Winner Winner, Humble Pie Dinner

SPONSOR: www.linkedin.com/in/keithverescpa/  Mt 7: The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.

I seem to recall a time, when I was in the 7th grade or so, that my school Principal suggested our undefeated basketball team forfeit a game.

You know, one that we'd already played. And won, by the by.

What in the???

I'm not going to lie, at 51, I don't understand that one much better than I did at age 12. 

But, if memory serves, she wanted us to comprehend what it was like to be gracious losers. Um...huh?

Okay. I mean, I'm all for being a good sport regardless of which side of the W/L column you ultimately fall. I support that sentiment in sports, in business, and as a general life rule here on the third rock. So, I guess I'll give her a B- for intent.

She wasn't wrong that real winners are humble. Nor in her assertion that a medal isn't necessarily an accurate barometer of one's ability, aptitude, or achievement.

And believe me, I've certainly been on the receiving end of a tough loss. Make that losses. Make that epic fails. Sigh.

In fact, I often feel badly for the professional and semi-pro teams I support, since my loyalty to them alone seems to be the single torpedo smashing their success plans into a bazillion tattered remains.

Sorry Cavaliers, Indians, Phantoms...I could go on but won't.

Even still, I have never temper tantrumed in the corridor of defeat nor have I gloated in victory lane. I've seen folks doing both on a national stage (Drayomd Green, this means you) and also up close and personal right here around town .. and neither one is a very good look, I'm afraid.

Don't blame officials or the weather or your running injury from 1989, a'ight? Ya win some, ya lose some. It's what happens here on earth. EVERY.SINGLE.DAY.

But bad behavior is just bad behavior...and it ain't pretty, yo. So, smile and thank God and your Mama when you win --- and smile and thank God and your Mama when you lose.

And conduct yourself in a way that neither one of them is forced to put you in time out when you get home, Capisce? 

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