Sportsmanshipa key conceptfor a successfulteam

Sportsmanship is an importa!lt term that should be stressed by a coach to his or her team before the start of a season.

Some coaches stress it all the BRIAN O'CONNELL time, however, other coaches would assume that his or her players would display this simple co'tlcept.

As a result of poor sportsmanship, fans, players and coaches observe poor performances in games, frustration among players, and players talcing their frustrations out on the opposing team, themselves, and even their fellow teammates.

So many times over the past several years, I have seen poor sportsmanship exemplified in so many sports, especially in professional sports.

Some examples would include, Deion Sanders, who plays football for the Dallas Cowboys. Everytirne he scores a touchdown, he celebrates in the endzone beyond the limit. Sure, other players celebrate in the endzone after they score a touchdown, but they do not always celebrate to the extent Sanders does.

Barry Bonds plays baseball for the San Fransisco Giants. Is he a good player? Absolutely. However, whenever, he hits a home run, he just shows off the other pitcher by admiring his big hit. You can also throw Ken Griffey Jr. in that category.

Donnie Carr plays basketball for LaSalle University. In his first two years, all he did was shoot the ball, maybe hit a three-pointer and stick his tongue out at the opposition. I was amazed at how he got away with that. I would have called a technical foul on him each time he did that. Very unsportsmanlike.

Good sportsmanship, is exemplified by power hitters Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. They never admire the hit. They hit the ball and run the bases. Allen Iverson will hit a three and run down the court to play defense.

This concept should be stressed by all coaches in all sports. All athletes should try to exemplify this concept. It really makes sporting events more worthwhile to see.