After Further Review … A recent newspaper article discussed how superstitions might have a controlling effect on one’s physical performance in a game. Such acts as a baseball player stepping out of the batter’s box to re-strap his Velcro batting gloves (every time!) before the next pitch, or a player wearing his college shorts underneath his professional game shorts. What for? Luck? Ridiculous! Or is it? http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2008/12/caps_talk_hockey_superstitions.html
Many basketball players bounce the ball a number of times (usually 2-3-4) before shooting a free throw. Baseball players step on a base bag, others step over the foul line – not “on” it – when running to their positions. As an NFL referee, after the coin toss, as I would take my kickoff position in the end zone, I would stand with my back to the goal post and tap it with my hands behind me! Was it for “luck” or just reminding me to focus on my task at hand? http://www.sportssuperstitions.net/
Most teams say prayers before a game. Are they asking God to help them win or to help them play better or just to play free of injury? Does praying help? If Notre Dame http://und.cstv.com/, a Catholic University, is playing Boston College http://www.bc.edu/, also Catholic, and both teams/schools use similar prayers for victory -- how does God decide whom to help? Or Notre Dame vs. Brigham Young University ,http://www.byucougars.com/ a Mormon school, does God play “religious favorites?” I love the story about a Rabbi and a Catholic Priest at a baseball game. As the batter stepped into the batter’s box, he crossed himself, (made the sign of the cross); the Rabbi said to the Priest, “Does that help?” The Priest replied, “Not if he can’t hit!”
Is prayer considered a “superstition?” The opinion here is that prayer is talking to yourself through God – whoever you determine God to be – to help you pull together all your inner strengths in order to give your best performance. Does God really care if you “win?” God has a lot more to do than care whether or not you win! Superstitions, including even prayer, provide you with a purpose, a routine – an inner strength if you will. And that word – WILL – is the key. http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_thought/109108
In every performance – be it dancing, singing, playing an instrument or in sports, focus is the key; assuming, of course, that you have done all the necessary preparation to be ready – physically and mentally - to give your best effort.
Will you practice a routine – “game plan” if you will – to focus on giving your best performance?
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #206, Dec. 8, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
After Further Review … The Josephson Institute recent survey (http://charactercounts.org/programs/reportcard/index.html) reported that 30% of U.S. high school students have stolen from a store. Michael Josephson, a colleague and founder of the Institute, was “most dismayed” by the findings about theft. His Institute surveyed 29,700 students at 100 randomly selected high schools nationwide and found, in addition to the above, 23% stole from a friend or family member; 64% “cheated on a test” – 31% more than once; and 36% said they used the internet to plagiarize an assignment.
Despite all that, 93% of those students said they were “satisfied with their personal ethics and character” and 77% responded that “when it comes to doing what is right, I am better than most people I know.” Evidently those students weren’t too good at math. If 77% said they were “better than most” – “most” comes out to be 23%! Huh?
Is there any relationship of these students’ behavior to the arrest of New York Giants WR Plaxico Burress on gun charges? (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6151333.html) Burress, accidentally shot himself in the right thigh with a .40-caliber Glock gun he was “packing” - without a permit - at a Manhattan (New York) night club about 1:00am recently. (“Nothing good happens after midnight” see page 55 in “It’s the Will, Not the Skill”.) “Accidentally?” – “Shot HIMSELF?” New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said “It would be an outrage if we didn’t prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.” (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/sports/football/03weapon.html?em) Bloomberg continued, “People who live in the public domain, make their living because of their visibility, are role models for kids.” Benjamin Brafman, Burress’ attorney said, “Plaxico is standing tall. He is a mature adult.” Huh? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Brafman
There is an obvious disconnect between the Mayor and the attorney. One doesn’t “stand tall” or be a “mature adult” with this example of stupid behavior. The NY Giants have suspended Burress for the rest of the 2008 season without pay; Burress was signed to a $35 million contract earlier this year (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5037). Did Burress’ pinhead behavior START with petty theft or not getting caught cheating on a test?
“Pervasive apathy” (as Josephson calls it) - a blasé attitude about ethical shortcomings - is far too rampant in today’s impassive society. How do we help young people understand that “packing” may start with those “minor” offenses? How can you help? Well, you may not be able to do all the world needs, but the world needs all you can do. http://charactercounts.org/michael/the_nature_of_character/
Will you take thoughtful, positive action to do what you can to correct this concern?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
Despite all that, 93% of those students said they were “satisfied with their personal ethics and character” and 77% responded that “when it comes to doing what is right, I am better than most people I know.” Evidently those students weren’t too good at math. If 77% said they were “better than most” – “most” comes out to be 23%! Huh?
Is there any relationship of these students’ behavior to the arrest of New York Giants WR Plaxico Burress on gun charges? (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6151333.html) Burress, accidentally shot himself in the right thigh with a .40-caliber Glock gun he was “packing” - without a permit - at a Manhattan (New York) night club about 1:00am recently. (“Nothing good happens after midnight” see page 55 in “It’s the Will, Not the Skill”.) “Accidentally?” – “Shot HIMSELF?” New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said “It would be an outrage if we didn’t prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.” (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/sports/football/03weapon.html?em) Bloomberg continued, “People who live in the public domain, make their living because of their visibility, are role models for kids.” Benjamin Brafman, Burress’ attorney said, “Plaxico is standing tall. He is a mature adult.” Huh? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Brafman
There is an obvious disconnect between the Mayor and the attorney. One doesn’t “stand tall” or be a “mature adult” with this example of stupid behavior. The NY Giants have suspended Burress for the rest of the 2008 season without pay; Burress was signed to a $35 million contract earlier this year (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5037). Did Burress’ pinhead behavior START with petty theft or not getting caught cheating on a test?
“Pervasive apathy” (as Josephson calls it) - a blasé attitude about ethical shortcomings - is far too rampant in today’s impassive society. How do we help young people understand that “packing” may start with those “minor” offenses? How can you help? Well, you may not be able to do all the world needs, but the world needs all you can do. http://charactercounts.org/michael/the_nature_of_character/
Will you take thoughtful, positive action to do what you can to correct this concern?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #205, Dec. 1, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
After Further Review … The Tennessee Titans (http://www.titansonline.com/) have been the AFC South’s most productive – in terms of wins/losses – this 2008 NFL season. Their impressive, undefeated record of 10 wins and 0 losses is a rare happening in the parity that the NFL hopes to accomplish with its draft system. Impressive – until the New York Jets (http://www.newyorkjets.com/), with new-found leadership in QB Brett Favre (http://www.nfl.com/players/brettfavre/profile?id=FAV540222), showed up in Nashville (home of the Titans) and beat them 34-13 in the 12th week.
That same weekend, our local community college T.E.A.M. was playing a Bowl game with an equally impressive 10-0 record. An upstart opponent won that game 33-31. So the NFL Titans and our college T.E.A.M., both 10-1, didn’t go through the season undefeated. A shame!
Or is it? Well, for starters every T.E.A.M. wants to win the “last one.” For the Titans, they have more to go – so winning the last one is still a possibility. For those college players, whose season is over and have worked more hours than one cares to count, what is next? Is losing a game all that important? Sure it hurts, but you need to realize that it can, and will, strengthen you. You can learn as much from losing as you can from winning. Maybe more!
When we win, we don’t seem to take our time and effort to analyze why we won, ensuring that our next effort will show improvement. Yet when we lose, we spend countless hours analyzing why we lost.
“Success doesn’t always go to the stronger or faster man, but more often goes to the one who thinks he can” – so goes the poem. When you win, you believe you will always win. Losing, however, can create doubt about your ability to win again. That is the essence of sports – believing in your ability to be successful. If sports teaches anything – and I strongly believe it does – its value lies in 3 areas: 1) learning to believe in yourself and your abilities; 2) learning to bounce back from defeat; and 3) learning to work with others for the good of the T.E.A.M. Winning is a mindset!
“You play to win the game” is dominant in my book, It’s the Will, Not the Skill. Winning streaks are nice for the ego and promote bragging rights; fun as long as it lasts, but life goes on. It is easy to be victimized by those glory days. While you must believe you can – and will – win, you must also be able to handle a setback and not lose your confidence. Learning how to deal with losing, and learning how to move on is an important characteristic of a “winner.”
Will you develop the mindset of a winner?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message, please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
That same weekend, our local community college T.E.A.M. was playing a Bowl game with an equally impressive 10-0 record. An upstart opponent won that game 33-31. So the NFL Titans and our college T.E.A.M., both 10-1, didn’t go through the season undefeated. A shame!
Or is it? Well, for starters every T.E.A.M. wants to win the “last one.” For the Titans, they have more to go – so winning the last one is still a possibility. For those college players, whose season is over and have worked more hours than one cares to count, what is next? Is losing a game all that important? Sure it hurts, but you need to realize that it can, and will, strengthen you. You can learn as much from losing as you can from winning. Maybe more!
When we win, we don’t seem to take our time and effort to analyze why we won, ensuring that our next effort will show improvement. Yet when we lose, we spend countless hours analyzing why we lost.
“Success doesn’t always go to the stronger or faster man, but more often goes to the one who thinks he can” – so goes the poem. When you win, you believe you will always win. Losing, however, can create doubt about your ability to win again. That is the essence of sports – believing in your ability to be successful. If sports teaches anything – and I strongly believe it does – its value lies in 3 areas: 1) learning to believe in yourself and your abilities; 2) learning to bounce back from defeat; and 3) learning to work with others for the good of the T.E.A.M. Winning is a mindset!
“You play to win the game” is dominant in my book, It’s the Will, Not the Skill. Winning streaks are nice for the ego and promote bragging rights; fun as long as it lasts, but life goes on. It is easy to be victimized by those glory days. While you must believe you can – and will – win, you must also be able to handle a setback and not lose your confidence. Learning how to deal with losing, and learning how to move on is an important characteristic of a “winner.”
Will you develop the mindset of a winner?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message, please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
Monday, November 24, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #204, Nov. 24, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
On the Tunney Side of the Street #204, November 24, 2008
After Further Review … “You can get anything you want in life, if you just help others get what they want” has been a proverb followed by many. The idea of just “giving back” falls short of this. The practice of “giving” because you want to help others, says more than just “giving back.” Be a giver!
As we enjoy the blessings of Thanksgiving week, the need to continue our giving is important. This doesn’t necessarily mean increasing a monetary amount; it means, more likely, doing something for others to help make their Thanksgiving more enjoyable. It may be just a simple “act of kindness.”
Recently I was privileged to be in the presence of about three dozen NFL Legends – former players and (http://www.profootballhof.com/)Pro Football Hall of Famers (http://football.about.com/od/legends/Legends_of_the_Game.htm) : George Blanda, Nick Buoniconti, Ted Hendricks, Tom Mack, Bobby Mitchell, Merlin Olsen, Jan Stenerud, Jim Taylor, Dave Wilcox, and Jack Youngblood. Space prohibits me from naming so many others, but I’m sure you recognize these names. They were playing in a golf tournament that supports local charities, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County, donating their time and talents, yet receiving no appearance fees. (http://www.bgcmc.org/)
Special to that group was Anthony Muñoz, who received the NFL Legends Pedestal Award (http://www.nfl.com/history). Muñoz grew up in a low income family and neighborhood. His faith, family and sheer WILL (remember, It’s the Will, Not the Skill) helped him overcome setbacks, not the least of which were multiple injuries and three knee surgeries that almost ended his football career (http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=158).
Muñoz received a football scholarship to the University of Southern California, where he led the Trojans to a National Championship. After graduating, he was the 3rd overall pick of the Cincinnati Bengals (http://www.nfl.com/teams/cincinnatibengals/profile?team=CIN) in the NFL draft. As a Bengals Offensive Tackle he played 11 years, including 2 Super Bowls, 11 consecutive Pro Bowls, and Hall of Fame induction in 1998, as well as many other honors. Muñoz’s belief in giving is as impressive as his football accomplishments.
As founder of the non-profit Anthony Muñoz Foundation(http://www.munozfoundation.org/) , he has impacted hundreds of youths mentally, physically and spiritually, and has raised more than $3 million to help young people. Muñoz continues his giving by serving on community boards and speaking to youth groups discouraging the use of drugs and alcohol. While we read too often about the troubles that pro athletes get themselves into, it is refreshing and encouraging to see so many willing to help others. Thanks guys!
Will you give to others in need this Thanksgiving time?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message, please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
After Further Review … “You can get anything you want in life, if you just help others get what they want” has been a proverb followed by many. The idea of just “giving back” falls short of this. The practice of “giving” because you want to help others, says more than just “giving back.” Be a giver!
As we enjoy the blessings of Thanksgiving week, the need to continue our giving is important. This doesn’t necessarily mean increasing a monetary amount; it means, more likely, doing something for others to help make their Thanksgiving more enjoyable. It may be just a simple “act of kindness.”
