The family of a Cleveland Central Catholic High School football player doesn’t think winning football games is as important as it used to be.

Tuesday, October 17, 2000

The family of a Cleveland Central Catholic High School football player doesn’t think winning football games is as important as it used to be.

Officials don’t know for sure what to blame for the death of the young man who was a player on the team. All they know is that he died instantly from a blow he received during a game.

No matter what the results of the inquiry, the incident is a warning for football fans, players, coaches and parents.

There is no winning record, no big game and no coaching job worth risking the future of a 17-year-old. Telling a teenager to play aggressively, to try to "take out" the opposition is not just unsportsmanlike; it is dangerous.

There are plenty of stories about youngsters who face serious surgeries before they are out of high school because of injuries sustained while they are on the football field.

And, so, too, are there tales of players who take cheap shots during games with the intent to injure a rival quarterback or receiver – and coaches and parents who not only condone such acts in the name of competition but encourage them.

A victory gained at the expense of another person’s health is hollow indeed. And any parent or coach who would encourage a win at any cost attitude is teaching his or her child to be nothing but a thug.

High school sports have important lessons to teach about endurance, dedication, commitment and sportsmanship.

But it is time that fans, players and coaches get their priorities straight. These are only teenagers playing a game.