John Sheda

Do you remember the movie, “Good Will Hunting?” Towards the end of the movie, the psychiatrist, played by Robin Williams, repeats to his patient, Matt Damon, “It’s not your fault; it’s not your fault; it’s not your fault.”

Notice to all referees and umpires from Little League, Junior High, High School, College and even Professional Sports; “It’s not your fault, it’s not your fault.”

First of all, a disclaimer here is warranted. All the coaches and team members here at South Tama conduct themselves in an exemplary fashion. Each of you understands that “it’s not whether you have won or lost but rather how you played the game. And congratulations to both boys’ and girls’ wrestling teams for excellent seasons. Every single wrestler should be proud. You did the Trojans well.

It’s the college basketball games that really are out of control due primarily to the conduct of their coaches. The head coaches “rant and rave” the entire game, yelling and screaming at the referees at every call. When the head honcho behaves this way, often the team follows suit.

This leads me to my point!! Two weeks ago, Iowa Hawkeye head coach Fran McCaffery was assessed not one but two technical fouls and then ejected from the game. Last Saturday, he received another technical and then had a major “stare-down” with the referee. Just like two “gunslingers” at high noon in Dodge City. A sight to behold but not a pretty sight, mind you.

McCaffery averages about one technical per week and, to be quite honest, is an embarrassment to the University of Iowa and our great state. Every game, yes, every game, his assistant coaches have to refrain him from getting out of control several times. And sometimes, many times, they aren’t able to stop him. Shame on him!! Normal behavior for McCaffery is “out-of-control” behavior. But it’s not just him because every Division 1 coach is out of control. McCaffery is just about at the top of that list!!

So what do other Hawkeye basketball fans think? Love to hear from you, but “you’ll figure it out,” I’m sure. Has college basketball gotten out of hand? Let me know at jsheda@indytel.com or call 319.327.4640.