Recently I was privileged to be in the presence of about three dozen NFL Legends – former players and (http://www.profootballhof.com/)Pro Football Hall of Famers (http://football.about.com/od/legends/Legends_of_the_Game.htm) : George Blanda, Nick Buoniconti, Ted Hendricks, Tom Mack, Bobby Mitchell, Merlin Olsen, Jan Stenerud, Jim Taylor, Dave Wilcox, and Jack Youngblood. Space prohibits me from naming so many others, but I’m sure you recognize these names. They were playing in a golf tournament that supports local charities, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County, donating their time and talents, yet receiving no appearance fees. (http://www.bgcmc.org/)
Special to that group was Anthony Muñoz, who received the NFL Legends Pedestal Award (http://www.nfl.com/history). Muñoz grew up in a low income family and neighborhood. His faith, family and sheer WILL (remember, It’s the Will, Not the Skill) helped him overcome setbacks, not the least of which were multiple injuries and three knee surgeries that almost ended his football career (http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=158).
Muñoz received a football scholarship to the University of Southern California, where he led the Trojans to a National Championship. After graduating, he was the 3rd overall pick of the Cincinnati Bengals (http://www.nfl.com/teams/cincinnatibengals/profile?team=CIN) in the NFL draft. As a Bengals Offensive Tackle he played 11 years, including 2 Super Bowls, 11 consecutive Pro Bowls, and Hall of Fame induction in 1998, as well as many other honors. Muñoz’s belief in giving is as impressive as his football accomplishments.
As founder of the non-profit Anthony Muñoz Foundation(http://www.munozfoundation.org/) , he has impacted hundreds of youths mentally, physically and spiritually, and has raised more than $3 million to help young people. Muñoz continues his giving by serving on community boards and speaking to youth groups discouraging the use of drugs and alcohol. While we read too often about the troubles that pro athletes get themselves into, it is refreshing and encouraging to see so many willing to help others. Thanks guys!
Will you give to others in need this Thanksgiving time?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message, please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
Saturday, November 15, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #203, Nov. 17, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
After Further Review ... The value of Teamwork along with how it works has often been discussed in this column. The acronym T.E.A.M., meaning Together Everyone Accomplishes More, has been part of every presentation I have given for more than two decades.
President-Elect Obama stressed Teamwork in his campaign emphasizing that anyone in a leadership role must utilize the T.E.A.M. concept in order to achieve a higher level. A leader who surrounds him or herself with competent people, and then lets them accomplish their tasks and/or responsibilities increases the strength of that leader. (https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/dnc08splashnd)
It takes courage to lead, but it also takes courage to trust in the efforts of your T.E.A.M. Too often we see leaders not willing to delegate responsibilities fearful of losing power. The power that works best is what I call “personal power” - not position power.
An example of personal power happened on national television recently when the Denver Broncos played the Cleveland Browns in an NFL Network Thursday night game. Many NFL fans may not have seen this contest, because it was not accessible on cable or network television. (http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork)
The Broncos trailed the Browns 23-13 in the third quarter, yet rallied to win 34-30, scoring the go ahead touchdown with 1:17 left in the game. That final touchdown pass from Broncos QB Jay Cutler (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Cutler_(American_football) to WR Brandon Marshall (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7868%20was the game winner. (http://www.denverbroncos.com/) (http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/)
Marshall was about to “celebrate” his TD catch by displaying a glove that he had hidden inside his football pants. The glove was painted half-white and half-black to demonstrate the “unity” Marshall felt was exhibited by Obama’s victory. While Marshall’s tribute was honorable, NFL rules prohibit “possession or use of foreign or extraneous object(s) that are not part of the uniform, etc.” (See NFL Rule Book page 83, 12-3-1-(h)). WR Terrell Owens was responsible for this inclusion as unsportsmanlike some years back, when he was with the San Francisco 49ers. (http://www.nfl.com/rulebook) (http://www.49ers.com/home.php)
As Marshall prepared to pull out the glove -- teamwork happened! Broncos teammate Brandon Stokley (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4755) rushed to Marshall and in a matter of seconds, talked Marshall out of it. “Stokes” was aware that if Marshall displayed the glove, a foul could be called, resulting in a 15-yard penalty on the kickoff – meaning the Broncos would have to kickoff from their 15-yard line. This would give the Browns, trailing by 4 points, a favorable field position with more than one minute left in the game. “Stokes” showed the kind of teamwork that puts T.E.A.M. ahead of self. (http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2008/11/07/brandon-stokely-stops-brandon-marshall-from-performing-an-obama/)
Will you have the courage to “step up” to help your teammates for the good of your T.E.A.M?
President-Elect Obama stressed Teamwork in his campaign emphasizing that anyone in a leadership role must utilize the T.E.A.M. concept in order to achieve a higher level. A leader who surrounds him or herself with competent people, and then lets them accomplish their tasks and/or responsibilities increases the strength of that leader. (https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/dnc08splashnd)
It takes courage to lead, but it also takes courage to trust in the efforts of your T.E.A.M. Too often we see leaders not willing to delegate responsibilities fearful of losing power. The power that works best is what I call “personal power” - not position power.
An example of personal power happened on national television recently when the Denver Broncos played the Cleveland Browns in an NFL Network Thursday night game. Many NFL fans may not have seen this contest, because it was not accessible on cable or network television. (http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork)
The Broncos trailed the Browns 23-13 in the third quarter, yet rallied to win 34-30, scoring the go ahead touchdown with 1:17 left in the game. That final touchdown pass from Broncos QB Jay Cutler (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Cutler_(American_football) to WR Brandon Marshall (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7868%20was the game winner. (http://www.denverbroncos.com/) (http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/)
Marshall was about to “celebrate” his TD catch by displaying a glove that he had hidden inside his football pants. The glove was painted half-white and half-black to demonstrate the “unity” Marshall felt was exhibited by Obama’s victory. While Marshall’s tribute was honorable, NFL rules prohibit “possession or use of foreign or extraneous object(s) that are not part of the uniform, etc.” (See NFL Rule Book page 83, 12-3-1-(h)). WR Terrell Owens was responsible for this inclusion as unsportsmanlike some years back, when he was with the San Francisco 49ers. (http://www.nfl.com/rulebook) (http://www.49ers.com/home.php)
As Marshall prepared to pull out the glove -- teamwork happened! Broncos teammate Brandon Stokley (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4755) rushed to Marshall and in a matter of seconds, talked Marshall out of it. “Stokes” was aware that if Marshall displayed the glove, a foul could be called, resulting in a 15-yard penalty on the kickoff – meaning the Broncos would have to kickoff from their 15-yard line. This would give the Browns, trailing by 4 points, a favorable field position with more than one minute left in the game. “Stokes” showed the kind of teamwork that puts T.E.A.M. ahead of self. (http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2008/11/07/brandon-stokely-stops-brandon-marshall-from-performing-an-obama/)
Will you have the courage to “step up” to help your teammates for the good of your T.E.A.M?
Saturday, November 1, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #201, Nov. 3, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
“Bum” Phillips, former NFL head football coach of the Houston Oilers once said, “There are two kinds of head coaches; those that have been fired and those that are ABOUT to be fired.” Each year the month of October seems to bring realism to Phillips’ statement. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bum_Phillips)
After the St. Louis Rams went 0-4 to start the 2008 NFL season, management fired head coach Scott Linehan, replacing him with interim head coach Jim Haslett (http://www.stlouisrams.com/Team/Coaches/52977/). Haslett was on Linehan’s staff as the defensive coordinator, as well being as a former All-Pro Linebacker on the Buffalo Bills and former (he was fired) head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Haslett was promised the permanent job, if the Rams won 6 of their remaining games. (http://www.stlouisrams.com/)
The San Francisco 49ers (http://www.49ers.com/home.php) fired head coach Mike Nolan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Nolan), in October, in his third year as head coach. The Niners were 2-5 after losing to the world champion New York Giants the weekend before Nolan’s termination. The Niners replaced Nolan with defensive coordinator Mike Singletary - as interim coach. Singletary had never been a head coach, but was a Hall of Fame (’98) Linebacker for the Super Bowl (XX) champs Chicago Bears. (http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=196) At this writing, Haslett has gone 2-1, while Singletary lost his first game as head coach. I know both coaches personally and have great respect for their character, talent and leadership strengths.
What makes these changes interesting is the “Rooney Rule.” Dan Rooney (http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=184), Chairman of the NFL Owners’ Committee on ”diversity hiring,” urged the owners to create a rule whereby a club (team) must interview qualified minority coaches in the process of selecting a new head coach (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooney_Rule) . If you were the Rams, what would you do in hiring a head coach, interview all qualified candidates, yet feeling that, since Haslett (a non-minority) has done the job you asked of him, Haslett can’t be your automatic pick?
Singletary, an African-American, was not offered anything beyond this 2008 season. However, since Singletary is a minority, the Niners (as I interpret the Rooney Rule) could offer Singletary the job in 2009 WITHOUT interviewing other qualified candidates. What about Ron Rivera, a Hispanic, newly named San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator? (http://www.chargers.com/team/coaches/ron-rivera.htm) Rivera wants to interview for an NFL head coaching job. The Rams have to interview him, if he wants to -- the Niners don’t.
Diversity, as written in It’s the Will, Not the Skill (see chapter 9), is important. Diversity, however, without unity is of little value. Coach Herm Edwards (http://www.kcchiefs.com/coach/herman_edwards/) has followed the path, “Just show me an opportunity; I’ll work for it!”
Will you honor qualifications as well as diversity when offering jobs to candidates?
After the St. Louis Rams went 0-4 to start the 2008 NFL season, management fired head coach Scott Linehan, replacing him with interim head coach Jim Haslett (http://www.stlouisrams.com/Team/Coaches/52977/). Haslett was on Linehan’s staff as the defensive coordinator, as well being as a former All-Pro Linebacker on the Buffalo Bills and former (he was fired) head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Haslett was promised the permanent job, if the Rams won 6 of their remaining games. (http://www.stlouisrams.com/)
The San Francisco 49ers (http://www.49ers.com/home.php) fired head coach Mike Nolan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Nolan), in October, in his third year as head coach. The Niners were 2-5 after losing to the world champion New York Giants the weekend before Nolan’s termination. The Niners replaced Nolan with defensive coordinator Mike Singletary - as interim coach. Singletary had never been a head coach, but was a Hall of Fame (’98) Linebacker for the Super Bowl (XX) champs Chicago Bears. (http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=196) At this writing, Haslett has gone 2-1, while Singletary lost his first game as head coach. I know both coaches personally and have great respect for their character, talent and leadership strengths.
What makes these changes interesting is the “Rooney Rule.” Dan Rooney (http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=184), Chairman of the NFL Owners’ Committee on ”diversity hiring,” urged the owners to create a rule whereby a club (team) must interview qualified minority coaches in the process of selecting a new head coach (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooney_Rule) . If you were the Rams, what would you do in hiring a head coach, interview all qualified candidates, yet feeling that, since Haslett (a non-minority) has done the job you asked of him, Haslett can’t be your automatic pick?
Singletary, an African-American, was not offered anything beyond this 2008 season. However, since Singletary is a minority, the Niners (as I interpret the Rooney Rule) could offer Singletary the job in 2009 WITHOUT interviewing other qualified candidates. What about Ron Rivera, a Hispanic, newly named San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator? (http://www.chargers.com/team/coaches/ron-rivera.htm) Rivera wants to interview for an NFL head coaching job. The Rams have to interview him, if he wants to -- the Niners don’t.
Diversity, as written in It’s the Will, Not the Skill (see chapter 9), is important. Diversity, however, without unity is of little value. Coach Herm Edwards (http://www.kcchiefs.com/coach/herman_edwards/) has followed the path, “Just show me an opportunity; I’ll work for it!”
Will you honor qualifications as well as diversity when offering jobs to candidates?
Monday, October 27, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #200, Oct. 27, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
After Further Review … As I watched young participants play in a recent Junior Golf Tournament at a Par 3 local course, I was impressed by the brightness of their faces, the determined look to do their best, and, most of all, their CIVILITY. I’ve seen those characteristics before in youth tournament competitions; then watched them grow from kids to young adults, and some even onto the professional tour. As they aged, their faces hardened a bit, but not their civility. So the question becomes – where has civility gone in our sports world today? I’ve never seen a Junior Golfer throw a club in disgust; never heard a “discouraging word” – the 4-letter variety; and never found anyone who didn’t always want to do his or her best.
Do the values of the game get lost as players get older? Do we lose respect, courtesy, honor, and integrity as the pressure of winning increases? Has winning at all costs overtaken the basic values that we first learned as kids?
Sports that require physical contact (e.g. football, soccer, hockey, basketball) often elide the traits mentioned above. Let’s use NFL football as a case in point. In “It’s the Will, Not the Skill” we say “dancing (celebrating) in the end-zone” evinces disrespect for one’s opponent. Yet in golf, the pumping of the fist, the thrust of the hand overhead as an emotion of celebration does not seem disrespectful. Emotional energy is part of creating momentum, and, perhaps, a way of building self-confidence.
