01/11 Coach Carter
1 | 2 | 3 | 4Choosing Sports over schoolwork
Posted by: 627555
Posted on: 2005-01-11 09:32:03
It is very important for a child to realize that you just can't be a dumb jock anymore. Education is a key part of all sports. Sometimes the coach really have to put their foot down to get across to athletes; no matter what it takes. I can really attest to this fact. My son played highschool football, as a parent we made sure that his grades were first. He was a star athlete and an honor student who received an academic/athletic scholarships to a major university totaling $125 thousand dollars.
lady56
Posted by: 627555
Posted on: 2005-01-11 09:32:03
It is very important for a child to realize that you just can't be a dumb jock anymore. Education is a key part of all sports. Sometimes the coach really have to put their foot down to get across to athletes; no matter what it takes. I can really attest to this fact. My son played highschool football, as a parent we made sure that his grades were first. He was a star athlete and an honor student who received an academic/athletic scholarships to a major university totaling $125 thousand dollars.
lady56
Education plus sports
Posted by: mommabecca
Posted on: 2005-01-11 11:49:24
I commend this coach for standing up for what he believed in. These students will make great men someday because of the efforts of this coach. Thanks for Standing firm. Sports is a plus after the education. There are alot of schools who put more effort on the sports that a it has than it does on the education. In the long run we as a country get hurt. Our students will be great in the sport section and terrible in the education section.
We need both. Idiol hands are the devils playground, and sports are a great out for our young people. We, as parents must stand firm as this coach did. Grades first then sports.
Posted by: mommabecca
Posted on: 2005-01-11 11:49:24
I commend this coach for standing up for what he believed in. These students will make great men someday because of the efforts of this coach. Thanks for Standing firm. Sports is a plus after the education. There are alot of schools who put more effort on the sports that a it has than it does on the education. In the long run we as a country get hurt. Our students will be great in the sport section and terrible in the education section.
We need both. Idiol hands are the devils playground, and sports are a great out for our young people. We, as parents must stand firm as this coach did. Grades first then sports.
I agree!!!
Posted by: luvpengs
Posted on: 2005-01-14 00:13:58
All other coaches, teachers, and other influential people in kids' lives should take the lead from Coach Carter. It's people like him who deserve our respect and admiration for standing strong. And it's about time we see more movies inspired from true stories that are positive....because this is a crazy world and getting harder to raise children day in and day out. Coach Carter...you are truly a God send!!!
Posted by: luvpengs
Posted on: 2005-01-14 00:13:58
All other coaches, teachers, and other influential people in kids' lives should take the lead from Coach Carter. It's people like him who deserve our respect and admiration for standing strong. And it's about time we see more movies inspired from true stories that are positive....because this is a crazy world and getting harder to raise children day in and day out. Coach Carter...you are truly a God send!!!
Dumb Jocks Abound!
Posted by: pszychojoe
Posted on: 2005-01-11 14:30:31
I agree that there shouldn't be dumb jocks around at the professional level...but there sure are. Look at the number of NBA and NFL players that are barely literate and being paid millions. I hope one day these salaries come back to a sane level. But right now there are lots of dumb jocks all over the TV screens. Just turn to ESPN!
Posted by: pszychojoe
Posted on: 2005-01-11 14:30:31
I agree that there shouldn't be dumb jocks around at the professional level...but there sure are. Look at the number of NBA and NFL players that are barely literate and being paid millions. I hope one day these salaries come back to a sane level. But right now there are lots of dumb jocks all over the TV screens. Just turn to ESPN!
not all jocks are dumb, that's a stereotype
Posted by: jeditom
Posted on: 2005-01-12 09:02:47
Although I've never been a big sports player, I do know of many that went all the way to college and did quite well in their studies.
Posted by: jeditom
Posted on: 2005-01-12 09:02:47
Although I've never been a big sports player, I do know of many that went all the way to college and did quite well in their studies.
stormy
Posted by: gdelbuono
Posted on: 2005-01-12 09:14:04
I could not agree with you more. many of them think they are the next best thing since sliced bread!!!!
