(Originally published on April 11, 2012)
Joe Paterno, Jim Tressell, Bruce Pearl, the list goes on and on. You can now add former University of Arkansas head football coach to the list of great coaches . . . great leaders, that fell short of their obligations as individuals of character.
As leaders of young men (or women), it is imperative that a coach abide by higher standards. Character and integrity do go hand in hand with what a college (or high school) coach’s expectations should be. At these levels, a coach is expected to help develop character in their players. It is a difficult task, made nearly impossible if a coach doesn’t model an acceptable behavior themselves.
Bobby Petrino crashed his motorcycle while he was with his mistress. Obviously, this is a moral dilemma itself. However, what cost Coach Petrino his job was his lying to superiors, the public and co-workers, while engaging in questionable ethical behaviors in regards to the hiring of this young woman to his staff, as well as other documented issues. The bottom line is that we can forgive improper actions as long as their is some sincerity and repentance.
What is difficult to forgive and near impossible to further allow are actions that flaunt and mock the very characteristics that we deem important for student-athletes. Honesty, integrity, and taking full responsibility for your actions regardless of the consequences never go out of style. These characteristics help you as a leader and they also allow you to pick yourself up after a crash. Below are some interesting articles with different perspectives on the recent Bobby Petrino situation.
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According to Randy Smith, Petrino should have learned from Bruce Pearl. Jeff Long, the Arkansas A.D. gave Petrino numerous chances to come clean and take responsibility for actions and disclose the full truth of the incident.
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Petrino betrayed his players by acting like one, according to CBSsports.com’s Dennis Dodd.
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Eric Alderson from YahooSports.com says that Arkansas A.D., Jeff Long, reminded us that the University is there to raise standards, not to ignore them.
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Bobby Petrino has lied to his superiors time and time again. His latest scandal left A.D. Jeff Long with only one option, writes Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com
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Gregg Doyel of CBSsports.com thinks that this whole Petrino situation will eventually cost Jeff Long his job.
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Tim Keown of ESPN.com writes that firing Petrino was the right decision when Arkansas was faced with choosing between winning at any cost or firing a dishonest Petrino.
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In a light-hearted play on words, Steve Greenberg of The Sporting News says that “Karma is a Ditch” after the man that ditched a number of former players and employers ends up in a ditch.