In July, the Seattle Seahawks will embark upon their annual training camp with great exuberance and expectations of another stellar season in which they decimate opponents on their march to another Super Bowl. For many of us, living vicariously through our beloved Seahawks allows us to reconnect with those nostalgic and indelible memories of our own perceived glory days on the youth sports fields.
As a lifelong athlete, youth sports coach and certified personal trainer, I have immersed myself in the sports culture and I was fortunate to attend three Seahawks games in their inaugural season when I was a small child. Suffice to say, I count myself among the diehard fans; however, I had an epiphany during this year’s draft when the Seahawks selected Frank Clark as our first selection in the draft.
Is there a possibility that we have taken the 12th Man phenomenon to an unhealthy extreme, and wining at any cost has superseded our sensibilities?
When reports began to emerge that middle-class families were spending up to $20,000 for a single Super Bowl ticket, we may want to re-evaluate whether we have allowed our passion for the Seahawks’ success to digress to the point of blind fanaticism.
Moreover, we our paying these men millions of dollars to run, kick or throw a football; and many of these athletes have been given a pass for their DUI’s, domestic assaults, drug possession and outlandish behaviors simply because they help our team to win games. Shouldn’t character still count when assessing who plays for the Seahawks? Don’t we want our children to emulate the true heroes in our society: the emergency responders, educators, clergy, health care professionals and journalists? Whether the Seahawks win or lose will not change the world or save a life, but who we pay homage or adulation to may have an impact on our children’s values.
Sports are meant to be fun and exciting, providing a positive diversion from the stress of everyday life. They also have the intrinsic ability to teach such virtues as: dedication, humility, discipline, teamwork, compassion and grace under pressure. Aren’t these the attributes that we want to impart to future generations? The critical component in this equation must be in seeking a balance between exuberance and extremism.
Frank Clark deserves a second chance for success provided that he demonstrates the maturity to handle his responsibilities. He is only months removed from being involved in an extremely alarming domestic violence issue, and he must complete his anger management classes and stay away from any legal trouble. A compassionate compromise might be for him to be relegated to the practice squad for his first season.
The photographs of the injuries to Mr. Clark’s alleged victim were completely shocking and it should be noted that there were children present when this incident occurred. It could arguably be asserted that he should not have the chance to play in the NFL at all; but the Seahawks may have the unique opportunity to make meaningful inroads into the eradication of domestic violence by taking a stand and being an outspoken voice in the matter.
Undoubtedly, our beloved Seahawks will experience great success on the field this season. Hopefully, they will fully embrace their platform and the responsibilities that this brings by making a significant and positive impact within our greater community. Go Hawks!
Bill Young, a Lake Stevens resident, spent more than a decade working in the public school system as a school safety officer and consulting on school safety and youth violence issues. He has coached numerous youth sports teams and is nationally certified as a personal trainer.
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