(http://www.amazon.com/Its-Will-Not-Skill-Philosophies/dp/0937539082)
Where civility gets lost is when the “celebration” goes overboard. Granted, in the “emotionality” (if you will) of the occasion, does one think of that impact on an opponent? It hurts to lose, especially when you see your opponent flaunting success. Does that mean you should not celebrate? Not at all. Celebrating is as natural as breathing – an inherent right – an earned privilege of winning. Winning is important – “you play to win the game” (see page 190 in It’s the Will, Not the Skill), but moderation in celebrating must be considered.
We’ve all seen the ugliness of competition influence kids because of ADULT – coaches, parents, crowd, etc., behavior. Typically, kids are out there playing because they love to play. Adults, far too often, are the ones overly exerting pressure on them to win. That being said, congratulations go to parents and coaches who promote good sportsmanship by making sure that, if their kids win, they treat celebrating with concern about respecting others.
WILL YOU KEEP CIVILITY IN ALL YOU DO?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website: www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message, please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
Do the values of the game get lost as players get older? Do we lose respect, courtesy, honor, and integrity as the pressure of winning increases? Has winning at all costs overtaken the basic values that we first learned as kids?
Sports that require physical contact (e.g. football, soccer, hockey, basketball) often elide the traits mentioned above. Let’s use NFL football as a case in point. In “It’s the Will, Not the Skill” we say “dancing (celebrating) in the end-zone” evinces disrespect for one’s opponent. Yet in golf, the pumping of the fist, the thrust of the hand overhead as an emotion of celebration does not seem disrespectful. Emotional energy is part of creating momentum, and, perhaps, a way of building self-confidence.
(http://www.amazon.com/Its-Will-Not-Skill-Philosophies/dp/0937539082)
Where civility gets lost is when the “celebration” goes overboard. Granted, in the “emotionality” (if you will) of the occasion, does one think of that impact on an opponent? It hurts to lose, especially when you see your opponent flaunting success. Does that mean you should not celebrate? Not at all. Celebrating is as natural as breathing – an inherent right – an earned privilege of winning. Winning is important – “you play to win the game” (see page 190 in It’s the Will, Not the Skill), but moderation in celebrating must be considered.
We’ve all seen the ugliness of competition influence kids because of ADULT – coaches, parents, crowd, etc., behavior. Typically, kids are out there playing because they love to play. Adults, far too often, are the ones overly exerting pressure on them to win. That being said, congratulations go to parents and coaches who promote good sportsmanship by making sure that, if their kids win, they treat celebrating with concern about respecting others.
WILL YOU KEEP CIVILITY IN ALL YOU DO?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website: www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message, please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
Friday, October 17, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #199, Oct. 20, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
The recent physical altercation between Dallas Cowboys Safety Adam Jones (aka “Pacman”) and his bodyguard in a Dallas hotel at 1:30 AM (note: “Nothing good happens after midnight,” see page 55 in “It’s the Will, Not the Skill”) induced Jones’ indefinite suspension by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3646257&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines). Tim Montgomery, former Olympic Gold medalist and world record holder (at 9.78 seconds in the 100 meters) was recently found guilty for heroin dealing. Montgomery is already in prison, completing a 46-month sentence for “check-kiting.” http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/24418822/ He fathered 4 children with 4 different women – one of whom was Marion Jones, the disgraced Olympic sprinter star, who also was stripped of her Gold medals, after being found guilty of using steroids. http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/21138883/
Tammy Thomas, former elite cyclist, recently was sentenced to six months home confinement for lying to the Grand Jury about her steroid use (http://cgi.cnnsi.com/2008/more/10/10/doping.thomas.ap/index.html). And, of course, former San Francisco Giants home run king Barry Bonds, who pleaded not guilty to 15 similar charges, is due in court next March with his six attorneys for alleged steroid use and perjury. Then we have the recent conviction for kidnapping, robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, amongst other charges, for former NFL Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson (http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iUNgbOr-2bnpFUX0MiII6je2CkRAD93QJK380). This brings a question to the forefront: Are those mentioned above-sports stars or athletes? How do you define “athlete?”
No disputing the physical prowess of Montgomery, Jones, Bonds, and/or Simpson, but, wait - this is NOT about them; they are merely today’s examples of how sports performers have squandered their talents and acclaim (along with the money that came with it) as well as disgraced themselves. No, this is about the question: Do these – and other sports performers who have fallen from grace – meet the criteria as “athletes” or are they merely “physically talented?”
Most dictionaries define “athlete” as: “one trained to compete in athletics involving exercises and games requiring physical skills.” No doubt that those named above qualify as “athletes” by that singular definition. But not in MY dictionary! I have been taught, and always believed, the definition of “athlete” embodies more than just “physical skills.” The following dozen attributes incorporate my definition of an athlete:
· Positive mental attitude
· Being a T.E.A.M. player
· Willingness to go the “extra mile”
· The Will to win (remember “It’s the Will, Not the Skill”)
· Loyalty
· Dedication
· Accountability
· Integrity
· Enthusiasm
· Trustworthiness
· Coachability
· Physical skills
Will you measure your sports stars as athletes only if they possess these characteristics?
Tammy Thomas, former elite cyclist, recently was sentenced to six months home confinement for lying to the Grand Jury about her steroid use (http://cgi.cnnsi.com/2008/more/10/10/doping.thomas.ap/index.html). And, of course, former San Francisco Giants home run king Barry Bonds, who pleaded not guilty to 15 similar charges, is due in court next March with his six attorneys for alleged steroid use and perjury. Then we have the recent conviction for kidnapping, robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, amongst other charges, for former NFL Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson (http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iUNgbOr-2bnpFUX0MiII6je2CkRAD93QJK380). This brings a question to the forefront: Are those mentioned above-sports stars or athletes? How do you define “athlete?”
No disputing the physical prowess of Montgomery, Jones, Bonds, and/or Simpson, but, wait - this is NOT about them; they are merely today’s examples of how sports performers have squandered their talents and acclaim (along with the money that came with it) as well as disgraced themselves. No, this is about the question: Do these – and other sports performers who have fallen from grace – meet the criteria as “athletes” or are they merely “physically talented?”
Most dictionaries define “athlete” as: “one trained to compete in athletics involving exercises and games requiring physical skills.” No doubt that those named above qualify as “athletes” by that singular definition. But not in MY dictionary! I have been taught, and always believed, the definition of “athlete” embodies more than just “physical skills.” The following dozen attributes incorporate my definition of an athlete:
· Positive mental attitude
· Being a T.E.A.M. player
· Willingness to go the “extra mile”
· The Will to win (remember “It’s the Will, Not the Skill”)
· Loyalty
· Dedication
· Accountability
· Integrity
· Enthusiasm
· Trustworthiness
· Coachability
· Physical skills
Will you measure your sports stars as athletes only if they possess these characteristics?
Friday, October 10, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #198, Oct. 13, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
Last month former – and disgraced – National Basketball Association Referee Tim Donaghy began a 15-month prison sentence on felony charges involving wire fraud and transmitting wagering tips through Interstate Commerce to gamblers on NBA games Donaghy refereed. The gamblers were ‘friends’ of Donaghy.(http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2975532)
15 months? “Don’t you mean 15 years (Donaghy is 41)”? Nope! 15 months in a minimum-security Federal Penitentiary in Florida. Not only did Donaghy blemish the game of professional basketball, as well as all sports, more importantly, he damaged the INTEGRITY of officiating – at all levels. (http://www.probasketballrefs.com/Portals/0/Documents/PDF/Tim%20Donaghy%20Sentencing.pdf)
The “perception” of fans is often that officials “play favorites” – e.g. favorite players (super stars) and/or favorite teams (perennial champions); or that officials call “even-up fouls” in the event that an earlier call may have been called incorrectly. From my 40-year career in officiating, both football and basketball at all levels, trying to “even up” doesn’t work – much like trying to get your sideburns even when shaving! Yet, the perception (of favoritism) exists.
What is more disturbing than the absurd 15-month sentencing, is the accusation by Donaghy’s defense attorneys, as well as his father, that other NBA referees are involved in gambling issues. Gerry Donaghy, Tim’s father who, by the way, was a former college basketball referee, is “angry at the whole NBA” and said his son is “no worse than a lot of other people who should have been helped, not chastised, by the NBA.”
(http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2008-09-22-donaghy-questions_N.htm)
Donaghy Sr. said “there’s at least 10 other guys who are doing things – just as bad.” Gerry fails on a couple of counts: First, the recent NBA 14-month investigation report revealed “no other referee, other than Tim Donaghy, engaged in any illegal activity.” Second, Gerry (the father), who by the way agreed his son deserved the punishment, said the “NBA, especially Commissioner David Stern, should be “helping him (Tim) instead of chastising him’”. My question is: where was the father’s help in raising a son who fell victim to greed, moral and ethical offenses? Whenever we point a finger at someone, we must remember there are 3 pointing back at us.
We can only help and teach our children to do the “right thing.” We cannot ensure they always will. However, an attempt to implicate others in order to reduce the stigma of one’s misdeeds does not live up to the definition of taking responsibility.
Will you step up to take responsibility by doing the right thing?
15 months? “Don’t you mean 15 years (Donaghy is 41)”? Nope! 15 months in a minimum-security Federal Penitentiary in Florida. Not only did Donaghy blemish the game of professional basketball, as well as all sports, more importantly, he damaged the INTEGRITY of officiating – at all levels. (http://www.probasketballrefs.com/Portals/0/Documents/PDF/Tim%20Donaghy%20Sentencing.pdf)
The “perception” of fans is often that officials “play favorites” – e.g. favorite players (super stars) and/or favorite teams (perennial champions); or that officials call “even-up fouls” in the event that an earlier call may have been called incorrectly. From my 40-year career in officiating, both football and basketball at all levels, trying to “even up” doesn’t work – much like trying to get your sideburns even when shaving! Yet, the perception (of favoritism) exists.
What is more disturbing than the absurd 15-month sentencing, is the accusation by Donaghy’s defense attorneys, as well as his father, that other NBA referees are involved in gambling issues. Gerry Donaghy, Tim’s father who, by the way, was a former college basketball referee, is “angry at the whole NBA” and said his son is “no worse than a lot of other people who should have been helped, not chastised, by the NBA.”
(http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2008-09-22-donaghy-questions_N.htm)
Donaghy Sr. said “there’s at least 10 other guys who are doing things – just as bad.” Gerry fails on a couple of counts: First, the recent NBA 14-month investigation report revealed “no other referee, other than Tim Donaghy, engaged in any illegal activity.” Second, Gerry (the father), who by the way agreed his son deserved the punishment, said the “NBA, especially Commissioner David Stern, should be “helping him (Tim) instead of chastising him’”. My question is: where was the father’s help in raising a son who fell victim to greed, moral and ethical offenses? Whenever we point a finger at someone, we must remember there are 3 pointing back at us.
We can only help and teach our children to do the “right thing.” We cannot ensure they always will. However, an attempt to implicate others in order to reduce the stigma of one’s misdeeds does not live up to the definition of taking responsibility.
Will you step up to take responsibility by doing the right thing?
Friday, October 3, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #197, Oct. 6, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
After Further Review ...What incentive is there for an NFL T.E.A.M. to WIN when rookie players are paid with signing bonuses in the multi-millions even before they put on the pads! Contracts of similar (or more) value follow. Some players who are drafted, yet didn’t succeed, walk away with more money than many people earn in a lifetime!
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80909cc9&template=with-video&confirm=true) is concerned about the hefty, and still escalating, bonuses paid to 22-23 year-olds just out of college – some not even graduating. Now, I don’t want to get off on a rant, here, that’s not my purpose. However, having been on the NFL field with players in the 60s-70s-80s-90s, I witnessed first-hand what meager salaries those players – now the ‘legends’ of the game – were paid. Are today’s pro athletes thinking of money first and the love of playing second? Your call.
Let’s segue to our kids in school today. As a life-long educator, I ask - should we pay kids in elementary and/or secondary school an incentive – call it motivation – to get good or better grades? When we were kids we all had ‘chores’ for no pay, just because Mom/Dad said it was “part of being a family.” Do kids today practice that same philosophy or do they want (demand?) pay for household chores?
Incentives for ‘getting good grades’ is an ever-growing issue. In a recent USA Today survey (http://www.usatoday.com/), more than half of the 74 CEOs interviewed said it was a “good idea.” And 50% of those said they do pay their own kids for good grades. While this idea is not new, it’s gaining more support. As a parent, what is your response when your youngster says “Well, Billy’s mom pays him $5.00 when he gets an ‘A’”?
Sports, as well as the business world, provides us with a lesson. Many coaches at the professional and college levels receive bonuses for winning performances, or getting their team in the playoffs, or winning the conference championship, etc. One coach in the college ranks this year will receive (in addition to his million dollar+ salary) $125,000, if his player-graduation rate equals that of the overall student population! I thought helping a student-athlete graduate was part of – not in addition to – the coach’s job! Foolish me!
Then, too, our business world is rampant with bonus and/or incentive programs for doing what you were hired and paid to do. How then can we fault our kids about what their adult role models are doing, when they want the same?
Will you login to respond to this issue?
