Seeking a Common Ground

On the TunneySide of Sports June 15, 2020 #800 Up next… Seeking a Common Ground

After further review… It has been said and long believed that the football huddle is a perfect metaphor for a culture. All eleven gathered as one, looking across at the others – some white, some black, some brown, some of a different religion, some of a different race — but all are one! “One for all and all for one,” said Alexandre Dumas in his book “Three Musketeers.” Every T*E*A*M huddles-up before every play to ensure that “we do this together successfully.”

Preparation is the key to success! Please remember, Noah built the ark before it started to rain! All eleven do not have to be of the same race or of the same color, but they must be of the same belief that this play will work. If one player leaves that huddle saying to himself, “It’ll never work.” Then it probably won’t. Successful teams don’t let that happen.

Which brings me to this season (2020), if there is one. It is the opinion here that first and foremost in every NFL head coach’s planning must be concern over the racial divide that is pulling players apart due to racial tensions resulting from the tragic death of George Floyd. More than just the black community, but all people are anguished (I can think of stronger words) over this senseless killing. It was not the first, but hopefully, it will change procedures, policies, etc. for the better. Not just hopefully, but it must!

Every NFL head coach needs to gather his T*E*A*M, including coaching staff, in their locker room on their first day and lead a discussion on racial tensions in America. No cameras, no cell phones or other recording devices allowed! Further, a promise of “locker-room confidentiality” must be agreed by everyone! (Editor’s note: Now, come on Tunney, you know that some player(s) will seek out the media to tell their side about what happened!)

This is where locker-room leadership appears. Leaders from all sides of this issue must step-up and be accountable to make this unity become effective. During this locker room discussion, everyone who wants to express his opinion must be given that opportunity! Disagreements must be sorted out and resolved. Empathy and understanding is everyone’s job! If the positive is not attained, then those who won’t work together will be responsible for the lack of team unity, and the ultimate demise of their T*E*A*M  – Together Everyone Accomplishes More!

Will you eliminate any prejudice you may have to accomplish unity? America needs you!

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