On the TunneySide of SportsAfter further review… As we begin the 102nd season of the National Football League (62nd for me since joining as an on-field official in 1960), what changes can we expect to see? Several teams will be changing uniform colors or designs. New players from the 2022 draft will add rookies whose salaries were unheard of in past years. Nine of the 32 head coaches have been replaced as have many assistant coaches. Some others have been moved up into those spots. One always needs to improve his status.
Well, maybe not just his, but hers, as more women are being recruited for NFL administrative jobs. This is not the first year women have been in NFL administrative jobs. An example is Mrs. Virginia Halas McCaskey, daughter of Bears founder George Halas, who serves as owner and attends every game. There are others (some are widows) who perform a variety of tasks. Can they add something that men cannot?
With continued spousal abuse and accusations of groping and unwanted sexual male aggressiveness, can women play a role in helping NFL players treat women with respect? I was fortunate to have had both parents who instilled in me the importance of learning and practicing that value. Will players listen? Even so, beyond listening will their behavior change? Will some players step-up to be leaders when needed? Some whose background was not as fortunate as mine may need guidance.
Leadership on a team is important for its immediate effect as well as its sustainable future. It isn’t just the coach or the quarterback who needs to be the leader, it’s often the player whose locker is next to yours. One too often reads or sees it in the news of these misdeeds. Is it because the players today are making too much money and thinking they can get away with it?
If players are having marital problems, there are ample counselors to help. In addition, fellow teammates are often good resources. This is a call for others to step up to help. I’ve often thought that three of the most important words in one’s vocabulary are “I need help.” Certainly, it is nothing to be ashamed of since we all need help in some way or the other at various times in our lives.
All too often players (or people) are hesitant because they don’t want to interfere or say to themselves, it’s a personal matter and none of my business. Or maybe the helper is afraid of being rejected. Yet, how many times have we heard “If I’d only said or done something!”
Will you have the courage to help when you see the need?
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