Posted by: gdelbuono
Posted on: 2005-01-12 09:14:04
I could not agree with you more. many of them think they are the next best thing since sliced bread!!!!
Endorsements
Posted by: mkharrison
Posted on: 2005-01-11 11:01:31
I did not hear a word today about endorsements! The general rule of thumb is to double (and in some incidences more!) the athlete's salary and that is what she/he is worth for endorsements.
The reason you don't see every athlete with endorsements is many of them are not prepared. Their grammar is bad. Their knowledge of the world is limited. And there are instances that they may have been hit on the head one too many times! ;) The rare exception of those types getting endorsements is when the athlete is bigger than life on the court/field. Even then you don't really see them talk. Have you never noticed the press goes to the same players after each game for audio? There is a reason.
If you think you (or your child) will get a chance at the big leagues, by all means make sure you/they are prepared off the field/court. To fully reap the benefits of being a pro one must have a great agent and more than one endorsement. In order to get a great agent and endorsement, one must have an education.
From a former owner of a sports management agency.
Posted by: mkharrison
Posted on: 2005-01-11 11:01:31
I did not hear a word today about endorsements! The general rule of thumb is to double (and in some incidences more!) the athlete's salary and that is what she/he is worth for endorsements.
The reason you don't see every athlete with endorsements is many of them are not prepared. Their grammar is bad. Their knowledge of the world is limited. And there are instances that they may have been hit on the head one too many times! ;) The rare exception of those types getting endorsements is when the athlete is bigger than life on the court/field. Even then you don't really see them talk. Have you never noticed the press goes to the same players after each game for audio? There is a reason.
If you think you (or your child) will get a chance at the big leagues, by all means make sure you/they are prepared off the field/court. To fully reap the benefits of being a pro one must have a great agent and more than one endorsement. In order to get a great agent and endorsement, one must have an education.
From a former owner of a sports management agency.
Coach Carter is good for the youth
Posted by: melkins2
Posted on: 2005-01-11 11:31:14
I just watched the show today. I was watching the movie clips and I wondered if it was the same Richmond High I attended. Then I saw Mr.Rogers and I knew it was the Richmond Oilers. I do not live in the state anymore. I graduated in the early 90's. I am a mother of five boys. My eldest is a sports fanatic. Coach Carter is a positive example to the youth. We expect the boys to get good grades in order to play sports. I am glad to hear about the positive impact Richmond High and the staff have influenced. It's not always about the gangs. I hope anyone who watches this movie realizes how important school really is.Best wishes from a Richmond High Graduate. Go Oilers!
Posted by: melkins2
Posted on: 2005-01-11 11:31:14
I just watched the show today. I was watching the movie clips and I wondered if it was the same Richmond High I attended. Then I saw Mr.Rogers and I knew it was the Richmond Oilers. I do not live in the state anymore. I graduated in the early 90's. I am a mother of five boys. My eldest is a sports fanatic. Coach Carter is a positive example to the youth. We expect the boys to get good grades in order to play sports. I am glad to hear about the positive impact Richmond High and the staff have influenced. It's not always about the gangs. I hope anyone who watches this movie realizes how important school really is.Best wishes from a Richmond High Graduate. Go Oilers!
We need more Coach Carters!
Posted by: atlswan
Posted on: 2005-01-11 12:33:59
Thank you, Dr. Phil, for having Ken Carter and Samuel L. Jackson on your show. It could not have come at a better time!
I work for an educational non-profit and daily read the alarming data coming from our schools. Dropout rates are UP, with males dropping out in higher numbers than ever. In the past, we were worried about females not getting a shot at a good education. The scales are now tipped and there are more young women going on to college than young men for the first time. Schools contact us often seeking advice on how to keep males in school.
Adolescent males need someone like Ken Carter in their lives to show them that you CAN succeed in life playing sports AND getting a good education.
I attended the University of Georgia at the same time as former Miami Heat baskeball player Alec Kessler. While playing basketball at UGA, he also pursued a pre-med pathway. After graduation, he played for the Heat for a few years. He then went on to get his medical degree and is now a doctor. He was able to enjoy the best of both worlds thanks to his dedication to his educational goals.
