Very recently, we were the most unfortunate witnesses to an unnecessary and senseless violent crime. I was attending Justin's first football game of the season. There were a lot of spectators in the stands; some I knew and some I never had seen previous to this. It was a mixed crowd in age and race; some old, some young, some in between, some light, some dark; a grab bag if you will.
Justin's dad and I watch the game, casually chit-chatting with each other about our shared children and very different lives. Justin didn't get very much play time and we were both disappointed. Of course, every parent wants to see their child do well and be successful in all of their activities, and we are no exception. We had a long conversation about Justin being so laid back and how he generally lacks aggression in a competitive arena. We both expressed that Justin could develop a competitive drive and burning desire to win. Justin's dad made a comment about how some of the parents and coaches are way more aggressive than even the kids are. Little did we know that he created an unexpected foreshadowing in our lives. It was but an hour later that we bore witness to a violent crime.
After the game, with Justin's team in defeat, we headed out to our cars. As we left the football stadium the opposing team's coach and an uncle of Justin's teammate began having a heated argument. We were behind them and within seconds, and right in front of us, the opposing coach was punching and kicking the uncle. It was a clear mismatch. Justin's dad and several other bystanders were encouraging them to stop. As I watched from an uncomfortably close distance, I continued to expect them to stop, to realize the danger to themselves and to us, to act like real men and be good leaders.
The coach was over the top angry at the uncle as he was under the impression the uncle was trying to recruit his player. I wondered to myself, "So what?" Is it really worth the risk to be fighting in this way? In front of all these people and children? On the street? It was almost dream-like, with things happening so fast and with me moving so slow. It was difficult to comprehend the depth of severity to what I was witnessing alongside my 10 year old son.
The fight escalated even again when the uncle was clearly in no position to defend himself and the opposing coach continued to relentlessly punch and kick this man. The uncle stumbled backward after a punch to his left jaw as his legs buckled beneath him. He went down hard. His head smacked the cement with a sickening thud.
Bystanders called for an ambulance and the opposing coach fled the scene. All the witnesses played a role in providing the police with enough information for them to make an arrest same day. The uncle went to the hospital, of where he remains today. I hope and pray for his recovery and for his family.
I wonder to the opposing teams coach, is THIS the example you provide for our youth? Is this really it?
Justin's dad and I watch the game, casually chit-chatting with each other about our shared children and very different lives. Justin didn't get very much play time and we were both disappointed. Of course, every parent wants to see their child do well and be successful in all of their activities, and we are no exception. We had a long conversation about Justin being so laid back and how he generally lacks aggression in a competitive arena. We both expressed that Justin could develop a competitive drive and burning desire to win. Justin's dad made a comment about how some of the parents and coaches are way more aggressive than even the kids are. Little did we know that he created an unexpected foreshadowing in our lives. It was but an hour later that we bore witness to a violent crime.
After the game, with Justin's team in defeat, we headed out to our cars. As we left the football stadium the opposing team's coach and an uncle of Justin's teammate began having a heated argument. We were behind them and within seconds, and right in front of us, the opposing coach was punching and kicking the uncle. It was a clear mismatch. Justin's dad and several other bystanders were encouraging them to stop. As I watched from an uncomfortably close distance, I continued to expect them to stop, to realize the danger to themselves and to us, to act like real men and be good leaders.
The coach was over the top angry at the uncle as he was under the impression the uncle was trying to recruit his player. I wondered to myself, "So what?" Is it really worth the risk to be fighting in this way? In front of all these people and children? On the street? It was almost dream-like, with things happening so fast and with me moving so slow. It was difficult to comprehend the depth of severity to what I was witnessing alongside my 10 year old son.
The fight escalated even again when the uncle was clearly in no position to defend himself and the opposing coach continued to relentlessly punch and kick this man. The uncle stumbled backward after a punch to his left jaw as his legs buckled beneath him. He went down hard. His head smacked the cement with a sickening thud.
Bystanders called for an ambulance and the opposing coach fled the scene. All the witnesses played a role in providing the police with enough information for them to make an arrest same day. The uncle went to the hospital, of where he remains today. I hope and pray for his recovery and for his family.
I wonder to the opposing teams coach, is THIS the example you provide for our youth? Is this really it?