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80909cc9&template=with-video&confirm=true) is concerned about the hefty, and still escalating, bonuses paid to 22-23 year-olds just out of college – some not even graduating. Now, I don’t want to get off on a rant, here, that’s not my purpose. However, having been on the NFL field with players in the 60s-70s-80s-90s, I witnessed first-hand what meager salaries those players – now the ‘legends’ of the game – were paid. Are today’s pro athletes thinking of money first and the love of playing second? Your call.
Let’s segue to our kids in school today. As a life-long educator, I ask - should we pay kids in elementary and/or secondary school an incentive – call it motivation – to get good or better grades? When we were kids we all had ‘chores’ for no pay, just because Mom/Dad said it was “part of being a family.” Do kids today practice that same philosophy or do they want (demand?) pay for household chores?
Incentives for ‘getting good grades’ is an ever-growing issue. In a recent USA Today survey (http://www.usatoday.com/), more than half of the 74 CEOs interviewed said it was a “good idea.” And 50% of those said they do pay their own kids for good grades. While this idea is not new, it’s gaining more support. As a parent, what is your response when your youngster says “Well, Billy’s mom pays him $5.00 when he gets an ‘A’”?
Sports, as well as the business world, provides us with a lesson. Many coaches at the professional and college levels receive bonuses for winning performances, or getting their team in the playoffs, or winning the conference championship, etc. One coach in the college ranks this year will receive (in addition to his million dollar+ salary) $125,000, if his player-graduation rate equals that of the overall student population! I thought helping a student-athlete graduate was part of – not in addition to – the coach’s job! Foolish me!
Then, too, our business world is rampant with bonus and/or incentive programs for doing what you were hired and paid to do. How then can we fault our kids about what their adult role models are doing, when they want the same?
Will you login to respond to this issue?
Friday, September 26, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #196, Sept. 29, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
On the Tunney Side of the Street #196, September 29, 2008
After Further Review …The “Encore Effect,” a recently released book, authored by my good friend and colleague, Mark Sanborn (http://www.marksanborn.com/), describes how we all want an encore performance. Every performer enjoys the recognition of an extraordinary performance. Sanborn (book available at www.theencoreeffect.com) isn’t saying ‘great’ or ‘excellent’ – he’s saying it’s a REMARKABLE performance that creates the encore effect.
The lessons in this book will either remind you or teach you how to give a remarkable performance in anything you do. Anything? Yes! Whether you are in sales, management, parenthood, teaching - anything! And why not? What is the value in what you do, if it is not done with a goal of “remarkable”?
As a life-long educator, I have often thought about remarkable performances in teaching. Can it be done on a daily basis? How often do teachers get an “S.O.” (standing ovation) at the close of a remarkable lesson or even at the end of the day? As a professional speaker, I strive to give a remarkable performance every time I am on the platform. Remarkable performances result in the encore effect – i.e. attendees want to hear more from you.
As an NFL referee, I also strived for a remarkable performance every game. I asked myself “Did I leave the game today better than I found it?” Players, coaches and fans demand that! It is often said that the best officiated game is one in which no one notices “who” they are. Let me argue that. In order for officials to ensure the integrity of the game, their performance needs to be “remarkable.” You want those officials back.
This brings me to NFL referee #85 Ed Hochuli, who has distinguished himself for 19 seasons (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Hochuli). Players, coaches, and fans want him back. I won’t take the time to revisit a decision he made in a recent game that was incorrect and not in keeping with his remarkable NFL tenure. No one is more devastated at his miscall than #85 himself. What makes this a remarkable situation is what Hochuli did following that call.
“After further review” and realizing his error, Hochuli spoke to Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner and said, “Coach, I blew it. It was my mistake.” This is in keeping with Hochuli’s philosophy of “just doing the right thing.” Admitting his error (in front of 70,000+ fans and many millions watching on television) puts his performance in the “remarkable” category. (http://www.football-refs.com/)
Will you strive for a remarkable performance in everything you do?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
After Further Review …The “Encore Effect,” a recently released book, authored by my good friend and colleague, Mark Sanborn (http://www.marksanborn.com/), describes how we all want an encore performance. Every performer enjoys the recognition of an extraordinary performance. Sanborn (book available at www.theencoreeffect.com) isn’t saying ‘great’ or ‘excellent’ – he’s saying it’s a REMARKABLE performance that creates the encore effect.
The lessons in this book will either remind you or teach you how to give a remarkable performance in anything you do. Anything? Yes! Whether you are in sales, management, parenthood, teaching - anything! And why not? What is the value in what you do, if it is not done with a goal of “remarkable”?
As a life-long educator, I have often thought about remarkable performances in teaching. Can it be done on a daily basis? How often do teachers get an “S.O.” (standing ovation) at the close of a remarkable lesson or even at the end of the day? As a professional speaker, I strive to give a remarkable performance every time I am on the platform. Remarkable performances result in the encore effect – i.e. attendees want to hear more from you.
As an NFL referee, I also strived for a remarkable performance every game. I asked myself “Did I leave the game today better than I found it?” Players, coaches and fans demand that! It is often said that the best officiated game is one in which no one notices “who” they are. Let me argue that. In order for officials to ensure the integrity of the game, their performance needs to be “remarkable.” You want those officials back.
This brings me to NFL referee #85 Ed Hochuli, who has distinguished himself for 19 seasons (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Hochuli). Players, coaches, and fans want him back. I won’t take the time to revisit a decision he made in a recent game that was incorrect and not in keeping with his remarkable NFL tenure. No one is more devastated at his miscall than #85 himself. What makes this a remarkable situation is what Hochuli did following that call.
“After further review” and realizing his error, Hochuli spoke to Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner and said, “Coach, I blew it. It was my mistake.” This is in keeping with Hochuli’s philosophy of “just doing the right thing.” Admitting his error (in front of 70,000+ fans and many millions watching on television) puts his performance in the “remarkable” category. (http://www.football-refs.com/)
Will you strive for a remarkable performance in everything you do?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
Sunday, September 21, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #195, Sept. 22, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
On the Tunney Side of the Street #195, September 22, 2008
After Further Review … Stephen Covey, author of “Seven Habits of Effective People,” and “The 8th Habit: from Effectiveness to Greatness,” teaches three guidelines for effective collaboration – read: TEAMWORK. http://www.stephencovey.com/
They are: 1) Establish your mission; 2) Set the ground rules; and 3) Identify each member’s strengths. Nothing new here. However, it recalled for me how the NFL officiating crew of seven, of which I was the “crew chief,” strived to be more effective (read: Perfect) on the field every game. See how these apply to you and how you can utilize them each day.
1) Establish your mission. My book “Impartial Judgment” could have been titled “’Cause I Don’t Care Who Wins.” http://www.jimtunney.com/products.html. The mission of each NFL crew is to officiate all 60 minutes of every game without prejudice and mistake-free! Does this put extra pressure on each member of the crew? Not necessarily. Pressure keeps one focused and can be managed when every one is prepared – mentally and physically. The questions are: a) did each one do his homework thoroughly by studying the Rule Book? And b) did everyone physically workout each day to be in game conditioning?
2) Set the ground rules. Each week, before the next game, every official – by himself, as well as with his crew, studies the game film of their previous week’s game looking for ways to improve. Each crew member must be honest to admit a blown call, a missed play, and that he was in the right position to make the call (called mechanics). Only when officials learn from their mistakes will improvement take place. These ground rules help the crew seek perfection. Another important ground rule is to be professional on the field, friendly and courteous, but not “buddy, buddy” with players or coaches.
3) Identify each member’s strengths. It is vital that each official is placed in an on-field position e.g. R, U, HL, LJ, SJ, FJ or BJ, which utilizes his physical and mental strengths to the utmost. While the major responsibility of enforcing the penalty for a foul, for example, is placed on the referee (white hat), it is essential for the effectiveness of the crew, and of course, for the game itself that every official learn, know and ensure that every penalty is properly enforced. And finally, while the strength of a crew depends on the strength of the individual, it is the willingness of each to help another T.E.A.M. member. Teamwork – call it chemistry – is crucial to the success of the game.
Will you practice these suggestions to help your T.E.A.M. move from effectiveness to greatness?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
Friday, September 12, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #194, Sept. 15, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
After Further Review… Does fan behavior determine the outcome of a game? Does it influence the performance of an athlete? Should fans only cheer (read: Encourage) their team and not ‘boo’ or cast disparaging remarks towards a player or team? Is there a limit as to how far fan behavior can or should go?
Many of these questions arose with the recent announcement that Tennessee Titans’ starting quarterback #10 Vince Young (http://www.10vinceyoung.com/) was “hurting inside and out” and doesn’t want to play football anymore. Young, in his third season with the Titans after being the third pick in the 2006 Draft, was expected to lead the Titans to the Super Bowl. What happened?
Late in the Titans’ (http://www.titansonline.com/) opening game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Young scrambled, was tackled, and sprained his left knee. Before the injury, Young was booed loudly after throwing two interceptions, even though the Titans eventually won 17-10. That emotional damage appeared to affect Young more than the revelation that the MRI on his knee showed a “sprained medial collateral ligament.” Young has since reconsidered and rejoined the team, pledging his full commitment to the Titans (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12118_4135869,00.html) .
Some athletes handle booing/jeering, etc. better than others. Fans have always expressed their dissatisfaction with performances that they feel are not in keeping with their expectations (read: Winning). Fans don’t want to lose. Neither do players. Players always want to give their best performance. Someone has to lose. Fans don’t accept that, thus the booing.
As an NFL referee for 31 years, I have been booed many, many times. Whether it was on a foul called – or not called – fans took out their displeasure by booing. On more than one occasion fans have thrown bottles, cans, snowballs, etc. venting their displeasure. Fan behavior became so violent a few years ago at Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium (http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/) , where the Eagles play, that a Civil Court Judge was placed in the bowels of the stadium and out-of-control fans were adjudicated and sentenced right on the spot.
Actually, I have found that a team playing ‘on the road’ away from home has less difficulty with booing than playing at home. A team on the road may get booed during player or team introductions, but often no one player is singled out. If a visiting quarterback throws an interception, the home team crowd doesn’t boo – they cheer!
So how does any player rebound from the booing of fans? Coaches and teammates play a vital role, at any level – Little League to professional – to help an athlete bounce back from abhorrent fan behavior. Thus, the word T.E.A.M. means just that -- Together Everyone Accomplishes More.
Will you be supportive of a teammate who is having a bad day?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
A new book, “The Encore Effect,” by author/speaker Mark Sanborn, now available
For more information, visit: www.MarkSanborn.com/moreencores
Many of these questions arose with the recent announcement that Tennessee Titans’ starting quarterback #10 Vince Young (http://www.10vinceyoung.com/) was “hurting inside and out” and doesn’t want to play football anymore. Young, in his third season with the Titans after being the third pick in the 2006 Draft, was expected to lead the Titans to the Super Bowl. What happened?
Late in the Titans’ (http://www.titansonline.com/) opening game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Young scrambled, was tackled, and sprained his left knee. Before the injury, Young was booed loudly after throwing two interceptions, even though the Titans eventually won 17-10. That emotional damage appeared to affect Young more than the revelation that the MRI on his knee showed a “sprained medial collateral ligament.” Young has since reconsidered and rejoined the team, pledging his full commitment to the Titans (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12118_4135869,00.html) .
Some athletes handle booing/jeering, etc. better than others. Fans have always expressed their dissatisfaction with performances that they feel are not in keeping with their expectations (read: Winning). Fans don’t want to lose. Neither do players. Players always want to give their best performance. Someone has to lose. Fans don’t accept that, thus the booing.
As an NFL referee for 31 years, I have been booed many, many times. Whether it was on a foul called – or not called – fans took out their displeasure by booing. On more than one occasion fans have thrown bottles, cans, snowballs, etc. venting their displeasure. Fan behavior became so violent a few years ago at Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium (http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/) , where the Eagles play, that a Civil Court Judge was placed in the bowels of the stadium and out-of-control fans were adjudicated and sentenced right on the spot.
Actually, I have found that a team playing ‘on the road’ away from home has less difficulty with booing than playing at home. A team on the road may get booed during player or team introductions, but often no one player is singled out. If a visiting quarterback throws an interception, the home team crowd doesn’t boo – they cheer!
So how does any player rebound from the booing of fans? Coaches and teammates play a vital role, at any level – Little League to professional – to help an athlete bounce back from abhorrent fan behavior. Thus, the word T.E.A.M. means just that -- Together Everyone Accomplishes More.
Will you be supportive of a teammate who is having a bad day?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
A new book, “The Encore Effect,” by author/speaker Mark Sanborn, now available
For more information, visit: www.MarkSanborn.com/moreencores
Friday, September 5, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #193, Sept. 8, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
On The Tunney Side of the Street #193, Sept. 8, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
As I watched Head Coach Herm Edwards (Http://www.kcchiefs.com/coach/herman_edwards/) address the Kansas City Chiefs’ Team after they defeated the St. Louis Rams in their last pre-season game, the word LEADER came to mind. I was watching a leader do best what a leader does best.