What I worry about now is the NBA's trend toward recruiting young men straight from high school. I'm not saying they can't have a successful career but as was pointed out on the show, there are only so many spots available. And what happens when injury cancles that career? What then?
Posted by: atlswan
Posted on: 2005-01-11 12:33:59
Thank you, Dr. Phil, for having Ken Carter and Samuel L. Jackson on your show. It could not have come at a better time!
I work for an educational non-profit and daily read the alarming data coming from our schools. Dropout rates are UP, with males dropping out in higher numbers than ever. In the past, we were worried about females not getting a shot at a good education. The scales are now tipped and there are more young women going on to college than young men for the first time. Schools contact us often seeking advice on how to keep males in school.
Adolescent males need someone like Ken Carter in their lives to show them that you CAN succeed in life playing sports AND getting a good education.
I attended the University of Georgia at the same time as former Miami Heat baskeball player Alec Kessler. While playing basketball at UGA, he also pursued a pre-med pathway. After graduation, he played for the Heat for a few years. He then went on to get his medical degree and is now a doctor. He was able to enjoy the best of both worlds thanks to his dedication to his educational goals.
What I worry about now is the NBA's trend toward recruiting young men straight from high school. I'm not saying they can't have a successful career but as was pointed out on the show, there are only so many spots available. And what happens when injury cancles that career? What then?
Need more like him!
Posted by: kdlevine
Posted on: 2005-01-11 12:54:26
My husband is a juvenile detention officer by day, working with kids that are there for numerous reasons. Most are from broken families as well as broken homes. They are from low economic backgrounds, and are one step away from prison. He is also a high school football coach at a private school here in our hometown. The kids that he works with at the school are generally spoiled, pampered and protected from the "real" world. Their Daddy's have been able to keep all their dirt from surfacing and they have never faced consquences. But they are still kids, like the kids in detention. With each of these groups, my husband is the same. He demands the best. At the detention center, he pushs and prods them to respect themselves, do their best, and do what no one has ever expected of them - pick themselve up, do the right thing, and make something of themselves. He does this with respect, compassion, and genuine love. It is the same with the kids on his football team. Their best is what he expects. Their grades and behavior determines whether they play or not, regardless of their talent, or who their parent is. He has just completed his first season, and the response was over whelming. The kids as well as the parents were thrilled. Yes, they had a great season, but it was the treatment of their kids that impressed them the most. They know that he knows that their education and their actions off the field are what will truly formulate their futures. Football is great, but when high school ends, it ends. Life is forever.
Posted by: kdlevine
Posted on: 2005-01-11 12:54:26
My husband is a juvenile detention officer by day, working with kids that are there for numerous reasons. Most are from broken families as well as broken homes. They are from low economic backgrounds, and are one step away from prison. He is also a high school football coach at a private school here in our hometown. The kids that he works with at the school are generally spoiled, pampered and protected from the "real" world. Their Daddy's have been able to keep all their dirt from surfacing and they have never faced consquences. But they are still kids, like the kids in detention. With each of these groups, my husband is the same. He demands the best. At the detention center, he pushs and prods them to respect themselves, do their best, and do what no one has ever expected of them - pick themselve up, do the right thing, and make something of themselves. He does this with respect, compassion, and genuine love. It is the same with the kids on his football team. Their best is what he expects. Their grades and behavior determines whether they play or not, regardless of their talent, or who their parent is. He has just completed his first season, and the response was over whelming. The kids as well as the parents were thrilled. Yes, they had a great season, but it was the treatment of their kids that impressed them the most. They know that he knows that their education and their actions off the field are what will truly formulate their futures. Football is great, but when high school ends, it ends. Life is forever.
Absence of Fathers
Posted by: manuela50
Posted on: 2005-01-11 14:30:31
One thing I noted in the discussions with the mothers and sons, was the absence of a father. I think that these boys need a positive role model in their lives to help lead them in the right direction. The boys seem to have such ridiculous fantasies about their sports future, and I think a father n the home could be such an stabling influence in their lives.
