousal misdemeanor for striking a girlfriend, tax evasion, failure to pay child and spousal support, and driving while intoxicated and without a valid license.
How do you measure a person's character? It's tough. Recently, I spoke with the North American Director of Scouting for an NHL team. He said character is one of the most difficult areas to judge in a prospect. I told him that it's so tough that former Patriots' consultant Mike Lombardi enlisted sorority sisters at SEC schools for inside information about SEC football players.
I believe that we elevate player character through study, modeling, and stories. David Brooks' Road to Character shares great examples of character through history.
George Marshall had an illustrious career, despite origins as an academic weakling. He became a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, advisor to presidents, esteemed logistician, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Ambassador to China.
Brooks wrote of Marshall's alma mater, "VMI had a moral culture that brought together several ancient traditions: a chivalric devotion to service and courtesy, a stoic commitment to emotional self-control, and a classical devotion to honor."
As a senior, Marshall achieved the position of First Captain, the highest ranking student position.
Brooks added, "Character, therefore, resists expedience; it defies hasty acquisition. This is undoubtedly why Søren Kierkegaard spoke of character as ‘engraved,’ deeply etched.”"
Later, Marshall oversaw infantry officer training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He changed the teaching model, emphasizing decisions based upon limited information. "He told them the crucial issue is usually when a decision should be made as much as what the decision should be."
During the planning for World War II, he achieved unique trust in Washington. "Marshall explained in detail the situation of the war, addressing the larger visions, strategic goals, and technical details, shifting his eyes deliberately to a different face every few sentences." When Roosevelt decided between Marshall and Eisenhower as European Theatre Commander, Marshall refused to ask for the position. His character disallowed him to put ego before country. It was not until after the war with the European Recovery Plan, that Marshall got broad recognition. He never called it the "Marshall Plan" as it is known today.
As coaches, we change generations of players. Stories craft the character of players. Take advantage.
Lagniappe:
We're teachers, not victims.