ME-FIRST vs. TEAM-FIRST

Part of what is wrong with sports these days (and drives coaches crazy), from the youth and high school level, all the way to professional sports, is the “me-first” attitude rather than the “team-first” attitude.

When a player cares more about playing time or starting position then they do about being part of a winning team – they are not a very good teammate and their selfishness can have an adverse affect on the team as a whole.

The news is filled with examples of the “me-first” athletes.  For the past few weeks, NY Knicks guard Stephon Marbury has refused to dress out over his perceived lack of playing time, and now he wants to be traded.  What do his teammates think of Marbury’s attitude?  Teammate Quentin Richardson, who presumably has chatted with Marbury on the subject at some point has had enough.

"I don't regard him as a teammate" Richardson said.  “Regardless of what you have going on with the organization or what you have going on with your coach or whatever.   Once again, I don't pay attention to (Stephon) because I don't look at him as a teammate anyway.  Right now, he's the furthest thing from my mind.  We got a pretty good thing going.  I'm trying to hold onto that.  He's not trying to be part of this team.  He's voiced that.  That's what it is.  So why would I waste my time thinking about him?"

Then there’s the latest headlines for the Golden State Warriors:  First Al Harrington, now Marcus Williams: The Boston Globe reports that Williams is the latest player to want out of Golden State, citing lack of a sustained opportunity to get plenty of minutes.

Again, not wanting to be part of a winning team, but rather wanting more minutes for himself.

And ESPN reported today that the Piston’s have suspended Allen Iverson and will levy a hefty fine for missing today’s practice.  Iverson was the only player that didn’t show up for the Thanksgiving Day practice.  Again, a player that puts “me-first” rather than “team-first.”

Youth basketball is where everyone played equally.  As you progress upward, it’s not about being fair or paying dues.  It’s about being part of something bigger than the individual.  It’s about working together for the overall goal (and overall good) of the team.  It’s about accomplishing something few teams get to do -- win a championship.

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