First and foremost, Coach Edwards congratulated them (as a team) for their victory. He made specific references to 3 or 4 things they did well. Then he constructively pointed out things that needed more work. And finally, the Coach said that this week was ‘cut down’ time as the NFL requires that a team can only keep 53 players on their roster. The Chiefs would have to cut 22 players from their present squad (http://www.kcchiefs.com/default.asp).
Herm has often said that ‘cutting’ a player – one who has been, undoubtedly, a top college player and who has given his best effort in their month-long training camp – “well, that’s the toughest part of the job as a head coach” (read: Leader). What was most impressive was what Herm said next, “I will meet with each player (to be cut) and help him understand that this is not an end; that if he continues to believe in himself, other opportunities will open up.” Further, he continued, “We (meaning Herm, as Coach, and the Chiefs’ organization) will be available to help you continue on the path you choose.”
On many NFL teams (http://www.nfl.com/), a Coach just “picks up the playbook” and often never speaks to the player. That’s what happened to Edwards when he was “released” from the Philadelphia Eagles after nine seasons as a starter – not a word from the Head Coach. Herm thought that was a leadership style he would NOT emulate. Herm walks his talk.
His after-the-game talk to his T.E.A.M. reminded me of what the word L.E.A.D.E.R. means. Using it as a mnemonic device, let’s look at LEADER this way:
L = Love what you do – it is the power of your will
E = Expect excellence – prepare well and you will play like you practiced
A = Attitude – thoughts of the heart
D = Determination – there’s no “quit” in my dictionary
E = Ethics – just do the right thing
R = Roundup (the T.E.A.M.) – each of us needs all of us
My colleague, Mark Sanborn (http://www.marksanborn.com/), writes “You don’t need a title to be a leader!” Yet, we see in today’s environment many who shy away from the leadership role. Being a leader takes courage and a willingness to “stand the heat.”
Will you be willing to “step-up” to lead others?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
A new book, “The Encore Effect,” by author/speaker Mark Sanborn, now available
For more information, visit: www.MarkSanborn.com/moreencores
As I watched Head Coach Herm Edwards (Http://www.kcchiefs.com/coach/herman_edwards/) address the Kansas City Chiefs’ Team after they defeated the St. Louis Rams in their last pre-season game, the word LEADER came to mind. I was watching a leader do best what a leader does best.
First and foremost, Coach Edwards congratulated them (as a team) for their victory. He made specific references to 3 or 4 things they did well. Then he constructively pointed out things that needed more work. And finally, the Coach said that this week was ‘cut down’ time as the NFL requires that a team can only keep 53 players on their roster. The Chiefs would have to cut 22 players from their present squad (http://www.kcchiefs.com/default.asp).
Herm has often said that ‘cutting’ a player – one who has been, undoubtedly, a top college player and who has given his best effort in their month-long training camp – “well, that’s the toughest part of the job as a head coach” (read: Leader). What was most impressive was what Herm said next, “I will meet with each player (to be cut) and help him understand that this is not an end; that if he continues to believe in himself, other opportunities will open up.” Further, he continued, “We (meaning Herm, as Coach, and the Chiefs’ organization) will be available to help you continue on the path you choose.”
On many NFL teams (http://www.nfl.com/), a Coach just “picks up the playbook” and often never speaks to the player. That’s what happened to Edwards when he was “released” from the Philadelphia Eagles after nine seasons as a starter – not a word from the Head Coach. Herm thought that was a leadership style he would NOT emulate. Herm walks his talk.
His after-the-game talk to his T.E.A.M. reminded me of what the word L.E.A.D.E.R. means. Using it as a mnemonic device, let’s look at LEADER this way:
L = Love what you do – it is the power of your will
E = Expect excellence – prepare well and you will play like you practiced
A = Attitude – thoughts of the heart
D = Determination – there’s no “quit” in my dictionary
E = Ethics – just do the right thing
R = Roundup (the T.E.A.M.) – each of us needs all of us
My colleague, Mark Sanborn (http://www.marksanborn.com/), writes “You don’t need a title to be a leader!” Yet, we see in today’s environment many who shy away from the leadership role. Being a leader takes courage and a willingness to “stand the heat.”
Will you be willing to “step-up” to lead others?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
A new book, “The Encore Effect,” by author/speaker Mark Sanborn, now available
For more information, visit: www.MarkSanborn.com/moreencores
Friday, August 29, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #192, Sept. 1, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
On the Tunney Side of the Street - #192 - September 1, 2008
“If we didn’t have great character, we would not have been able to beat another team that does,” said U.S. Olympic Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080827/ap_on_sp_co_ne/bkc_coach_k_back_from_beijing). Great character? Are we talking about the U.S. Pro Basketball players (most of them anyway) who lost the “Gold” in Athens in 2004 and the “Dream Team” who did so poorly in Barcelona in 2000?
With many of those “Dream Team” players on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Basketball team playing in China, how in the world did CHARACTER get involved? Let me suggest the name “Coach K.” Yes, the Duke University Basketball Coach (http://www.coachk.com/). You mean a college coach pulled this T.E.A.M. of professional players together by infusing character into their lineup? Precisely!
Coach K took Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Jason Kidd and the other NBA stars and redeemed U.S. Olympic Basketball to Gold status. Thus the sobriquet - Redeem T.E.A.M (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/olympics/2008/08/mens_basketball_redeem_team_re.html). Team Captain Jason Kidd, of the Dallas Mavericks (http://www.jasonkidd.com/), said it best, “It’s all about each other.” In fact, as the Redeem Team players stood on the podium with Gold medals hanging from each one’s neck, and our national anthem being played, Captain Kidd reminded them to “put your hand over your heart, because in the emotion of the ceremony, it’s easy to forget about our country and what it means.”
What a turnaround. Critics talk about the very rich NBA players being selfish, arrogant and the like. What we saw in Beijing was a team becoming a united force to overcome adversity, as it did in the Gold game against Spain (a team with character), who came close to an upset. Further, those NBA All-Stars went throughout the Olympic Village signing autographs ad nauseam, attending Women’s Basketball games, Swimming, Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Track and Field and other events in support of their fellow athletes.
Since these players were many of the same NBA All-Stars who embarrassed the U.S.A. in Barcelona and Athens, the turnaround MUST be attributed to Coach K and his staff who brought character and respect - traits that every athlete must possess - to each player.
Speaking of respect, overlooked appreciation is due for Olympian Decathlete Bryan Clay. While all remember his noteworthy predecessors - Bob Mathias, Rafer Johnson, Bruce Jenner -to name just a few, Clay, who won the Decathlon Silver in 2004, led after EVERY event in 2008. The Decathlon is a grueling competition of 10 track and field events contested in just 2 days. This event recognizes the best of athleticism. Well done, Bryan! (http://www.bryanclay.com/clay/index)
Will you keep character and respect first and foremost in everything you do?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
You can also visit Jim’s blog at: http://jimtunney.blogspot.com
A new book, “The Encore Effect,” by author/speaker Mark Sanborn, now available
For more information, visit: www.MarkSanborn.com/moreencores
“If we didn’t have great character, we would not have been able to beat another team that does,” said U.S. Olympic Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080827/ap_on_sp_co_ne/bkc_coach_k_back_from_beijing). Great character? Are we talking about the U.S. Pro Basketball players (most of them anyway) who lost the “Gold” in Athens in 2004 and the “Dream Team” who did so poorly in Barcelona in 2000?
With many of those “Dream Team” players on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Basketball team playing in China, how in the world did CHARACTER get involved? Let me suggest the name “Coach K.” Yes, the Duke University Basketball Coach (http://www.coachk.com/). You mean a college coach pulled this T.E.A.M. of professional players together by infusing character into their lineup? Precisely!
Coach K took Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Jason Kidd and the other NBA stars and redeemed U.S. Olympic Basketball to Gold status. Thus the sobriquet - Redeem T.E.A.M (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/olympics/2008/08/mens_basketball_redeem_team_re.html). Team Captain Jason Kidd, of the Dallas Mavericks (http://www.jasonkidd.com/), said it best, “It’s all about each other.” In fact, as the Redeem Team players stood on the podium with Gold medals hanging from each one’s neck, and our national anthem being played, Captain Kidd reminded them to “put your hand over your heart, because in the emotion of the ceremony, it’s easy to forget about our country and what it means.”
What a turnaround. Critics talk about the very rich NBA players being selfish, arrogant and the like. What we saw in Beijing was a team becoming a united force to overcome adversity, as it did in the Gold game against Spain (a team with character), who came close to an upset. Further, those NBA All-Stars went throughout the Olympic Village signing autographs ad nauseam, attending Women’s Basketball games, Swimming, Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Track and Field and other events in support of their fellow athletes.
Since these players were many of the same NBA All-Stars who embarrassed the U.S.A. in Barcelona and Athens, the turnaround MUST be attributed to Coach K and his staff who brought character and respect - traits that every athlete must possess - to each player.
Speaking of respect, overlooked appreciation is due for Olympian Decathlete Bryan Clay. While all remember his noteworthy predecessors - Bob Mathias, Rafer Johnson, Bruce Jenner -to name just a few, Clay, who won the Decathlon Silver in 2004, led after EVERY event in 2008. The Decathlon is a grueling competition of 10 track and field events contested in just 2 days. This event recognizes the best of athleticism. Well done, Bryan! (http://www.bryanclay.com/clay/index)
Will you keep character and respect first and foremost in everything you do?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
You can also visit Jim’s blog at: http://jimtunney.blogspot.com
A new book, “The Encore Effect,” by author/speaker Mark Sanborn, now available
For more information, visit: www.MarkSanborn.com/moreencores
Monday, August 25, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #191, August 25, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
After Further Review ... A potpourri of observations from the 2008 Olympic Games:
The Government of China pulled out all the 'stops' to impress the television world of how important the Olympic Games meant to them. I'm not sure it meant that much to the "man on the street," but the country has to be proud, especially with all the Gold medals won by the Chinese athletes(http://en.beijing2008.cn/).
Michael Phelps' 8 Gold medals did himself, his mother Debbie, and the U.S.A. proud as well (http://www.michaelphelps.com/)! I hope young athletes appreciated the dedication and commitment of Phelps. When a competitor openly announces goals, then competes at the highest level to achieve them, the remarkableness of that feat can only be applauded. Further, Phelps' humility during the plethora of interviews that followed demonstrated his appreciation of his teammates, as well as respect for his competitors. One has to admire that.
However, in events that called for subjective judgment, politics always seem to "pop up." Questionable subjective judgment is not new, but certainly was evident in Women's Gymnastics, especially the Uneven Bars, where China's He Kexin and Nastia Liukin tied (the same score of 16.727) for the top mark, yet Kexin received the Gold and Liukin the Silver on the Olympic "tie-breaker system." Why not both getting Gold medals? Such was the case in the 1988 Olympics when Valeri Liukin, Nastia's father, tied for first in the Men's Horizontal Bar with both competitors being awarded Gold medals. The judges didn't knock Nastia out of the Gold - the tie-breaker system did (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/hotstories/5952127.html). What if Milorad Cavic and Phelps simultaneously touched the timing pads in the 100 meter 'fly'? Wouldn't have both been awarded Gold medals?
Usain Bolt's (http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=271/bio/) pounding of his chest before crossing the finish line in his 100 meter heat in track might have drawn a 15-yard penalty in the NFL for taunting. It's no disgrace to get beat by someone of Bolt's talent, but his tasteless behavior is discomforting to his competitors, as well as the audience.
It was a sad day when the International Olympic Committee (http://www.olympic.org/uk/index_uk.asp)decided to eliminate Women's Softball and Men's Baseball. Was it because of the USA's dominance? If so, politics, again, rears its ugly head. At one time USA's Men's Basketball was dominant, even embarrassing, to other countries. Since we sent our U.S. coaches to other countries, the competition has (somewhat) leveled itself out.
Olympic competition was designed to have athlete compete against athlete or T.E.A.M. against T.E.A.M. The counting of medals by countries only exacerbates the "I'm better than you attitude" between nations that are already at odds. (http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/INF/GL/95A/GL0000000.shtml)
Will you look at Olympic competition as an individual vs. individual basis?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message, please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.comYou can also visit Jim's blog at: http://jimtunney.blogspot.comA new book "The Encore Effect" by Mark Sanborn, speaker/authorVisit www.MarkSanborn.com/moreencores for more information.
The Government of China pulled out all the 'stops' to impress the television world of how important the Olympic Games meant to them. I'm not sure it meant that much to the "man on the street," but the country has to be proud, especially with all the Gold medals won by the Chinese athletes(http://en.beijing2008.cn/).
Michael Phelps' 8 Gold medals did himself, his mother Debbie, and the U.S.A. proud as well (http://www.michaelphelps.com/)! I hope young athletes appreciated the dedication and commitment of Phelps. When a competitor openly announces goals, then competes at the highest level to achieve them, the remarkableness of that feat can only be applauded. Further, Phelps' humility during the plethora of interviews that followed demonstrated his appreciation of his teammates, as well as respect for his competitors. One has to admire that.
