On the TUNNEYSIDE of SPORTS July 15, 2013 #445 Up next…A Matter of Trust!
After further review, “Our whole organization has been duped”, said New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft in response to the murder charge made against former tight end Aaron Hernandez. “Former”, because as soon as the charge was made public the Pats cut Hernandez from their roster. Kraft went on to say, “No one in our organization was aware of these kinds of connections”. (Association with these figures in the criminal underworld is alleged in the case). Hernandez had convinced the Pats that his goal was “to be a role model in the Hispanic community”.
Hernandez was a fourth round (113th overall) pick by the Pats in the 2010 draft. At that time there was some concern about Hernandez’ conduct while at the University of Florida. He had admitted to marijuana use and failed drug tests. However, when he signed a 4-year Pats’ contract, he “promised” that part of his life was changed. Guess it wasn’t! Because of his release, Hernandez has forfeited his $19.3 million contract. Wow!
Trust is the topic here, and Hernandez amounts to a single example of its failure. There are many stories involving trust (or lack thereof) in each of our lives—from the family structure to professional sports to the business world and to many organizations. What trust do we place in our federal, state or city governments? Or in Wall St? Take a look at the mistrust in the Madoff Ponzi scheme or Enron or the subprime loan packages that caused such devastation.
Trust, i.e. the assured hope that one will do the right thing, is an issue in my local community (perhaps yours as well). When teenagers are shooting other teenagers, can we grant trust without proper supervision? More and more communities realize that strong parental supervision is needed. However, it must be done with care and understanding. Easier said than done.
“Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me” is an old saw. Should a closer oversight of professional athletes be enforced? Seems here that it can be, but with an approach that encompasses the entire organization. Although a professional athlete enjoys personal freedom in our society, that athlete must adhere to a standard expected of everyone in the organization.
“Transparency” is demanded of superiors. Can we also expect that same transparency of everyone–top-to-bottom—on a T*E*A*M? Each person needs to adhere to “just doing the right thing”, yet that plan should not go unchecked.
Will you allow freedom to go unchecked, or will you provide supervision as needed?
To contact Jim go to www.jimtunney.com or email him at jim@jimtunney.com.