I have 4 boys, and I know that my husband has been a HUGE influence in teaching them responsiblity and respect and hard work. All of them are in college and working and paying for most of their own expenses. Scholarships have helped them, because we made education a priority in our home. Young men need disipline when they are young, otherwise they grow up feeling entitled to things they have not earned.
Where are the fathers in these boys lives?
Posted by: manuela50
Posted on: 2005-01-11 14:30:31
One thing I noted in the discussions with the mothers and sons, was the absence of a father. I think that these boys need a positive role model in their lives to help lead them in the right direction. The boys seem to have such ridiculous fantasies about their sports future, and I think a father n the home could be such an stabling influence in their lives.
I have 4 boys, and I know that my husband has been a HUGE influence in teaching them responsiblity and respect and hard work. All of them are in college and working and paying for most of their own expenses. Scholarships have helped them, because we made education a priority in our home. Young men need disipline when they are young, otherwise they grow up feeling entitled to things they have not earned.
Where are the fathers in these boys lives?
Fathers, where are you?
Posted by: couchbum
Posted on: 2005-01-12 01:31:14
Where are the fathers in these boys lives? I'd like to know that too. I'm surprised Dr. Phil didn't ask that. What these mothers don't know is that if they keep being weak mothers and not set limits for their boys they will probably turn out like what appears to be their absentee fathers.
Posted by: couchbum
Posted on: 2005-01-12 01:31:14
Where are the fathers in these boys lives? I'd like to know that too. I'm surprised Dr. Phil didn't ask that. What these mothers don't know is that if they keep being weak mothers and not set limits for their boys they will probably turn out like what appears to be their absentee fathers.
stormy
Posted by: gdelbuono
Posted on: 2005-01-12 09:14:04
I'm sure that their father's are gone, but that doesn't matter!!!! The Mother's need to even become stronger, My father died when I was 7 years old...My mother raised 4 of us alone and we all did good, I would say better then average life styles....You have to be strong!!!!!Boys do need their Fathers, but you can't always get what you want??? So get what you need!!!!! Rolling Stones.....showing my age???
Posted by: gdelbuono
Posted on: 2005-01-12 09:14:04
I'm sure that their father's are gone, but that doesn't matter!!!! The Mother's need to even become stronger, My father died when I was 7 years old...My mother raised 4 of us alone and we all did good, I would say better then average life styles....You have to be strong!!!!!Boys do need their Fathers, but you can't always get what you want??? So get what you need!!!!! Rolling Stones.....showing my age???
Hello
Posted by: ninosbaby
Posted on: 2005-01-12 09:02:47
Okay I am sorry to have to say this but having a father in ones life weather they are a boy or a girl can go either way and the black boy has a father in his life if you really watched the show you would have seen that his father played so he plays and he said he knows that it runs through his veins because of his father. Now I don't doubt that a father should be there because I was raised with both my parents and I feel I was better for it but I also know a lot of men and women who grew up with one parent and they are all doing fine. I feel that it is the parent or parents job to take up the challenge of being a responsible adult and get their kid's on the right track. In these days and times families have changed weather the father or mother left, or there was a death or as a military spouse I feel like a single parent 90% of the time with him being deployed all the time but we both do what we can or I can do what I can in his absence. And all three of children bring home very good grades ranging from A's and B's. I strongly agreed with Mr. Jackson with taking things away from the kid's and making sure they brought home the grades I was raised the same way I had to bring home the good grades before I could do anything and I did. I was very active in school but the grades had to be up to par and my dad was in the military and he was gone a lot and my mother had to raise 5 by herself 90% of the time like I am doing with three and we do fine. I don't think that both parents have to always be there for a child or adult to be a better person I think the person or persons who raises them should be the deciding factor in how one better takes care of themselves because we came in this world alone and that is how we go. Having a strong self worth and determination to make it you can accomplish many things in life. And having a strong and loving parent or parents in ones life can also make a difference.
