by Chris Doyle | Nov 7, 2013
“Bullying” has been a popular word lately. It is a terrible thing, and no one should be allowed to use oppressive tactics over somebody else.
For the last two weeks, sports media has been all abuzz over Miami Dolphins’ offensive linemen, Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito, and why they are no longer a part of the NFL squad. The New York Times reported Martin left the team after he was “subjected to humiliations,” which involved “hazing and workplace abuse.” Incognito has been alleged to be the main culprit of “bullying” Martin and was suspended indefinitely by the Dolphins.
Of course, the National Football League is investigating the matter, and multiple reports will continue to ensue. Further development is likely to be presented through the airwaves and other media sources.
Sports fans will hear more about Martin and Incognito, as well as other off-field issues and personalities with the Dolphins, than they would desire to know, and the various reporters and football analysts will provide their “expertise” about this “bullying epidemic” that is a billowing dark cloud over the gridiron sport.
So how should Christians, specifically Christian coaches, handle the hot topic of bullying? Is there a way to end this growing problem?
Both Grant Gower, head football coach at Deer Creek High School, and Chris Jensen, head football coach at Oklahoma Baptist University, offer similar approaches. It involves mentoring and applying humility.
“There is no place for bullying, hazing, rite of passage or whatever you want to call it, at any level,” said Gower. “In my opinion, it goes back to who people are. God created every person, and they were all created equal. Every human being deserves to be respected and treated with dignity, no matter who they are. No matter if they are a senior or a freshman on a team, or in the NFL, if they are a veteran or a rookie, I don’t think there is any place for it at any level.”
Gower said the focus that he emphasizes is more team-building, a “we are all in this together” approach. He intends to get across with his older players that, as a team, they need the support of the younger players. The way to gain support is through helping them improve, not go through initiations.
“I term it as a mentoring setting, where I think it’s important for the upper classman or veteran to take the younger ones under their wings,” said Gower. “This is how things are done, explaining what it is like, and showing them what they are supposed to do.”
Jensen said intimidation tactics are too prevalent. “It’s a lot more common than what many people think, and I think it’s a product of how our society has developed. I think it’s unfortunate.”
Like Gower, Jensen emphasizes mentoring with his team. “I’ve wanted to create a culture that was different, one of older players, the veterans, taking on a mentoring role instead of feeling like they need to put younger kids through a rite of passage or initiation, or anything like that. I think it would create a better environment if somehow these mentoring systems (take effect) rather than these rites of passage that have developed in our society.”
Both Gower and Jensen said they do not tolerate players taking advantage of younger players. Gower said if a player of his ever did such tactics it would involve “meeting with the young man in what we call ‘post-practice quality time,’ which may mean extra running or doing other athletic drills.”
Jensen added he uses a biblical model involving II Tim. 4:2. Paul is advising his young disciple Timothy to “reprove, rebuke and exhort.” The OBU coach said to reprove is to correct a player’s behavior; to rebuke is to be stern with a player when needed; and to exhort would be to encourage them when they do something right.
“’Reprove, rebuke and exhort is a great model for coaching,” Jensen said. “Unfortunately, I don’t feel like we have mastered that yet, or I have mastered it yet as a head coach. But I see that as the goal. I see that as something we need in our society to understand the meaning of those three words and how to accurately and adequately apply those in every situation.”
Along with encouraging mentoring as the alternative to bullying, Gower and Jensen said the practice of humility also is part of the solution.
“To be humble, it’s one of the traits of a Christian,” said Gower. “It’s not the prideful nature. It’s not what you have done but what God has done through you. But also, it’s about what the team has accomplished; it’s never about one player; it’s always about all of us together. Be the same person whether you win by 70 or if the game doesn’t go the way you want it to. What I tell my guys is you’re only as good as the last play.”
“I think humility needs to intervene,” said Jensen. “There needs to be a generation or a group of people who recognizes that the model needs to change. They need to break the cycle of behavior.”
by Chris Doyle | Oct 24, 2013
I had the chance to see Tom Hanks’ recent release “Captain Phillips” last week. You may have heard all the hub-bub about this film and differing views of what actually happened in 2009, when Hank’s character (the title role) and his crew on the cargo ship Maersk Alabama were under siege by Somali pirates.
Members of the crew have filed suit against the ship’s owners while painting a villainous picture of Phillips, stating the real life captain was not heroic and the film makers “fudged key facts.” Something to point out, though, the latter part of the movie, after Phillips ends up on a life boat with the pirates, seems to be fairly accurate, according to a 2009 Associated Press report.
Here is what I suggest. If it bothers you that the movie may not have an accurate depiction, then don’t go see it. But if you want to see an incredibly intense action movie that features one of the best actors of our time, go see “Captain Phillips,” and enjoy the ride.