However, in events that called for subjective judgment, politics always seem to "pop up." Questionable subjective judgment is not new, but certainly was evident in Women's Gymnastics, especially the Uneven Bars, where China's He Kexin and Nastia Liukin tied (the same score of 16.727) for the top mark, yet Kexin received the Gold and Liukin the Silver on the Olympic "tie-breaker system." Why not both getting Gold medals? Such was the case in the 1988 Olympics when Valeri Liukin, Nastia's father, tied for first in the Men's Horizontal Bar with both competitors being awarded Gold medals. The judges didn't knock Nastia out of the Gold - the tie-breaker system did (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/hotstories/5952127.html). What if Milorad Cavic and Phelps simultaneously touched the timing pads in the 100 meter 'fly'? Wouldn't have both been awarded Gold medals?
Usain Bolt's (http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=271/bio/) pounding of his chest before crossing the finish line in his 100 meter heat in track might have drawn a 15-yard penalty in the NFL for taunting. It's no disgrace to get beat by someone of Bolt's talent, but his tasteless behavior is discomforting to his competitors, as well as the audience.
It was a sad day when the International Olympic Committee (http://www.olympic.org/uk/index_uk.asp)decided to eliminate Women's Softball and Men's Baseball. Was it because of the USA's dominance? If so, politics, again, rears its ugly head. At one time USA's Men's Basketball was dominant, even embarrassing, to other countries. Since we sent our U.S. coaches to other countries, the competition has (somewhat) leveled itself out.
Olympic competition was designed to have athlete compete against athlete or T.E.A.M. against T.E.A.M. The counting of medals by countries only exacerbates the "I'm better than you attitude" between nations that are already at odds. (http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/INF/GL/95A/GL0000000.shtml)
Will you look at Olympic competition as an individual vs. individual basis?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message, please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.comYou can also visit Jim's blog at: http://jimtunney.blogspot.comA new book "The Encore Effect" by Mark Sanborn, speaker/authorVisit www.MarkSanborn.com/moreencores for more information.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #190, August 18, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
On the Tunney Side of the Street #190, August 18, 2008 http://www.jimtunney.com
After Further Review … “’Cause I’m the hall monitor,” said 9-year old Lin Hao, the Chinese schoolboy who marched in the 2008 Opening Ceremonies of the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing, as the co-leader with China’s Flag Bearer, 7”6’ Yao Ming. Yao Ming, of course, you know as the Houston Rockets NBA star, who was playing in the Olympic Games for his native country China.
Lin Hao, perhaps, is a name you don’t know – yet. When the earthquake that hit Chengdu’s Sichuan Province, China, on May 12, 2008, killing 69,000+ people, Lin Hao was among those buried beneath the rubble, yet survived. Lin Hao had pulled a classmate out of the rubble, then ran back in to rescue another, when he was caught in the tumbling walls. Alive when the rescuers got to him, Lin Hao was asked “Why did you go back into that building that was crumbling?” Here is 9-year old Lin Hao’s response: “’CAUSE I’M THE HALL MONITOR!” You may call it responsibility, or leadership or determination. Whatever you call it, please put “HERO” next to Lin Hao’s name! Extraordinary!
There is no question that the spectacular opening of these 29th Olympic Games was the finest I have ever witnessed (http://en.beijing2008.cn/). The precision and splendor of that opening was exceeded only by the people who directed and performed in it. It was easy to be convinced that the light show, the drumming sequence and especially the ‘cube’ happening was controlled solely by electronics. I was delightfully surprised when the performers beneath those cubes popped their heads up at the conclusion. Extraordinary!
During an NBC interview with Zhang Yimou, (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0955443/) who directed the opening ceremonies, Yimou said “We (meaning every ‘cube’ performer) worked for 4 months - 8 hours a day - and we never got it perfect – until that opening night performance.” Determination and a “never-give-up” attitude, coupled with TEAMWORK, gave the world China’s extraordinary best.
Some critics (you don’t see many statues erected in honor of critics) knocked the Chinese performers as “sterile” and lacking passion (I guess they missed the fact that there are 1.3 billion Chinese!). I disagree. When you witness perfection, it may appear “sterile” and “passionless,” but what is often missed is the extraordinary effort to achieve perfection. Although understandable, not everyone needs to display the exuberance of a Michael Phelps, as shown when his T.E.A.M. won the 4x100 Relay, to proclaim their extraordinary feat. Extraordinary performances given by ordinary people giving extra effort to perform the extraordinary!
Will you give your extra effort to every task you have in order to achieve the extraordinary?
For more information about Jim Tunney or to request his speaking services, please visit http://www.jimtunney.com
After Further Review … “’Cause I’m the hall monitor,” said 9-year old Lin Hao, the Chinese schoolboy who marched in the 2008 Opening Ceremonies of the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing, as the co-leader with China’s Flag Bearer, 7”6’ Yao Ming. Yao Ming, of course, you know as the Houston Rockets NBA star, who was playing in the Olympic Games for his native country China.
Lin Hao, perhaps, is a name you don’t know – yet. When the earthquake that hit Chengdu’s Sichuan Province, China, on May 12, 2008, killing 69,000+ people, Lin Hao was among those buried beneath the rubble, yet survived. Lin Hao had pulled a classmate out of the rubble, then ran back in to rescue another, when he was caught in the tumbling walls. Alive when the rescuers got to him, Lin Hao was asked “Why did you go back into that building that was crumbling?” Here is 9-year old Lin Hao’s response: “’CAUSE I’M THE HALL MONITOR!” You may call it responsibility, or leadership or determination. Whatever you call it, please put “HERO” next to Lin Hao’s name! Extraordinary!
There is no question that the spectacular opening of these 29th Olympic Games was the finest I have ever witnessed (http://en.beijing2008.cn/). The precision and splendor of that opening was exceeded only by the people who directed and performed in it. It was easy to be convinced that the light show, the drumming sequence and especially the ‘cube’ happening was controlled solely by electronics. I was delightfully surprised when the performers beneath those cubes popped their heads up at the conclusion. Extraordinary!
During an NBC interview with Zhang Yimou, (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0955443/) who directed the opening ceremonies, Yimou said “We (meaning every ‘cube’ performer) worked for 4 months - 8 hours a day - and we never got it perfect – until that opening night performance.” Determination and a “never-give-up” attitude, coupled with TEAMWORK, gave the world China’s extraordinary best.
Some critics (you don’t see many statues erected in honor of critics) knocked the Chinese performers as “sterile” and lacking passion (I guess they missed the fact that there are 1.3 billion Chinese!). I disagree. When you witness perfection, it may appear “sterile” and “passionless,” but what is often missed is the extraordinary effort to achieve perfection. Although understandable, not everyone needs to display the exuberance of a Michael Phelps, as shown when his T.E.A.M. won the 4x100 Relay, to proclaim their extraordinary feat. Extraordinary performances given by ordinary people giving extra effort to perform the extraordinary!
Will you give your extra effort to every task you have in order to achieve the extraordinary?
For more information about Jim Tunney or to request his speaking services, please visit http://www.jimtunney.com
Saturday, August 16, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #190, August 18, 2008 (www.JimTunney.com)
On the Tunney Side of the Street #190, August 18, 2008 http://www.jimtunney.com/
After Further Review … “’Cause I’m the hall monitor,” said 9-year old Lin Hao, the Chinese schoolboy who marched in the 2008 Opening Ceremonies of the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing, as the co-leader with China’s Flag Bearer, 7”6’ Yao Ming. Yao Ming, of course, you know as the Houston Rockets NBA star, who was playing in the Olympic Games for his native country China.
Lin Hao, perhaps, is a name you don’t know – yet. When the earthquake that hit Chengdu’s Sichuan Province, China, on May 12, 2008, killing 69,000+ people, Lin Hao was among those buried beneath the rubble, yet survived. Lin Hao had pulled a classmate out of the rubble, then ran back in to rescue another, when he was caught in the tumbling walls. Alive when the rescuers got to him, Lin Hao was asked “Why did you go back into that building that was crumbling?” Here is 9-year old Lin Hao’s response: “’CAUSE I’M THE HALL MONITOR!” You may call it responsibility, or leadership or determination. Whatever you call it, please put “HERO” next to Lin Hao’s name! Extraordinary!
There is no question that the spectacular opening of these 29th Olympic Games was the finest I have ever witnessed (http://en.beijing2008.cn/). The precision and splendor of that opening was exceeded only by the people who directed and performed in it. It was easy to be convinced that the light show, the drumming sequence and especially the ‘cube’ happening was controlled solely by electronics. I was delightfully surprised when the performers beneath those cubes popped their heads up at the conclusion. Extraordinary!
During an NBC interview with Zhang Yimou, (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0955443/) who directed the opening ceremonies, Yimou said “We (meaning every ‘cube’ performer) worked for 4 months - 8 hours a day - and we never got it perfect – until that opening night performance.” Determination and a “never-give-up” attitude, coupled with TEAMWORK, gave the world China’s extraordinary best.
Some critics (you don’t see many statues erected in honor of critics) knocked the Chinese performers as “sterile” and lacking passion (I guess they missed the fact that there are 1.3 billion Chinese!). I disagree. When you witness perfection, it may appear “sterile” and “passionless,” but what is often missed is the extraordinary effort to achieve perfection. Although understandable, not everyone needs to display the exuberance of a Michael Phelps, as shown when his T.E.A.M. won the 4x100 Relay, to proclaim their extraordinary feat. Extraordinary performances given by ordinary people giving extra effort to perform the extraordinary!
Will you give your extra effort to every task you have in order to achieve the extraordinary?
For more information about Jim Tunney or to request his speaking services, please visit http://www.jimtunney.com/
After Further Review … “’Cause I’m the hall monitor,” said 9-year old Lin Hao, the Chinese schoolboy who marched in the 2008 Opening Ceremonies of the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing, as the co-leader with China’s Flag Bearer, 7”6’ Yao Ming. Yao Ming, of course, you know as the Houston Rockets NBA star, who was playing in the Olympic Games for his native country China.
Lin Hao, perhaps, is a name you don’t know – yet. When the earthquake that hit Chengdu’s Sichuan Province, China, on May 12, 2008, killing 69,000+ people, Lin Hao was among those buried beneath the rubble, yet survived. Lin Hao had pulled a classmate out of the rubble, then ran back in to rescue another, when he was caught in the tumbling walls. Alive when the rescuers got to him, Lin Hao was asked “Why did you go back into that building that was crumbling?” Here is 9-year old Lin Hao’s response: “’CAUSE I’M THE HALL MONITOR!” You may call it responsibility, or leadership or determination. Whatever you call it, please put “HERO” next to Lin Hao’s name! Extraordinary!
There is no question that the spectacular opening of these 29th Olympic Games was the finest I have ever witnessed (http://en.beijing2008.cn/). The precision and splendor of that opening was exceeded only by the people who directed and performed in it. It was easy to be convinced that the light show, the drumming sequence and especially the ‘cube’ happening was controlled solely by electronics. I was delightfully surprised when the performers beneath those cubes popped their heads up at the conclusion. Extraordinary!
During an NBC interview with Zhang Yimou, (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0955443/) who directed the opening ceremonies, Yimou said “We (meaning every ‘cube’ performer) worked for 4 months - 8 hours a day - and we never got it perfect – until that opening night performance.” Determination and a “never-give-up” attitude, coupled with TEAMWORK, gave the world China’s extraordinary best.
Some critics (you don’t see many statues erected in honor of critics) knocked the Chinese performers as “sterile” and lacking passion (I guess they missed the fact that there are 1.3 billion Chinese!). I disagree. When you witness perfection, it may appear “sterile” and “passionless,” but what is often missed is the extraordinary effort to achieve perfection. Although understandable, not everyone needs to display the exuberance of a Michael Phelps, as shown when his T.E.A.M. won the 4x100 Relay, to proclaim their extraordinary feat. Extraordinary performances given by ordinary people giving extra effort to perform the extraordinary!
Will you give your extra effort to every task you have in order to achieve the extraordinary?
For more information about Jim Tunney or to request his speaking services, please visit http://www.jimtunney.com/
Monday, August 11, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #189 - August 11, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #189 – August 11, 2008
After Further Review … “You’ve got to be kiddin’ me – Donaghy ONLY got 15 MONTHS in the ‘slammer?” shouted a current sports official to me on the phone. The official, who is a member of the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) was outraged at the light sentencing Donaghy received but, primarily incensed about the embarrassment Donaghy caused ALL sports officials.
To recap, former National Basketball Referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty to Federal gambling charges on games he officiated during his 13-year tenure on the NBA courts. It was never made clear how many games and/or years Donaghy provided “inside information” to others about games he worked.
“Not long enough” continued the NASO official, stating that U.S. District Court Judge Carol Amon could have enforced the maximum sentence of 20 YEARS. Judge Amon acquiesced to Donaghy’s defense attorneys, stating that “he (Donaghy) provided substantial assistance” in the cases of his co-defendants, James Battista and Thomas Martino, former high school classmates. In the neighborhood where I grew up, we called that “ratting on your buddies.”