Posted by: ninosbaby
Posted on: 2005-01-12 09:02:47
Okay I am sorry to have to say this but having a father in ones life weather they are a boy or a girl can go either way and the black boy has a father in his life if you really watched the show you would have seen that his father played so he plays and he said he knows that it runs through his veins because of his father. Now I don't doubt that a father should be there because I was raised with both my parents and I feel I was better for it but I also know a lot of men and women who grew up with one parent and they are all doing fine. I feel that it is the parent or parents job to take up the challenge of being a responsible adult and get their kid's on the right track. In these days and times families have changed weather the father or mother left, or there was a death or as a military spouse I feel like a single parent 90% of the time with him being deployed all the time but we both do what we can or I can do what I can in his absence. And all three of children bring home very good grades ranging from A's and B's. I strongly agreed with Mr. Jackson with taking things away from the kid's and making sure they brought home the grades I was raised the same way I had to bring home the good grades before I could do anything and I did. I was very active in school but the grades had to be up to par and my dad was in the military and he was gone a lot and my mother had to raise 5 by herself 90% of the time like I am doing with three and we do fine. I don't think that both parents have to always be there for a child or adult to be a better person I think the person or persons who raises them should be the deciding factor in how one better takes care of themselves because we came in this world alone and that is how we go. Having a strong self worth and determination to make it you can accomplish many things in life. And having a strong and loving parent or parents in ones life can also make a difference.
Absence of Fathers
Posted by: manuela50
Posted on: 2005-01-11 15:02:53
One thing I noted in the discussions with the mothers and sons, was the absence of a father. I think that these boys need a positive role model in their lives to help lead them in the right direction. The boys seem to have such ridiculous fantasies about their sports future, and I think a father n the home could be such an stabling influence in their lives.
I have 4 boys, and I know that my husband has been a HUGE influence in teaching them responsiblity and respect and hard work. All of them are in college and working and paying for most of their own expenses. Scholarships have helped them, because we made education a priority in our home. Young men need disipline when they are young, otherwise they grow up feeling entitled to things they have not earned.
Where are the fathers in these boys lives?
Posted by: manuela50
Posted on: 2005-01-11 15:02:53
One thing I noted in the discussions with the mothers and sons, was the absence of a father. I think that these boys need a positive role model in their lives to help lead them in the right direction. The boys seem to have such ridiculous fantasies about their sports future, and I think a father n the home could be such an stabling influence in their lives.
I have 4 boys, and I know that my husband has been a HUGE influence in teaching them responsiblity and respect and hard work. All of them are in college and working and paying for most of their own expenses. Scholarships have helped them, because we made education a priority in our home. Young men need disipline when they are young, otherwise they grow up feeling entitled to things they have not earned.
Where are the fathers in these boys lives?
eligibility
Posted by: olivia696
Posted on: 2005-01-11 15:32:36
It is unfortunate that students are allowed by schools to participate on school sports teams with low/failing grades. Are there not eligibiltiy requirements? I recall having to have an eligibility card signed weekly by each teacher in order to participate on the soccer team. Of course, this was 25 years ago. I also wonder why parents feel so guilty about setting limits for their kids.
Posted by: olivia696
Posted on: 2005-01-11 15:32:36
It is unfortunate that students are allowed by schools to participate on school sports teams with low/failing grades. Are there not eligibiltiy requirements? I recall having to have an eligibility card signed weekly by each teacher in order to participate on the soccer team. Of course, this was 25 years ago. I also wonder why parents feel so guilty about setting limits for their kids.
After sports
Posted by: jodiechamp
Posted on: 2005-01-11 15:42:22
What these kids need to realize is that even if they make it to the majors, it is a very elite number that make the huge money & after it is all said and done, they will still have to go out and make a living somehow. I have a friend who played on the Atlanta Falcons football team and he is much more proud of his lovely family and the contractor business he has built up for himself. His life is balanced and enjoyable, the funny thing is he will only tell you about his "football days" if prodded...it is not really part of what makes him "him."
