My Truth: No excuses, just consequences!

By Cheryl Smith
Texas Metro News
https://texasmetronews.com

There is so much going on in the world and so many issues to tackle.

As we’re just coming off of an election and preparing for a run-off and upcoming municipal elections, I watching the women’s basketball game between UConn and South Carolina and I was reminded of something I said to several candidates.

Whether they lost or won I told political candidates that they have to do either with grace.
Victory is a beautiful thing and losses can be devastating. Either way a little grace goes a long way.

Sadly, UConn’s Coach Geno forgot that lesson even though I’m sure he’s had to have over his 72 years on this earth, suffered losses.

I’m sure enough people have been in his ear and so an apology came. And then another one, Neither were appropriate for me.

Just like you win or lose with grace, when you apologize, it should be sincere.  

Coach Geno after a devastating loss, seemed to have forgotten his home training, lost his cool and got up in the face of a Black woman.

That’s where many take issue.

I was watching him share his feelings with Coach Dawn. He made at least two accusations that were not accurate and Coach Dawn was not going for it!
In fact in response to what was clearly some inappropriate behavior from Coach Geno, Coach Dawn told everyone what she would do to him.

This North Philly woman was ready to take on Coach Geno because she wasn’t going to accept disrespect.  

And this Jersey girl was ready to ride or die.

You see if you’ve ever read anything by me you know, I can’t stand disrespect, especially of the Black woman. And you know I don’t suffer fools well.

If you change some of the dynamics or characters, someone may have been out of a job.
Over the past few days since the verbal altercation between the two coaches, Coach Geno issued at least two statements.

Folks took to social media calling him out.

So, recently, when talking with Madison High School  Basketball Coach, Gerald Smith, it was refreshing to hear him praising Coach Dawn, adding that “She’s done a wonderful job developing the players.”

What we saw from Coach Geno wasn’t professional, he continued, acknowledging that “emotions are high,” but that’s no excuse especially when you consider how long Coach Geno has been coaching.

Coach Smith realizes the impact he has on not only the students he coaches, but all who came into contact with or saw them as they dribbled on to a  state championship.

He admitted they have a responsibility as coaches and he accepts that responsibility.

I congratulated Coach Smith on  gracefully leading his team on to a championship title. He realizes his responsibility and I am glad the students at Madison have him as an example.  Maybe Coach Geno should visit Madison.

I just hope that all coaches, and anyone thinking about becoming a coach, realize Coach Geno was wrong and anyone else acting as he did should know there will be consequences.