Submitted by Erik_Scheibe on

Second Chances

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Lifestyle

We heard about the Rutgers scandal with basketball coach Mike Rice a couple months back.  He was fired for his abusive basketball style which was actually caught on video.  He was guilty of physically contacting kids in a detrimental manner and using homophobic slurs.

 

This week, former Rutgers coach Mike Rice was given a chance to address a basketball camp attended by top college and high school prospects preparing for the NBA draft.  He had spent the previous five weeks at an anger management and aftercare program down in Texas.

 

I was just curious if people think that he should get another chance at coaching.  Anyone?

Comments

Submitted by Vincent_Serro on Wed, 06/26/2013 - 00:12

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Vincent Serro

I think he should have the opportunity if he can prove that he's reformed his attitude. I also think anyone who hires him needs to monitor the situation very closely.

Submitted by Jeanne_Anne_Norton on Wed, 06/26/2013 - 00:55

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Jeanne Anne Norton

I concur. Mike Rice should be given a second chance with the caveat that he continues anger management and/or counseling.

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Wed, 06/26/2013 - 02:00

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Christopher_ Cooke
He absolutely should be given a 2nd chance. I believe wholeheartedly in redemption; we're all flawed and EVERYONE errs and to not give someone another chance is shortsighted, irrational and just plain wrong.
Fred Klein

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression....
Amparo Connors

I too believe in second chances, even three strikes, and then you're out (depending on the situation; don't apply this thinking to physical/sexual abuse of any kind). With continued counseling & tight oversight Mike Rice may grow to a highly respected coach. His track record & knowledge of the game can benefit many, if taught in a respectful manner.

Submitted by michaelpalumbo on Wed, 06/26/2013 - 07:01

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Michael Palumbo

As a contributing Alumni, father of a student who roomed with the team manager, and friend of parent of a player on that team, I say yes. Although I consider the behavior displayed in the video as totally unacceptable, it was but 30 seconds taken over a 2 year period from 100 hours of video tape. What the video did not show was the players holding the coach in a playful headlock after practice, him holding and participating in pickup games with non-team member students. One should poll the players to get an accurate perspective and account of events. No doubt Mike Rice had/has "anger management" problems. But he is not a monster that does not deserve a closely-monitored second chance, This event originated when a disgruntled former athletic dept employee sought an ax to grind.
Riva Schwartz

The Law Offices of Alan J Schwartz, PC is all about making sure that people who do something stupid get a second chance (or even a third chance) at living a productive life, where their mistakes do not haunt them!
Cynthia Somma

Erik, you are a coach---do you think you could completely change your style if you had to? I could be wrong but coaching methods are usually deeply ingrained...
I'm all about giving second chances, I just cant wrap my mind around the Paula Deen controversy....
it seems to get worse by the hour. Why do you think she has not been given a second chance?
Corey Bearak

I believe in growth but apply a different, stricter standard when Kids and young people are involved.
Erik Scheibe

Great question Cindy. First and foremost, I believe that I would commit to anything if it was brought to my attention that I was actually hurting kids. Some people may find this hard to believe, but I would imagine that coaches like Bobby Knight and Mike Rice truly don't believe they are doing damage to kids. I would hope that after a life episode such as he has gone through, that more than one person sat him down and really spoke to him at length about his negative impact on his kids. I can't imagine how at this point that wouldn't sink in...but you never know. I always say that people don't change unless they feel pain. Over the past couple of months, I think Mike Rice has felt all kinds of pain.

Submitted by Erik_Scheibe on Wed, 06/26/2013 - 16:11

In reply to by michaelpalumbo

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Erik Scheibe

I agree with almost everything you've said, but I feel like what was really lost in this story is that the employee you are referring to was let go because he was rejecting Rice's behavior. I believe it took a tremendous amount of courage to do what he did and believe that Mike Rice would still be coaching there today if he didn't.

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