Immediately after I saw it, I jested on Facebook: “Just saw Captain Phillips. I’m so pumped. I want to go beat up some pirates.”
This movie is very energizing. From the moment the pirates are in high pursuit of the ship, you are glued to the action. The Tom Hanks’ version of Phillips is likeable, and the audience can appreciate all of his tactics once his ship is threatened of a takeover.
The best part of the movie could be the final scene when Phillips is being checked out by a medic. Hanks is phenomenal, as expected, but I even give credit to medic’s performance. That’s about as realistic of a medical examination of a person in a state of shock as could ever be observed.
Many movies come to mind as I was watching this flick. This is a sure sign of how much I like a movie if I can compare it to other great films. The list of movies I recall when watching Phillips includes: “Cast Away,” “Die Hard,” “The Hunt for Red October,” “Behind Enemy Lines,” “Princess Bride” and “The Bourne” movies.
“Captain Phillips” is rated PG-13, and the rating would seem to be for the violence portrayed, which isn’t as bad as other popular action movies. Foul language is not rampant, and there is no sexual content at all.
My wife saw the movie with me. Her comment about the show: “It’s definitely a ‘guys’ night out’ movie. I mean, I liked it, but I’m not a typical girl.”
I would rate this movie four stars (out of four). Compared to the other movies that have been released this year, it is definitely of one of the best, if not the best.
(Photo Credit: Sony – Columbia Pictures)
by Chris Doyle | Oct 7, 2013
The current government shutdown is in its second week of existence. I know it is a challenging ordeal for a lot of people.
Many of my friends on Facebook are complaining about it, and they have every right to express their frustrations because this is not good for anybody in our country, especially for those who are struggling already due to limited income and relying on government support for their livelihood.
But here’s something everybody needs to consider, specifically those who honor and respect the sanctity of life. I, for one, believe the United States House of Representatives is doing the right thing.
Now, before the steam starts coming off your head, hear me out. Not everybody in the House supports Pro-Life causes. Not all Congressmen have the most sincere intentions. I do realize why politicians have such slimy reputations.
However, if you are keeping up with recent measures, including continuing resolutions that have passed in the House of Representatives, you know it comes down to the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as “ObamaCare.”
Thomas Sowell’s piece “Who Shut Down the Government?” may have said it best, “…House of Representatives voted all the money required to keep all government activities going – except ObamaCare. This is not a matter of opinion. You can check the Congressional Record.”
Why are there such extremes happening with this government shutdown? Why are open-air monuments “closing” and athletic events of military academies being cancelled? Why is the Amber Alert website not accessible (although Letsmove.gov, promoted by First Lady Michelle Obama, is running)?
There can be many political ideologies to consider, but the facts remain, the House is responsible for passing bills that involve financial resources, and other than the one involving the President’s healthcare plan, the House representatives have done their job to allow the government to be in operation.
A friend of mine, Christi, gave an excellent description. I thought it was very fitting, and I asked for her permission to share.
She said the House has shown up every day to offer negotiations. The U.S. Senate, led by Sen. Harry Reid, has refused to negotiate. She described how Reid has forced this situation and then blamed others for the government shutdown by saying “Look what you made me do!” like some abusive husband. And the American citizens are the children in the background saying, “Mommy, just do what Daddy says, or it’s your fault he’s hurting us.”
I don’t know if House Reps will continue to hold their ground. They may run out of fingers to stick into the holes of a leaky dike. But as long as they do, be encouraged Pro-Life supporters, because once ObamaCare is unwrapped and put into action, abortion options will increase, and you as tax-payers will foot the bill for women who accept such unethical, immoral options.
No, I don’t have a word of encouragement for everybody about the government shutdown. I wish I did.
But consider this. A Biblical reference used most often regarding government is the words of Jesus in Matt. 22:21, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.”
The first part of the verse is quoted most often, but the latter doesn’t seem to be emphasized as much. Yes, we are to honor the government in its proper authority, but honoring sanctity of life should be something we render to God, the Author and Creator of Life.
So take heart, my Pro-Life friends. Whether they are doing it intentionally or not, these House members are favoring you in this government gridlock.
by Chris Doyle | Sep 17, 2013
I planned to write a review after seeing “Wicked” last week. Let me just say it’s sensational. Based on the legendary movie “The Wizard of Oz,” “Wicked” may be the best musical ever produced in the 21st century, and the music score could challenge to be the best in musical history.
Over the weekend, I developed a “Wicked” obsession. I truly enjoyed its music and wanted to hear the show’s more popular songs, including For Good, which features a duet of Glinda, the “Good Witch,” and Elphaba, the “Wicked Witch,” at a climactic part of the show.
