Here it is the middle of September and in my part of the world it feels like June 15th. Maybe this Global Warming or Climate Change thing is real?
Lots of sports are happening so there are many story lines to be followed.
First is the Solheim Cup. During yesterday’s round a USA player held out a wedge from the fairway. Naturally everyone went into celebration mode. It was a great shot, but the caddies took it a little too far and ripped off their shirts. This was wrong on so many levels. It disrespected the game, your opponent, it was poor sportsmanship,and the players. In this competition, which is an emotionally charged event to start with, the players are the focus. The loopers have their role but they should never be the focus, but in this case they were. This falls on the Team USA leadership group. It is a small detail, but one that should be addressed in the preparation process. They could give energy to the European team heading into the Sunday matches. If Europe comes back and wins, this moment and the USA Team Captain will be under scrutiney.
NHL training camps are less than a week away and each team has renewed hope for a successful season. Here in Ottawa will be very interesting. They have a questionable blue line, new Coach and a new goaltender. I must admit that I had my doubts about Travis Green as a Head Coach. He is saying the right things, meeting with players to get to know them and telling them that camp will be hard, so be in condition. That last statement tells me that last year’s team was not in condition and therefore made lots of mistakes physically and mentally. Players determine whether they make the team or not.It is the Coaches role to put aside the bias and make decisions that are in the interest of the team. As for the goaltending it will be interesting to see how he plays in front of a team that last year could not check their coat. Breakdowns do happen, but how he reacts will be key. Green also needs to hold players accountable,which might involve players taking a seat at the end of the bench if they continue to make the same mistake over and over. Have you heard of Thomas Chabot, the turnover machine!
Moving on to the NFL, Tua Tagovailoa sustained his third brain trauma of his NFL career that we are aware of. I call it trauma because concussion just glosses over how severe the injury really is. This is a young man with a young family who has at least 60 years of life left, why jeopardize it. He must understand that just because he loves the game, the game does not always love you back. Tua it is time to walk away and take care of yourself and your family because you are one hit away from losing everything in my opinion.
Finally, here is a great story. My Wife’s Niece has a Son who has been trying out for AA hockey. He has made it through a number of rounds of cuts and from all indications would have made the team. However, he makes the decision to step away because he would not be able to do other things in his life. A tough decision for a 14 year old who loves the game, but felt he would be missing other things. He will still continue to play at a lower tier, still make friends for life playing a game he loves. You have to ask yourself what is in store for him down the road in life if he is making decisions like this at 14 years old.
The game, Coaches, and teammates help to shape you, but it should not define who you are as a person. Good on him for staying true to himself.
Until next time!
Trust Fuels Confidence
Between The Ears 