I’m abandoning Texas high school football if he isn’t dismissed.
Texas high school football is often regarded as a rite of passage, a community cornerstone, and a celebration of talent and teamwork. The Friday night lights shine brightly, illuminating the dreams of young athletes and the hopes of their families. However, the integrity of this beloved institution has been called into question, and I find myself at a crossroads. If the school administration does not take decisive action regarding a specific coach whose behavior has become intolerable, I will have no choice but to abandon my support for Texas high school football altogether.
The story of this coach is not just about wins and losses; it’s about values, ethics, and the lessons we teach our children. This individual has consistently demonstrated a disregard for sportsmanship, creating an environment that prioritizes victory at all costs over the development of young athletes. His behavior includes verbal abuse directed at players, fostering a culture of fear and intimidation rather than one of encouragement and growth. These young athletes are not just future stars; they are impressionable teenagers who deserve mentors who model respect, empathy, and integrity.
Moreover, this coach’s treatment of players can have lasting psychological effects. We often underestimate the power of words, especially when they come from authority figures. When a coach belittles a player or publicly humiliates them, it chips away at their confidence and self-worth. High school should be a time for exploration, personal growth, and learning from mistakes, not a battleground where children are ridiculed and demeaned. The repercussions of this toxic environment extend beyond the field; they can affect academic performance, mental health, and future relationships with teammates and coaches.
As a parent, I believe that the primary goal of youth sports should be the holistic development of young people. I want my child to learn teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. But I also want them to be in an environment that fosters kindness and respect. When a coach fails to uphold these principles, the fabric of the sport unravels. It becomes less about building character and more about winning trophies, leading to a disconnect between the original intent of youth sports and what is actually being practiced on the field.
The school administration has a responsibility to create a safe and nurturing environment for all students. If they choose to overlook the coach’s behavior, it sends a dangerous message that winning trumps ethics and that abusive behavior is permissible in the pursuit of success. This is not just a local issue; it is a systemic problem that needs to be addressed if we want to preserve the sanctity of high school sports in Texas.
If the administration does not act, I will be compelled to withdraw my support for Texas high school football. I cannot stand by and endorse a system that allows such behavior to flourish unchecked. I hope others will join me in taking a stand, holding schools accountable for the culture they create, and demanding that our children are taught not just how to play but how to be good human beings. Our young athletes deserve better, and it is our duty to advocate for the principles that should underpin all sports—integrity, respect, and compassion.
In conclusion, the fate of Texas high school football rests on the choices made today. If change doesn’t come, we risk losing not just a beloved tradition but the values that should define it. I’m prepared to walk away, but I hope it won’t come to that.