As I’m searching on YouTube, lo and behold I discover an inspirational moment caught on video, which occurred last month. Kristen Chenoweth, Wicked’s original Glinda and famous actress from Oklahoma, was performing at the Hollywood Bowl and selected a random member of the audience named Sarah Horn to sing For Good with her on stage. That’s right, random. They did not rehearse.
I am probably one of the last to discover this video, considering it has well surpassed 3 million views, but if you have not seen the video, watch it below.
It’s easy to appreciate Horn’s experience of stardom. The way she easily interacted with Chenoweth on stage and, of course, how she revealed her singing talent which shocked many, including Chenoweth, compares to the kind of stories found in movies.
Read her own take of the experience, and you can tell she was not a plant, as some reporters initially wondered. As well as Sarah performed, it is no surprise there would be skeptics, but with Sarah’s humble demeanor, Kristen’s animated behavior and even the orchestra’s conductor turning around to look when Sarah started to sing, there is enough evidence to prove this was not scripted.
I was happy to find out Horn teaches music at California Baptist University, and something else I found fascinating is Sarah’s father praying 11 years ago that some day she would sing with Chenoweth. I watched the interviews she did after her amazing moment, and I have concluded she demonstrates faith in her life.
So here’s my message to Sarah: I hope this could be the beginning for you. Young people today need someone who reflects a more positive image and morally sound judgment. I believe you can offer that.
I hope you have the opportunity to speak to the “Glindas” of the world who struggle with believing that people are brought into their lives for a reason. Hopefully, you yourself know what that ultimate reason is, and God will use you to share it.
Best wishes, Sarah. May the change for the better that you sing about lead others to make the greatest change in their life (II Cor. 5:17), and may God use you for His glory and for the good of others.
by Chris Doyle | Aug 29, 2013
It is that time of year. You can’t avoid it. Here in Oklahoma, especially, the next three months of Saturdays are planned around it.
College football is a cultural phenomenon, and everybody across the country has their own take about how to experience it. Even those who are not interested in the sport are affected. Weddings, housework and other functions of life are determined when kickoff is scheduled.
Many of you are excited, looking forward to this time of year, which means you also are aware of a major decision that occurred this week, involving one of the more popular figures in college football this season.
On Wednesday, Aug. 28, the NCAA handed down a half-game suspension to Johnny Manziel because the Texas A&M quarterback allegedly received payment for signing autographs. Last year’s Heisman Trophy winner is benched for the first half of the Aggies game against Rice this Saturday.
Many have shared their opinion about this ruling. Most who are not A&M fans seem to be disgusted, thinking the punishment was too light. Those who follow college football are aware of recent penalties that were much harsher for similar offenses.
Ohio State was put on a one-year bowl suspension because eight players sold Buckeye memorabilia. This kind of penalty shocked ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach, who said at the time, “To be honest, I’m surprised the NCAA hit the Buckeyes as hard as it did. I figured The Ohio State University was immune from the kind of punishment that might cripple a program in recruiting and severely sully its once-pristine reputation.”
Even closer to home, Dez Bryant, former Oklahoma State Cowboy and current Dallas Cowboy, could not play the majority of his final year at OSU because he lied to an investigator about a visit he had with NFL star Deion Sanders. To be clear, the visit itself was not against NCAA rules. No financial benefits were obtained.
The lesson learned in Bryant’s case, perjury is a serious offense, even in the eyes of the NCAA. Inappropriate financial gain, though… that punishment has some variance.
I do not know how the NCAA comes to its conclusions on how to punish athletes and athletic programs when they violate the rules. I know I don’t have all the details in the cases I mentioned (Bryant, Ohio State and Manziel). But I can give you my impression, and this may enlighten many sports fans… Money is a major factor on all decisions made. And when I say “all,” I mean “ALL.”
Want to know why it is difficult for a playoff system to materialize in “Big Boy” college football? Want to know why many athletic programs leave conferences and join others? Want to know why some conferences won’t consider some athletic programs? Want to know why Notre Dame has remained independent in football?
And though no one wearing the NCAA logo will come out and admit it, money even factors in penalties. Why did Manziel only get a half-game suspension instead of a 10-game suspension or a bowl-ban? Because College Football and those who financially benefit from the cultural phenomenon would be affected if the sport’s current most popular player was booted weeks before all the hoopla begins.
Of course, I could be wrong regarding Manziel. Keep in mind, I did say this is my impression. Yet one thing is certain. Money tends to corrupt, and the love of it, as the Bible tells us, is the root of many evils.
I don’t mean to tarnish the enthusiasm of sport purists. Those who know me know I am sports nut and have my own versions of athletic utopia. If nothing else, please know that some of those in charge of the games we love don’t always have the most sincere intentions.
Enjoy the season, football fans! Even those of you in College Station.