Recent trip to Duke and venting about college athletes

D

dukechick

Cathlete
Hi All,

Well, I must share what happened to me this weekend. My son and I went down to Duke University (where I went to school) to attend a magnificent Men's Senior Basketball Banquet at Cameron Indoor Stadium. My son is 10, and it was the trip of a lifetime. Coach K spoke and was so inspirational, and then each of the 6 senior players spoke and were so touching, and there were videos of each senior player--the banquet was an incredible memory for my son, so.........after the banquet, at around 11pm, my son and I are heading into our hotel, and who is there, sitting on a couch in the hotel, but one of the star seniorbajetball players from the team. My son, who happens to have on this player's jersey and who OBVIOUSLY idolizes this college player, goes up to the player with his Duke ball in hand, to get an autograph. Before my son can ask for the autograph, the player says hi to my son and then informs him that he will NOT sign my son's ball, but will shake my son's hand. My son was devatated! What was a wonderful night ended on such a low. There were no other children around, so signing my son's ball, or speaking with him a minute or two, certainly would not have opened the floodgates to more fans coming............

Sorry so long.......any words of wisdom, wise ladies out there??????

Dukechick ;(
 
RE: Recent trip to Duke and venting about college athle...

Hey Duke,

I wish I did have some words of wisdom for ya, but alas, I do not. I do think that was rather disrespectful of the athlete, however, especially since you are an alumni of his college. That aside, where is the common courtesy? Sheesh- he didn't even give your son a chance to ask, which may have at least given the athlete a chance to say "sorry, but..." whatever. What, is he so good that he thinks that ball would be worth some $$ and see it on E-Bay someday?

I guess I would just use this as a learning experience for your son of how not to act, as someday some little guy might be idolizing him!

Julie
 
I guess I would talk to my child about the importance of a generosity of spirit and how it helps human interactions along some. Your son can learn from this athlete's negative behaviour. He can see for himself that, alas, even top athletes can be miserable excuses for human beings. I personally think that we owe it to ourselves to spread niceness around, that little acts of gratuitous kindness or friendliness can make the day pass more sweetly for everyone and if you are nice to others, someone else will be nice to you, eventually!

I am sorry for your son, but I hope he will not be upset for too long.
 
I think it's unfortunate that your son idolizes anyone, no less a sports figure. IMHO, there's too much of that going on in this society. Even though his behavior is viewed as negative, I'm sure this was a valuable life lesson for your son.
 
RE: Recent trip to Duke and venting about college athle...

Coach K is a great coach and keeps his athletes in line. I would send him a note explaining what happened. I would not be surprised if your son recieves a signed basketball in the mail.
 
I bet the kid was told by his agent not to give out free autographs. Probably worried the stuff would be auctioned on ebay or something like that & he'll lose his cut. It's all about money these days, just like weddings. :p
 
Never idolize someone until after they die and you've had a chance to examine their life. I agree with the poster who suggested you write to the coach.

Michele
 
If writing is the route you want to take, it may be good to ask your son if he wants to write the letter. It may have more impact :)
 
I think there is a rule in college athletics about the issue of autographs and money. I could be way off base here, but I think any athlete who signs something could potentially be in trouble if the person who receives the signed object sells it. I think they are told not to sign anything for fear of losing college eligibility.

Just a thought, probably a wacko thought, but a thought nontheless..
 
I agree with Connie - there may be a very good reason why he didn't sign it. Which could be why he spoke up so quickly, as well. Perhaps you could check with university as to whether there is such a policy - then decide if you want to write to the coach, etc. Remember, you don't know anything about this player, so don't rush to judge.
 
I also think that Conni is correct. I don't believe that student athletes are allowed to give autographs without NCAA permission.
I do believe that the athlete could have been more polite to the poor boy, though, and explained why he couldn't autograph the ball.

Becky
 
Dukechick,

I understand that you are upset because your son was disappointed, but the player DID shake your son's hand spoke to him. He could have blown him off or walked away or any number of things that were really rude (and that happen all too frequently at the professional level as well). I don't know what the rules are at Duke or in the ACC but as others have said there may have been a really good reason why he wouldn't sign the ball. I think you have blown this out of proportion due to seeing your son upset. JMHO.

Leslie
 
Thanks, ladies, for all your words of wisdom. I spoke with my stepfather about the entire weekend, including the signature episode, and he was totally shocked and disappointed in the athlete. My stepdad has been a highschool basketball coach for about 25 years, and has coached at some college summer basketball camps, and has never heard of a college athlete not being able to sign something. I know that when I was at Duke, the college b-ball guys would sign everything from tshirts to balls!

I think the most important thing is that my son has learned that no matter how "big" you become, you are never too big to make the little people feel special. And I loved the post that mentioned that perhaps my son some day will have the opportunity to sign a little kid's b-ball--for sure, this memory is etched in his mind and he will remember it if and when that time comes.......do unto others .....

All the best,

Dukechick
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top