Pre-game handshake a mistake
The National Football Coach’s Association has most teams shaking the hands of their opponents before the opening kickoff in college games this weekend, including the Oklahoma vs. BYU game in Arlington.
They don’t even require this in Little League.
The coaches group is well intentioned. Some ugly incidents involving Florida teams last year made sportsmanship an area of emphasis among college programs this year. Association Executive Director Grant Teaff (former Baylor coach) came up with the idea of the pre-game handshake.
But, football is a game of violence. Players jack up their emotions leading up to the kickoff. A little trash talking in warm ups isn’t good or bad — it’s just a reality. Making all the players — not just captains for the coin toss — shake hands is like mixing acid and water (for those who don’t remember their high school chemistry, it’s not a good thing to do, but it will clean out clogged up plumbing).
The pregame handshake, in my opinion, is a mistake. It’s inviting some ugliness. But, Coach Stoops’ comments tonight on a local sports talk radio station, showed what kind of team player he is, and his respect for the coaching profession.
“I have great faith in Grant Teaff and people at the NCAA and who head our National Coaches Association. Our leadership is excellent. If they feel that’s what is needed, I’m all for it…. I’m a trooper when it comes to following directions from the powers that be.”
Stoops reminds us that while football is a game of aggression and violence, it is also a game of rules and discipline, and as importantly, a game of faith in the team.
But, it’s still not a good idea. Shake the hands when the game is over. Congratulate the opponent for fighting hard — win or lose.