Although I have written before about the appalling legacy of the professional era, the post match press conference following the conclusion of the Ryder Cup was possibly the most unsavoury spectacle I have ever witnessed.
Sitting facing the world press were two representatives of the American team. The captain Tom Watson faced the ire of the American press with the major winner, Phil Mickelson. The verbal attack by Mickelson of his captain seated well within punching distance just beggared belief. It speaks volumes for the dignity of Tom Watson that he was able to just rise above it. Mickelson ought to be thoroughly ashamed of himself. When the team has lost, it is the team who must stand up and be counted. When individuals start finger pointing, the finger ultimately closes in on themselves. This had shades of Kevin Pieterson. Mickelson epitomised all that is so wrong about players enough money to sustain the economy of a small African country. I can guarantee that no amateur player would ever have behaved so selfishly in the same circumstances. To think those thoughts is one thing - to utter them is unforgivable. These were the words of a spoilt brat who still hasn't learned the oldest lesson in sport - how to be a good loser.
As for Tom Watson, he is one of the few people playing professional sport for whom I retain the utmost respect and admiration. Mickelson would do well to take a good hard look at Watson and then he would begin to realise exactly why it is that he commands such respect wherever he goes.
It was great day for European golf (aside from the banal ole, ole, ole drunk singing) but it was another black day for the professional sport CV. Roll on a return to the more seemly waters of the amateur tradition.
Sitting facing the world press were two representatives of the American team. The captain Tom Watson faced the ire of the American press with the major winner, Phil Mickelson. The verbal attack by Mickelson of his captain seated well within punching distance just beggared belief. It speaks volumes for the dignity of Tom Watson that he was able to just rise above it. Mickelson ought to be thoroughly ashamed of himself. When the team has lost, it is the team who must stand up and be counted. When individuals start finger pointing, the finger ultimately closes in on themselves. This had shades of Kevin Pieterson. Mickelson epitomised all that is so wrong about players enough money to sustain the economy of a small African country. I can guarantee that no amateur player would ever have behaved so selfishly in the same circumstances. To think those thoughts is one thing - to utter them is unforgivable. These were the words of a spoilt brat who still hasn't learned the oldest lesson in sport - how to be a good loser.
As for Tom Watson, he is one of the few people playing professional sport for whom I retain the utmost respect and admiration. Mickelson would do well to take a good hard look at Watson and then he would begin to realise exactly why it is that he commands such respect wherever he goes.
It was great day for European golf (aside from the banal ole, ole, ole drunk singing) but it was another black day for the professional sport CV. Roll on a return to the more seemly waters of the amateur tradition.
During a modern era in sport when gloating and crotch grabbing are commonplace I've increasingly grown to admire the way an athlete accepts defeat. It's not easy. Certainly more difficult than rejoicing in victory.
ReplyDeleteUltimately, I think today's athletes should be humble. Earning amounts of money that at least 10 generations in future should still be enjoying. I was a lover of sport. But not anywhere near as much now as I used to be. For reasons similar to the one you share here.
One day there will be none of us left who remember when it was commonplace (and expected) to display sportsmanship. Makes you wonder what all aspects of society will look like in 100 yrs.