Programs, coaches, and players become radioactive. Figuratively, radioactivity is not the property of the beholder but the view of observers. Radioactivity isn't full on cancellation, but close.
Radioactivity means real or imagined contamination through association with the radioactive party.
Tell me more. In December 1977, a brawl, the origins of which are disputed, resulted in Kermit Washington punching Rudy Tomjanovich, resulting in serious injury, fine, and suspension. Following a trade to Boston, Washington resumed his career, playing parts of five additional seasons. Washington's greatest NBA damage was reputation.
The paradigm of radioactivity is Colin Kaepernick, whose protests against racism, seeking social justice, effectively ended his career. Kaepernick is no dummy, scoring 38 on the NFL's Wonderlic Test (Tom Brady scored 33). He received an undisclosed settlement from the National Football League and practically, its acceptance of the need for support of the social justice movement.
Radioactivity dissipates at different rates. "Some isotopes decay in hours or even minutes, but others decay very slowly. Strontium-90 and cesium-137 have half-lives of about 30 years (half the radioactivity will decay in 30 years). Plutonium-239 has a half-life of 24,000 years." The same applies to people and organizations. For some, redemption occurs quickly, for others never.
Radioactivity extends past reality. In Hoosiers, Hickory (Milan, IN) Coach Norman Dale was radioactive after punching a player as a college coach. Return to coaching offered a chance, not a guarantee, of redemption.
Radioactivity doesn't only follow violence. In late 2017, Louisville fired Coach Rick Pitino for cause, over two years later adjudicated to a resignation without liability. The NCAA vacated a Louisville national title. Radioactive "decay" brought Pitino back as Iona coach in March 2020.
The character Geiger counter-defying culture wasn't unique to Pitino at Louisville. Bobby Petrino's well-chronicled scandals came to Louisville as well. Louisville paid him both to come and to go.
A program's legacy success sometimes provides radioactivity going forward. The shadow of John Wooden made search for his successor reminiscent of the search for the next Bobby Fischer.
How do we prevent radioactive leaks?
Euroleague Championship coach Etorre Messina reminds us, "A manager's biggest achievement? Getting his team to follow the rules without having to force them." Character matters. Kermit Washington's punch is only part of legacy. He serves a lengthy sentence for embezzlement.
Nick Saban emphasizes to players that they represent the university and the football program. In Monte Burke's unauthorized biography, Saban, he uses a colorful example suggesting that the only way he could be unfaithful to 'Miss Terry' would be with Hillary Clinton, someone with more to lose than he did if an affair was revealed.
Former Patriots assistant Mike Lombardi maintained contacts with SEC sororities to score the inside scoop on Patriot draft prospects. If the sisters squealed on you, you fell off the Pats' draft board.
The scene from the film Draft Day with the quarterback lying about the playbook also came directly out of the Belichick camp.
The bottom line remains, "the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior."
Lagniappe. Pitino comes back for a reason. He can coach!
