The best athletes performing on the biggest stage under the biggest pressure is top-notch entertainment in my world. Several small factors become key components to victory that transcend all sports. In spite of not being a fan of basketball, I can learn a great deal about competitive grit, mental toughness, individual and team purpose, motivation and cohesion, among other things, that helps me as a coach and leader. I also enjoy the confetti-laced celebrations.
I have no ill will towards basketball as a whole, just so we're clear, and even if I don't completely understand the nuances of the sport or some of the most basic tactics, I do understand sportsmanship. Sportsmanship is not sport-specific and I saw much to be desired in game 6 of the NBA Finals. Sure, there's bad blood between these two teams. I understand that. Tempers can get the best of the best people at times. I give a pass to athletes in that regard. After all, when most of us are at our worst, it's not televised for millions of viewers. We all lose our cool once in a while and athletes aren't exempt from that.
What I couldn't tolerate, though, is how disrespectful the players - all players - and coaches were to the referees. In my book, under no circumstance is this permissible. It doesn't matter if it's the most important game of the season, it's unacceptable. It's clear that the NBA has allowed this culture to invade the sport. In an 8 minute span in the fourth quarter, every single call made by the referees was disputed. The athletes weren't just asking for a clarifications of the rules. They had full-blown temper tantrums. I have three children under 7 years old and I recognize a temper-tantrum when I see one.
On top of this, there was no accountability. Not by teammates, coaches or the referees. I would expect most of the world to hold a small child accountable to some extent if they demonstrated the same behavior as these grown-men. Nothing.
I'm not sure if I'm bothered by the lack of sportsmanship or that it was tolerated so easily. What are kids to do who watch this? How can educators, coaches and leaders hold children accountable when the best in the world are not? What are we teaching young and old athletes?
The NBA is not the only place that has a culture like this, by the way. Its prevalence is unique in each sport.
What can we do about it from the outside of professional sports and how should we respond from the inside of youth sports?
"How can a young man keep is way pure? By guarding it according to your word." - Psalm 119:9
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