In my years as a referee, as well as a sports fan, there has always been a suspicious nature by fans who are “convinced” officials favor one T.E.A.M. The accusation, of course, is that the official favors the “other” team, not the one that fan follows. My book, “Impartial Judgment” explains the officials’ philosophy of
“I don’t care who wins.” I didn’t -- and neither do officials today.
Donaghy lost his 1) job as an NBA referee (earning about $160,000 a year); 2) his family – his wife, Kim, has divorced him; 3) but mostly has lost his dignity as a person. The NBA has filed a suit, which is still pending, asking him to repay $1.4 million. Judge Amon ruled that along with Battista and Martino, Donaghy must repay $217,000. Judge Amon also ordered Donaghy be “treated for his gambling addiction.” Gambling addiction?
Now, I don’t want to infringe on Dr. Phil’s territory, but the idea that Donaghy’s problem was a gambling addiction is absurd! Donaghy’s “problem” was GREED, a sense of POWER and lack of INTEGRITY – not addiction! If he were a gambling addict, why wouldn’t he just go to Vegas or Atlantic City – like former NBA stars Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley, who admit to being addicted to gambling, but NEVER bet on NBA games in which they were involved. I haven’t walked in the Judge’s shoes or sat on that “bench,” but when she swallowed that “addiction baloney,” she took the easy way out!
Plea bargaining at its worst!
Will you be watchful that greed and a false sense of power are avoided in whatever you do?
After Further Review … “You’ve got to be kiddin’ me – Donaghy ONLY got 15 MONTHS in the ‘slammer?” shouted a current sports official to me on the phone. The official, who is a member of the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) was outraged at the light sentencing Donaghy received but, primarily incensed about the embarrassment Donaghy caused ALL sports officials.
To recap, former National Basketball Referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty to Federal gambling charges on games he officiated during his 13-year tenure on the NBA courts. It was never made clear how many games and/or years Donaghy provided “inside information” to others about games he worked.
“Not long enough” continued the NASO official, stating that U.S. District Court Judge Carol Amon could have enforced the maximum sentence of 20 YEARS. Judge Amon acquiesced to Donaghy’s defense attorneys, stating that “he (Donaghy) provided substantial assistance” in the cases of his co-defendants, James Battista and Thomas Martino, former high school classmates. In the neighborhood where I grew up, we called that “ratting on your buddies.”
In my years as a referee, as well as a sports fan, there has always been a suspicious nature by fans who are “convinced” officials favor one T.E.A.M. The accusation, of course, is that the official favors the “other” team, not the one that fan follows. My book, “Impartial Judgment” explains the officials’ philosophy of
“I don’t care who wins.” I didn’t -- and neither do officials today.
Donaghy lost his 1) job as an NBA referee (earning about $160,000 a year); 2) his family – his wife, Kim, has divorced him; 3) but mostly has lost his dignity as a person. The NBA has filed a suit, which is still pending, asking him to repay $1.4 million. Judge Amon ruled that along with Battista and Martino, Donaghy must repay $217,000. Judge Amon also ordered Donaghy be “treated for his gambling addiction.” Gambling addiction?
Now, I don’t want to infringe on Dr. Phil’s territory, but the idea that Donaghy’s problem was a gambling addiction is absurd! Donaghy’s “problem” was GREED, a sense of POWER and lack of INTEGRITY – not addiction! If he were a gambling addict, why wouldn’t he just go to Vegas or Atlantic City – like former NBA stars Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley, who admit to being addicted to gambling, but NEVER bet on NBA games in which they were involved. I haven’t walked in the Judge’s shoes or sat on that “bench,” but when she swallowed that “addiction baloney,” she took the easy way out!
Plea bargaining at its worst!
Will you be watchful that greed and a false sense of power are avoided in whatever you do?
Sunday, August 3, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #188 - August 4, 2008
On the Tunney Side of the Street #188, August 4, 2008
After Further Review … All 32 National Football League teams opened their 2008 training camps the third week in July with less than one-half of those drafted in the first round signing their contracts. The others had not signed by the day the camps opened. Oh, they will … but when?
How in the world can a first round draft pick, whose salary and signing bonus -- much of it guaranteed in the multi-millions -- delay getting started? Coaches tell me that it is VITAL for rookies to begin-at-the-beginning. The transition from the college game to the NFL is enormous. Who do these Rookies think they are, anyway? Some of the first rounders will be out of the NFL in a year or two – mostly because they didn’t make it!
Veteran players in today’s NFL games are hesitant to criticize “holdouts,” nor do they even seem to want to encourage their brethren to report to training camp on time. That same thinking is also present with today’s players who fail to admonish teammates for “show boating.” Players often just look the other way, as they did in ignoring the poor behavior of the likes of Michael Vick and Pacman Jones. A teammate's leadership might have saved those two – and others – for the fate that befell them.
Holdouts are not new. Players have “held out” for many years. Jerry Kramer, All-pro Green Bay Packers Guard in the 1960’s said that when he “negotiated’ with Head Coach Vince Lombardi, he wanted $27,000 to play in his 11th season – that was his total salary; no bonuses. Lombardi would only go for $26,500. Kramer held out; Lombardi finally agreed to $27,000, but that was in June and not a day of training camp was missed.
The 2008 NFL draft was in April. Why didn’t negotiations begin in early May? Well, often players in the first round wait to see what other first rounders are getting to compare their offers. Thus, it has become “play for the money” and not for the love of the game as it was in Kramer’s day.
Agents play such a dominant role in the holdout. The agent, of course, is the player’s main negotiator and, as such, has that player’s attention. The unfortunate issue is that a determined, often truculent, agent fails to see the value of reporting on-time to training camp. The value is two-fold: 1) the conditioning and timing of each player in concert with his team and 2) the camaraderie that is necessary for the chemistry needed to build a T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Accomplishes More).
Will you give your best to help build your T.E.A.M. chemistry?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
After Further Review … All 32 National Football League teams opened their 2008 training camps the third week in July with less than one-half of those drafted in the first round signing their contracts. The others had not signed by the day the camps opened. Oh, they will … but when?
How in the world can a first round draft pick, whose salary and signing bonus -- much of it guaranteed in the multi-millions -- delay getting started? Coaches tell me that it is VITAL for rookies to begin-at-the-beginning. The transition from the college game to the NFL is enormous. Who do these Rookies think they are, anyway? Some of the first rounders will be out of the NFL in a year or two – mostly because they didn’t make it!
Veteran players in today’s NFL games are hesitant to criticize “holdouts,” nor do they even seem to want to encourage their brethren to report to training camp on time. That same thinking is also present with today’s players who fail to admonish teammates for “show boating.” Players often just look the other way, as they did in ignoring the poor behavior of the likes of Michael Vick and Pacman Jones. A teammate's leadership might have saved those two – and others – for the fate that befell them.
Holdouts are not new. Players have “held out” for many years. Jerry Kramer, All-pro Green Bay Packers Guard in the 1960’s said that when he “negotiated’ with Head Coach Vince Lombardi, he wanted $27,000 to play in his 11th season – that was his total salary; no bonuses. Lombardi would only go for $26,500. Kramer held out; Lombardi finally agreed to $27,000, but that was in June and not a day of training camp was missed.
The 2008 NFL draft was in April. Why didn’t negotiations begin in early May? Well, often players in the first round wait to see what other first rounders are getting to compare their offers. Thus, it has become “play for the money” and not for the love of the game as it was in Kramer’s day.
Agents play such a dominant role in the holdout. The agent, of course, is the player’s main negotiator and, as such, has that player’s attention. The unfortunate issue is that a determined, often truculent, agent fails to see the value of reporting on-time to training camp. The value is two-fold: 1) the conditioning and timing of each player in concert with his team and 2) the camaraderie that is necessary for the chemistry needed to build a T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Accomplishes More).
Will you give your best to help build your T.E.A.M. chemistry?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
Saturday, August 2, 2008
On The Tunney Side of the Street #186 - July 21, 2008
On the Tunney Side of the Street #186 July 21, 2008
After Further Review .... In "The House that Ruth Built," the American League defeated the National League 4-3 in the 15th inning of the 79th Major League All-Star Baseball game. This was the 4th All-Star game played at Yankee Stadium – and the final one! Tears fell. The current Yankee Stadium (86 years old) will be demolished after the final out on September 21, 2008. The "new" Yankee Stadium is well under construction and should be finished in time for the 2009 MLB Season.
Yankee Stadium meant a lot to me. As a kid growing up in the San Gabriel Valley (Southern California), I listened on the radio (no TV yet!) to Yankee games every chance I could. Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Rizzuto, Mize, Ruffing – the whole era of baseball for me was focused in the Bronx. The Dodgers, Angels, Giants, Padres, A’s, were not yet in California.
The Dodgers were still in Brooklyn ("Dem Bums"). The Giants played at the Polo grounds as the New York Giants, and the A’s were the Philadelphia Athletics. The Angels and Padres weren’t even born yet. Neither were Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and the rest of the current Yankees.
I was raised not only on Yankee lore, but as a kid wanting to shape my athletic career around being: "Starting pitcher for the Yankees this afternoon, Jim Tunney!" I can still hear Bob Sheppard’s voice (Yankee’s P.A. announcer) resonating throughout that iconic stadium. The rest of that story did not develop beyond that dream. My baseball career came to an abrupt halt midway through my college days. Professionally? No chance!
However, when you dream about something long enough and often enough, it can happen. After officiating in high school and college football games, the NFL invited me to join their officiating ranks in 1960. Then in November 1960, I was assigned to Referee (field judge actually) the Pittsburgh Steelers at the New York Giants in (are you ready for some football!) YANKEE STADIUM!
I had never been to New York, and of course, never set foot on the field at Yankee Stadium. As soon as I arrived, I put my officiating bag in our locker room, walked down the tunnel, up the first base dugout steps … and … and, YES! Walked right to where the mound would have been (it was removed to make the football field level). I just stood there for a few minutes (seemed like an hour) and with tears streaming down my cheeks, and threw a perfect strike (albeit imaginative) as plate umpire Doug Harvey called out "Steeeeee-rike!" I was home!
Will you follow your dream, never giving up until it comes true?
After Further Review .... In "The House that Ruth Built," the American League defeated the National League 4-3 in the 15th inning of the 79th Major League All-Star Baseball game. This was the 4th All-Star game played at Yankee Stadium – and the final one! Tears fell. The current Yankee Stadium (86 years old) will be demolished after the final out on September 21, 2008. The "new" Yankee Stadium is well under construction and should be finished in time for the 2009 MLB Season.
Yankee Stadium meant a lot to me. As a kid growing up in the San Gabriel Valley (Southern California), I listened on the radio (no TV yet!) to Yankee games every chance I could. Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Rizzuto, Mize, Ruffing – the whole era of baseball for me was focused in the Bronx. The Dodgers, Angels, Giants, Padres, A’s, were not yet in California.
The Dodgers were still in Brooklyn ("Dem Bums"). The Giants played at the Polo grounds as the New York Giants, and the A’s were the Philadelphia Athletics. The Angels and Padres weren’t even born yet. Neither were Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and the rest of the current Yankees.
I was raised not only on Yankee lore, but as a kid wanting to shape my athletic career around being: "Starting pitcher for the Yankees this afternoon, Jim Tunney!" I can still hear Bob Sheppard’s voice (Yankee’s P.A. announcer) resonating throughout that iconic stadium. The rest of that story did not develop beyond that dream. My baseball career came to an abrupt halt midway through my college days. Professionally? No chance!
However, when you dream about something long enough and often enough, it can happen. After officiating in high school and college football games, the NFL invited me to join their officiating ranks in 1960. Then in November 1960, I was assigned to Referee (field judge actually) the Pittsburgh Steelers at the New York Giants in (are you ready for some football!) YANKEE STADIUM!
I had never been to New York, and of course, never set foot on the field at Yankee Stadium. As soon as I arrived, I put my officiating bag in our locker room, walked down the tunnel, up the first base dugout steps … and … and, YES! Walked right to where the mound would have been (it was removed to make the football field level). I just stood there for a few minutes (seemed like an hour) and with tears streaming down my cheeks, and threw a perfect strike (albeit imaginative) as plate umpire Doug Harvey called out "Steeeeee-rike!" I was home!
Will you follow your dream, never giving up until it comes true?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
On The Tunney Side of the Street #184 - July 7, 2008
On the Tunney Side of the Street #184 - July 7, 2008
After Further Review .... The 2008 Olympic Games open one month from tomorrow, 08-08-08 in Beijing, China, with a lot of excitement and anticipation that the USA will be triumphant over our competitive countries. While I fully support our athletes and want them to do well, it appears to me – it has for many Olympic Games now – that we have let the “Spirit” of the Olympics get away from us.
“Citius, Altius, Fortius” -- interpreted to mean swifter, higher, stronger -- has always been the Olympic motto. The games were designed to compare INDIVIDUAL ATHLETICISM – not country competition. Most countries (not just the USA) want to “stack up” their country’s scores against other countries (i.e. country vs. country, not athlete vs. athlete). The Olympic Creed of “The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well” has been lost.