Posted by: jodiechamp
Posted on: 2005-01-11 15:42:22
What these kids need to realize is that even if they make it to the majors, it is a very elite number that make the huge money & after it is all said and done, they will still have to go out and make a living somehow. I have a friend who played on the Atlanta Falcons football team and he is much more proud of his lovely family and the contractor business he has built up for himself. His life is balanced and enjoyable, the funny thing is he will only tell you about his "football days" if prodded...it is not really part of what makes him "him."
Parents need to step up
Posted by: nlginva
Posted on: 2005-01-11 16:24:01
Here's the strategy we used: When my stepson was younger, he discovered Michael Jordan. Within a VERY short period of time, he became convinced that he was destined for the NBA himself and spent the better part of his days practicing for his "career." My husband and I decided that it was critical that we nip this line of thinking in the bud. We only have my stepson in the summers but we were fortunate to find - with his mother's blessing - a local basketball camp that was operated by a former NBA player with ties to our area. Hundreds of kids came from all over the state to enroll in this camp to live, breathe, eat, and play basketball for a week. But it didn't take that long for my stepson to realize that he was way out of his element. He was amazed that there were GIRLS who could wear him out on the court! Five years later, he has great memories of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an autographed basketball, and a continued appreciation for the sport. His focus now is on schoolwork and a career more along the lines of his abilities. It was money well spent and he came to this realization himself, we just offered support.
Posted by: nlginva
Posted on: 2005-01-11 16:24:01
Here's the strategy we used: When my stepson was younger, he discovered Michael Jordan. Within a VERY short period of time, he became convinced that he was destined for the NBA himself and spent the better part of his days practicing for his "career." My husband and I decided that it was critical that we nip this line of thinking in the bud. We only have my stepson in the summers but we were fortunate to find - with his mother's blessing - a local basketball camp that was operated by a former NBA player with ties to our area. Hundreds of kids came from all over the state to enroll in this camp to live, breathe, eat, and play basketball for a week. But it didn't take that long for my stepson to realize that he was way out of his element. He was amazed that there were GIRLS who could wear him out on the court! Five years later, he has great memories of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an autographed basketball, and a continued appreciation for the sport. His focus now is on schoolwork and a career more along the lines of his abilities. It was money well spent and he came to this realization himself, we just offered support.
Not just sports
Posted by: nrabill
Posted on: 2005-01-11 16:25:54
I think this problem runs deeper than just kids so obsessed with becoming sports stars. Our kids have no appreciation of what it takes to earn something. When we always give them movie money or the latest Playstation system or the latest video game or movie, kids don't learn what it takes to earn. We need to be able to say no to our kids. Until we teach our kids the value of an education, they will continue to glide through life.
Posted by: nrabill
Posted on: 2005-01-11 16:25:54
I think this problem runs deeper than just kids so obsessed with becoming sports stars. Our kids have no appreciation of what it takes to earn something. When we always give them movie money or the latest Playstation system or the latest video game or movie, kids don't learn what it takes to earn. We need to be able to say no to our kids. Until we teach our kids the value of an education, they will continue to glide through life.
Educated Pros
Posted by: mykidsfirs
Posted on: 2005-01-11 16:25:54
This show was good but you can't fit enough of the message in just an hour. As Dr. Phil hit on, it all starts at home. We have to teach discipline and respect at home and hope it carries over.
There were a number of statistics about how little of a chance these failing students have to get into the pros. Were there any statistics available as to how many professional sports players also have professional non sports jobs? I know many are doctors, lawyers, preachers... and they dedicate their time to those professions in the off season.
You can have one / the other / or both. But without the education you're likely to have none.
Posted by: mykidsfirs
Posted on: 2005-01-11 16:25:54
This show was good but you can't fit enough of the message in just an hour. As Dr. Phil hit on, it all starts at home. We have to teach discipline and respect at home and hope it carries over.
There were a number of statistics about how little of a chance these failing students have to get into the pros. Were there any statistics available as to how many professional sports players also have professional non sports jobs? I know many are doctors, lawyers, preachers... and they dedicate their time to those professions in the off season.
You can have one / the other / or both. But without the education you're likely to have none.
