It has been a universal question ever since the days of fuming baseball managers engaged in shouting matches with umpires and kicking up dust from the field: should players and coaches protest the decisions that on-field officials make? Be it Earl Weaver of the 1970s Baltimore Orioles ; Lloyd McClendon, formerly of the Pittsburgh Pirates, throwing first base ; or various other sports coaches throwing a temper tantrum ; coaches and players’ frustration with referees and umpires alike is certainly not limited to a single league.
The proof arose once again this Tuesday as the Philadelphia 76ers’ renowned center Joel Embiid swore into the microphone immediately before departing his postgame press conference. The NBA subsequently fined him $250,000, and the 76ers’ reputation appears to have been ever so slightly tarnished as a result.
Sean Payton argues a controversial non-call in this year’s NFC Championship Game.
The question of ethical player and coach conduct applies to more than just the issue of challenging or overturning a given call. These individuals are professionals, and respect is of utmost importance. However, with millions of dollars; a city worth of fans; countless television viewers; and possible sponsorships at stake, it is quite understandable why relentless passion would be an integral facet of professional sports.
Not all athletes are so-called “class acts” – that is, notoriously mature and well-behaved people who let their on-field performance speak for itself. However, not all players have to be. From a personal standpoint, my favorite players are most definitely those who are the most classy. That being said, I recognize that personalities are among the most enjoyable and entertaining elements of sports. Ultimately, I believe player and coach conduct must act as a proper, effective example to the younger generation.
Does this entail silence and innately reserved nature when it comes to the media? It can, but it does not have to. I believe the most admirable and timeless athletes are those who love their job and who carry out their business every day on the court, the field, the ice, the track et al. because there is no other place they would rather be.
Unfortunately, there are times at which the enthusiasm and/or energy boils over. Embiid, for instance, is known for being quite outspoken, but his public use of an expletive does not bode well for his image or that of his team and league, the NBA. The public setting in which professional athletes are immersed may propel them to superstardom, but it does not grant them the ability to behave as they so choose. Just as high school and college athletes are beholden to their academic institutions, professional athletes – though independent entities that agents and various sponsors represent – still represent some form of governing body. Herein lies the great power of professional sports: a medium – indeed, an entire industry – through which athletes can positively inspire everyday citizens. They can also negatively impact their audience, as well, as was the case with Embiid. While he may possess a trademark personality both on and off the court, he is susceptible to excessive commentary after the fact.
Syracuse men’s basketball head coach, Jim Boeheim, disputes with a referee.
The stakes in sports are notoriously high. Boundless energy and enthusiasm are part of the games we love; however, athletes must accept that controversy is embedded in the fabric of sports. Missed calls or calls that are not in one’s favor will always be present. Now, I am not disputing the rights of coaches or players to argue and resort to free speech, as I myself am a baseball player and I know too well the frustrations that a subpar umpire can provoke.
Nevertheless, in a public setting, I believe it is in the players’ best interest to be polite, at the very least. Embiid’s profanity accomplishes nothing in the grand scheme of things, as the Celtics still defeated the 76ers Tuesday night. If anything, excessive condemnation of league officiating can only work to one’s detriment. Further, to a great extent, protest, anger, and the unrestricted expression of one’s disapproval are among the chief functions of fans. Supporters already let the referees hear it; however much players and coaches may chew the refs out, the crowds in the stands can make themselves heard quite well.
Thus, is player manifestation against officiating allowed? Certainly. Is it normal and can it be expected? Most definitely. Is it proper? Well, that remains to be seen, as it depends on the particular circumstances. Ultimately, as public figures, professional athletes possess a duty to inspire.
Upon occasion, it is what is left unsaid that can be the most beneficial.
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Sean Payton said Saints-Rams refs admitted they missed pass interference no-call
I thought this post was super interesting because I have seen my fair share of coaches (and players) overreacting to calls made by umpires and refs. I think it is almost entertaining at some points, as I have seen my brother’s past baseball coach lose his temper at a baseball game for 9 year olds. It’s absurd to me that some of these professional athletes have the audacity to say some of the things they do in front of the public. I agree with you completely that the most entertaining athletes to watch are those who obviously enjoy their job and their sport.
As a Saints fan, I may be a bit biased about bemoaning referee decisions, but in this new age of player entitlement, I view ref calls as fair game. All across the sporting world, players are gaining new contractual rights to keep tighter control over their lives and to choose where and when they want to play. With the movement away from team owners and towards players, I see it completely fit to allow athletes to express their passion on the field play, within a certain amount of reason. I agree that players should be a little bit reserved, but I’m not entirely sure they should have the burden of role model on their shoulders.
Not sure I agree with your premise, and also not sure that I believe any “governing agency” really cares. Sure, outspoken criticism of officiating may not have direct any direct impact, but hopefully in the long run, future refs can see what bad officiating looks like (via. verbally aggressive mechanisms if need be) and we can have a fewer atrocious refs in the future. Regarding the NBA’s “punishment”, do you think he really cares? He makes 30 million a year (365k per game), so do you think he cares too much that he got fined two-thirds of one single game for speaking his mind? I certainly don’t. If the governing agencies you speak of continue “disincentivizing” “bad” behavior with relatively meager fines, nothing will ever change (in my opinion).