After two weeks of the Red Lion super frosh incident and the hoopla surrounding Central York's wrestling program, it was refreshing to stumble upon a true act of sportsmanship.
ESPN.com has a story about the Milwaukee Madison and DeKalb (Ill.) boys' basketball teams. One of Madison's players lost his mother to cancer, but decided he wanted to play in that night's game. His coach wasn't expecting him, so he wasn't on the lineup.
In order to put him in the game, the team would be assessed a technical, giving DeKalb two free throws.
DeKalb, after driving 2.5 hours, then waiting another 2 for Milwaukee's coach to come back from the hospital (he was with his player), told the officials they didn't want the call, but the refs had no choice.
So DeKalb senior Darius McNeal went to the line and intentionally missed both free throws. Madison won the game, and I'm sure those two free throws didn't mean much in the grand scheme, but to me, that defines sportsmanship. Plus, after the game, the two schools went out for pizza together.
In an age of helicopter parents, screaming fans and overbearing coaches, it's nice to read about the way sports should be played.
You got that RIGHT!!! Ever wonder what SPORTS would be like if after play the FANS had to meet at mid-field/court and CONGRAT each other....?
It could happen....it only takes one time!!
Maybe start with a YOUTH program, where it would come easier?