Enter the US Olympic Mens Basketball T.E.A.M. Being a team sport in itself takes away from the individual competition. Now, don’t get ahead of me here – I like the T.E.A.M. concept and countries should put their best team forward. But the US Olympic Mens Basketball T.E.A.M. is made up of NBA players – professionals!
You may recall that the great athlete Jim Thorpe had his Olympic Gold medals in the Decathlon and Pentathlon 1912 Olympics taken away because it was later discovered that Thorpe had played on, and received money from, a professional baseball team. In today’s Olympic competition, most of the players from every country are paid. USA began playing professionals in the Olympics when it was discovered we were sending our best amateur players, but facing professionals from other countries.
We should send our best athletes, but why not our best amateurs to maintain the “Spirit” of the games. Sixteen years ago, the first “DREAM TEAM” comprised of NBA players wanted 5-star treatment by living in luxurious hotels and not in the Olympic Village. Granted the Olympic Village was “spartan” compared to what these professional athletes were used to, but the value of being together in an Olympic environment was lost – and so did the Dream Team.
Further, the selection of Denver Nugget’s star Carmelo Anthony to the Olympic basketball team is suspect. Anthony certainly is one of the more talented players. However, the Nugget’s suspended “Melo” for 2 games, starting the 2008-2009 NBA season, when he was recently arrested after “pleading guilty to driving while impaired” (DUI). If the Nugget’s felt it necessary to take this aggressive action, why didn’t the Olympic Team do likewise? In sending our “Best Athletes,” it is important to incorporate character along with athleticism.
Will you support the Olympic Games that comprise the best amateurs strong in character as well as athleticism?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message, please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
After Further Review .... The 2008 Olympic Games open one month from tomorrow, 08-08-08 in Beijing, China, with a lot of excitement and anticipation that the USA will be triumphant over our competitive countries. While I fully support our athletes and want them to do well, it appears to me – it has for many Olympic Games now – that we have let the “Spirit” of the Olympics get away from us.
“Citius, Altius, Fortius” -- interpreted to mean swifter, higher, stronger -- has always been the Olympic motto. The games were designed to compare INDIVIDUAL ATHLETICISM – not country competition. Most countries (not just the USA) want to “stack up” their country’s scores against other countries (i.e. country vs. country, not athlete vs. athlete). The Olympic Creed of “The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well” has been lost.
Enter the US Olympic Mens Basketball T.E.A.M. Being a team sport in itself takes away from the individual competition. Now, don’t get ahead of me here – I like the T.E.A.M. concept and countries should put their best team forward. But the US Olympic Mens Basketball T.E.A.M. is made up of NBA players – professionals!
You may recall that the great athlete Jim Thorpe had his Olympic Gold medals in the Decathlon and Pentathlon 1912 Olympics taken away because it was later discovered that Thorpe had played on, and received money from, a professional baseball team. In today’s Olympic competition, most of the players from every country are paid. USA began playing professionals in the Olympics when it was discovered we were sending our best amateur players, but facing professionals from other countries.
We should send our best athletes, but why not our best amateurs to maintain the “Spirit” of the games. Sixteen years ago, the first “DREAM TEAM” comprised of NBA players wanted 5-star treatment by living in luxurious hotels and not in the Olympic Village. Granted the Olympic Village was “spartan” compared to what these professional athletes were used to, but the value of being together in an Olympic environment was lost – and so did the Dream Team.
Further, the selection of Denver Nugget’s star Carmelo Anthony to the Olympic basketball team is suspect. Anthony certainly is one of the more talented players. However, the Nugget’s suspended “Melo” for 2 games, starting the 2008-2009 NBA season, when he was recently arrested after “pleading guilty to driving while impaired” (DUI). If the Nugget’s felt it necessary to take this aggressive action, why didn’t the Olympic Team do likewise? In sending our “Best Athletes,” it is important to incorporate character along with athleticism.
Will you support the Olympic Games that comprise the best amateurs strong in character as well as athleticism?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message, please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
On The Tunney Side of the Street #185, July 14, 2008
On the Tunney Side of the Street #185 - July 14, 2008
After Further Review .... “His Grace never ends,” said NBC announcer Ted Robinson about Roger Federer as Federer accepted his defeat and congratulated Rafael Nadal on Nadal’s victory in the 2008 Wimbledon All England Club Championship. Federer, who had won this tennis championship 5 straight times, now had to sit back and accept the role of runner-up.
“Probably my hardest loss – doesn’t get much harder than this right now,” said Federer as he graciously answered post-match interview questions. Roger was 2 points from victory in this 4 hours and 48 minutes “test of wills” (Remember: “It’s the Will, not the Skill”) centre court historic event. Yet, through all of his frustration, tremendous disappointment, and weariness, Federer ‘stepped up’ – as the champion he is – to say “Rafa’s a deserving champion – he played fantastically.”
The humility and grace of both Federer and Nadal cannot – and should not – take second place to that victory. As Nadal, the champion said, “I’m sorry for him, because he deserved this title, too.” Nadal, a Spaniard whose name is now engraved on the Wimbledon Cup just below 5 consecutive engravings of Federer’s, is the first player to win both the French Open and Wimbledon in 28 years (since Bjorn Borg in 1980). Too often at that level of supremacy in a sport, an athlete becomes somewhat jaded and/or pompous. Not Nadal. Not Federer. And finally, Nadal said of Federer, “He’s still the best.”
All those who saw it live – either sitting at centre court or on television, have proclaimed this Wimbledon “the best ever.” What is more impressive is that these two competitors fought – to physical exhaustion – and gave everything they had. No trash talking, no screaming at the chair umpire, no vile language. And at the end, they were composed, albeit teary eyed, and down right nice to each other! True champions!
Perhaps, when each time they left their locker room, they read the sign over the doorway: “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same” (Rudyard Kipling’s “If” circa 1910). Triumph and Disaster? Imposters? Of course! While we must always “play to win the game” (Herm Edwards 2004), the end result is our full-out effort. Then walk away knowing you gave all you could.
To all parents, teachers and coaches – can we make ‘winning’ a goal and not the end-all? Life does and will go on for Federer, as it will for each of us – IF, we can treat those two imposters just the same.
Will you give your best performance each time whatever the result?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message, please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
After Further Review .... “His Grace never ends,” said NBC announcer Ted Robinson about Roger Federer as Federer accepted his defeat and congratulated Rafael Nadal on Nadal’s victory in the 2008 Wimbledon All England Club Championship. Federer, who had won this tennis championship 5 straight times, now had to sit back and accept the role of runner-up.
“Probably my hardest loss – doesn’t get much harder than this right now,” said Federer as he graciously answered post-match interview questions. Roger was 2 points from victory in this 4 hours and 48 minutes “test of wills” (Remember: “It’s the Will, not the Skill”) centre court historic event. Yet, through all of his frustration, tremendous disappointment, and weariness, Federer ‘stepped up’ – as the champion he is – to say “Rafa’s a deserving champion – he played fantastically.”
The humility and grace of both Federer and Nadal cannot – and should not – take second place to that victory. As Nadal, the champion said, “I’m sorry for him, because he deserved this title, too.” Nadal, a Spaniard whose name is now engraved on the Wimbledon Cup just below 5 consecutive engravings of Federer’s, is the first player to win both the French Open and Wimbledon in 28 years (since Bjorn Borg in 1980). Too often at that level of supremacy in a sport, an athlete becomes somewhat jaded and/or pompous. Not Nadal. Not Federer. And finally, Nadal said of Federer, “He’s still the best.”
All those who saw it live – either sitting at centre court or on television, have proclaimed this Wimbledon “the best ever.” What is more impressive is that these two competitors fought – to physical exhaustion – and gave everything they had. No trash talking, no screaming at the chair umpire, no vile language. And at the end, they were composed, albeit teary eyed, and down right nice to each other! True champions!
Perhaps, when each time they left their locker room, they read the sign over the doorway: “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same” (Rudyard Kipling’s “If” circa 1910). Triumph and Disaster? Imposters? Of course! While we must always “play to win the game” (Herm Edwards 2004), the end result is our full-out effort. Then walk away knowing you gave all you could.
To all parents, teachers and coaches – can we make ‘winning’ a goal and not the end-all? Life does and will go on for Federer, as it will for each of us – IF, we can treat those two imposters just the same.
Will you give your best performance each time whatever the result?
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message, please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
On The Tunney Side of the Street #187, July 28, 2008
On the Tunney Side of the Street #187 July 28, 2008
After Further Review .... “When are these idiots going to learn? They continue to think they can beat the system. They’re wrong,” said Pat McQuaid, International Cycling Union Leader. McQuaid was referring to cyclist racer Manuel Beltran, who tested positive for EPO – the performance enhancement drug. Beltran was instantly kicked out of the Tour de France and suspended by his T.E.A.M.
Beltran, who rode alongside Lance Armstrong as one of the U.S. Postal Cyclists for 3 years, is not alone. Three of his teammates, all former Postal riders during Armstrong’s seven Tour victories, also failed doping tests. Italy’s Riccardo Ricco, winner of two stages in the 2008 Tour, tested positive after the fourth stage and was busted. What part of the word T.E.A.M. don’t these “idiots” understand? How can they believe they can “beat the system?”
Michael Rasmussen, Iban Mayo, and Floyd Landis, have either been “kicked out,” stripped of their racing titles, and/or tested positive. Moises Deunas Nevado, a 27 year old Spaniard who was 19th overall after the 4th stage, was ousted when the “lure of glory” seemed to be stronger than just doing the right thing. But let’s not focus solely on Tour de France racing.
For “beating the system,” let’s start with former NBA Referee, Tim Donaghy, who pleaded guilty to a scandal involving betting on NBA games he officiated. Where does loyalty to your T.E.A.M. come into play? Plenty has been said about the NFL’s Michael Vick and Adam (Pacman) Jones trying to beat the system. And let’s not leave out former Olympic sprinter Marion Jones, now serving a 6-month prison sentence for using EPO, then lying about it to the Feds. The question is: if you think you can “beat the system,” but run the risk of NOT, would it ever occur to you that you not only put yourself in harm’s way, but also your colleagues, friends - and your family!
On a personal note, I was always concerned (“afraid” is a more apt word) that stepping over that line would embarrass my family and the good name they had established. In my book, “It’s the Will, Not the Skill” dedicated to Coach Herm Edwards’ parents, Herman Sr., cautioned Herm by saying “Son, I can’t give you lots of money or a fancy home, but I can give you a good name. Use it wisely.” Herm has.
“Use it wisely” – can we tell them that -- not just athletes who make, or stand to make, a lot of money, but especially kids – either ones in our family or the ones we coach?
Will you live up to the Edwards’ code that says “Just do the right thing?”
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
After Further Review .... “When are these idiots going to learn? They continue to think they can beat the system. They’re wrong,” said Pat McQuaid, International Cycling Union Leader. McQuaid was referring to cyclist racer Manuel Beltran, who tested positive for EPO – the performance enhancement drug. Beltran was instantly kicked out of the Tour de France and suspended by his T.E.A.M.
Beltran, who rode alongside Lance Armstrong as one of the U.S. Postal Cyclists for 3 years, is not alone. Three of his teammates, all former Postal riders during Armstrong’s seven Tour victories, also failed doping tests. Italy’s Riccardo Ricco, winner of two stages in the 2008 Tour, tested positive after the fourth stage and was busted. What part of the word T.E.A.M. don’t these “idiots” understand? How can they believe they can “beat the system?”
Michael Rasmussen, Iban Mayo, and Floyd Landis, have either been “kicked out,” stripped of their racing titles, and/or tested positive. Moises Deunas Nevado, a 27 year old Spaniard who was 19th overall after the 4th stage, was ousted when the “lure of glory” seemed to be stronger than just doing the right thing. But let’s not focus solely on Tour de France racing.
For “beating the system,” let’s start with former NBA Referee, Tim Donaghy, who pleaded guilty to a scandal involving betting on NBA games he officiated. Where does loyalty to your T.E.A.M. come into play? Plenty has been said about the NFL’s Michael Vick and Adam (Pacman) Jones trying to beat the system. And let’s not leave out former Olympic sprinter Marion Jones, now serving a 6-month prison sentence for using EPO, then lying about it to the Feds. The question is: if you think you can “beat the system,” but run the risk of NOT, would it ever occur to you that you not only put yourself in harm’s way, but also your colleagues, friends - and your family!
On a personal note, I was always concerned (“afraid” is a more apt word) that stepping over that line would embarrass my family and the good name they had established. In my book, “It’s the Will, Not the Skill” dedicated to Coach Herm Edwards’ parents, Herman Sr., cautioned Herm by saying “Son, I can’t give you lots of money or a fancy home, but I can give you a good name. Use it wisely.” Herm has.
“Use it wisely” – can we tell them that -- not just athletes who make, or stand to make, a lot of money, but especially kids – either ones in our family or the ones we coach?
Will you live up to the Edwards’ code that says “Just do the right thing?”
For more information about Jim Tunney, please visit his website:
www.JimTunney.com, or if you would like to respond to this message,
please send your email to Jim@JimTunney.com
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