I know last night's Insight Bowl was a contest between the Big 12's Missouri Tigers and the Big 10's Iowa Hawkeyes. I also know the two schools have played each other 12 times in the past, and that going into the game Missouri had a 7-5 advantage. I know that Insight is an IT services provider, and in 1997 it assumed sponsorship of the game formerly known as the Copper Bowl since its inception in 1989.
But as soon as I saw "Insight Bowl" on the screen, I could not get Dr. Phil out of my head. What was going to happen next? Would huddles turn into big group hugs? When the ref threw a flag, would he take the time to talk to the offending player? Ask him if there was a different way to legally make the play and avoid the stigma of a flag? Give him a second chance to make it right? What if a player makes a particularly aggressive tackle? That would be an ideal time to pull him aside and explain violence is never the answer. Let him talk about his feelings and get to the root of why he feels the need to hit someone so hard. Then he can make better choices in the future.
What would happen if the two sides tried working together - they could both make lots of touchdowns. Isn't that why they are playing - to get high scores? They could spend some time together and get to know each other - approach the game as friends instead of enemies. And the coaches could help by empathizing with the players - yelling only damages their self-esteem. Wouldn't you want to play better if you were asked to do so in a calm, respectful manner instead of being screamed at by some middle-aged guy that couldn't run 10 yards if his life depended on it? And everyone on both teams would be named MVP - no one is left out or devalued as a human being.
I can't wait for the Fiesta Bowl. Just imagine football shaped pinatas and a marching mariachi band......
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