I was talking with my grandma Monday afternoon and casually
mentioned that Gilroy lost its first football game of the season. I
added that the loss was a pretty big surprise and the reaction by
some of Gilroy’s players to the loss was even more surprising.
”
Well, I guess you’re going to have to give them a pep talk,
”
she said.
”
I don’t know,
”
I replied.
”
We’ll see.
”
I came back to the office and wrote what I felt was right.
I was talking with my grandma Monday afternoon and casually mentioned that Gilroy lost its first football game of the season. I added that the loss was a pretty big surprise and the reaction by some of Gilroy’s players to the loss was even more surprising.
“Well, I guess you’re going to have to give them a pep talk,” she said.
“I don’t know,” I replied. “We’ll see.”
I came back to the office and wrote what I felt was right.
Not surprisingly, some of the readers think I was wrong for writing about the indiscretions of Jeff Smith and Sean Hale, and adding my opinion that they shouldn’t be allowed to suit up as Mustangs again this season.
I thought the column was fair at the time it hit the press, and I still believe that after confirming for a second time what I saw while standing on the sidelines, as well as heard from coaches and a school administrator after the game.
Did I have to mention the players by name? Yes.
It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to leave out their names if they caught a touchdown. Poor on-field behavior shouldn’t get a free pass either.
I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t tell you why the third-best receiver in the Tri-County Athletic League won’t be suiting up for the next two weeks, let alone see the field. The same goes for a starting cornerback.
I don’t take any enjoyment from writing about the topic, but sometimes these things need to be said. I think both players can become better competitors if they learn from their mistakes.
Similarly, I think the rest of the Mustangs can learn from the loss and become a better team if they find a way to refocus and understand that overcoming adversity is the name of the game when it comes to being a champion.
Covering this team the past two seasons has been a pleasure, and rarely have I been forced to deal with negative topics. However, this doesn’t mean I won’t deal with them and occasionally offer my opinion.
The comments section online, as many of you readers already know, is where you can offer your opinion.
Gilroy qualifies as a small town in most respects, so I can understand it being difficult for a teenager to see their name in print when it comes to a controversy.
I got an e-mail from a reader saying these are good kids who lost their cool in the heat of the moment. They aren’t gangbangers, drug dealers or thugs, and shouldn’t be viewed as such. I agree. I stated as much in my column Tuesday.
But not mentioning their names, and only referring to them as members of the team, wouldn’t be fair to the rest of the players who conducted themselves in a proper manner.
