Last weekend, I saw something that disturbed me. Two opposing coaches from NFL football teams were ready to go to blows after a football game. Players and other coaches had to restrain them. It started when one coach greeted the losing coach, who interpreted his greeting the wrong way, and chased him down on the way to the locker room. Neither coach was fined, but it seemed a poor display of sportsmanship.
Contrast this with what I witnessed yesterday, while watching the BYU vs Idoaho State football game. BYU's Kyle Van Noy, a defensive player, knocked down his opponent after the play had been stopped. It was a late hit, and he was penalized. The hit also injured the player, Idaho State's All-American punter. Punters are usually quite a bit smaller than the other players on the team, so it made the late hit that much more reprehensible. At half time, a reporter asked the coach of the injured player a question about his team's play. The coach responded that he didn't expect his talented punter to be knocked out of the game on a cheap hit, and he didn't expect that it would happen here at Brigham Young University, a church owned and operated school. He did not hide his disappointment and disdain for what had taken place, and quickly left the reporter after making his comment. What a bad situation, I thought to myself. Idaho State was already getting blown out, and now hard feelings over this late hit could linger with the players an coaches from Idaho State.
When the final whistle signaled the end of the game, BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall walked purposefully to the middle of the field. The broadcast could not pick up his comments, but one could only guess that he was offering some words of apology. Then, Idaho State's coach, Mike Kramer, put his arm around the back of Mendenhall's head and pulled him in close, speaking in his ear. When their heads separated, they seemed to have a professional, cordial demeanor. As soon as their exchange ended, Kyle Van Noy, was ready and waiting, as he had been defensively the whole game. Only this time, he was not there to deliver a hit, but an apology. His facial expression and posture seemed to communicate a sincere desire to let Coach Kramer know that he was sorry for what had happened. Then, Kramer pulled him close the same way he did with Mendenhall, and spoke in his ear. Their exchange ended and both seemed to be satisfied. Good feelings seemed to prevail on both sides, as players from opposing sides were seen smiling and conversing with each other. What a fortunate end to this game; it could have been otherwise. Instead of bitterness and resentment, there seemed to be a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness.
Know that Idaho State's coach had every right to be upset; his talented punter suffered a concussion from the late hit and will likely miss next week's game. Yet, this did not seem to stand in the way of Mike Kramer extending forgiveness to those who sincerely sought it. Usually after I spend 3+ hours watching a football game, (one that I have looked forward to the whole week), I am not left with much in return, besides some lost sleep (the game started at 1130pm my time) and the fleeting enjoyment of watching my favorite team. This time it was different. I was left with a positive feeling after seeing those two coaches and that player come together in a spirit of unity that transcended the spirited competition on the playing field. This, above all of the exciting plays from the game itself, is what I will remember. Below is the link to the article.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700190592/BYU-football-Kyle-Van-Noy-apologizes-for-late-hit-on-punter.html
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