Bobby Knight the Indiana basketball coach thought he’d been treated unfairly.. He thought a referee had given his team a bad call.. And he lost his composure. (Those of you who know Bobby Knight probably find that hard to believe.) But he stormed around the gym, he cussed out this referee in public and was finally kicked out of the game. In the press conference afterwards he ranted and raved.. Now, maybe the referee’s calls were bad.. But did Bobby Knight gain anybody’s respect for the way he responded? No, in fact, he had to pay a $10,000 fine.
I could not help but compare that to Coach John Wooden's attitude. He used to coach U.C.L.A. and U.C.L.A.'s long win streak was ended by U of Houston on national TV.. And at the end of the game there was a controversial call that went against UCLA and they lost in the final seconds. Afterwards, moments after that upsetting loss John Wooden had a microphone thrust into his face and he was asked, “Coach do you think that call lost the game for you and ended your winning streak?” Coach Wooden just smiled that smile that would kind of crinkle up his whole face and he said, “Well, you never know about those things.. There probably was a call or two that went our way.. I just want to congratulate Houston’s coach and the Houston players for an excellent game.” My opinion and respect of John Wooden was increased that day. See, as followers of Jesus, when mistreatment comes, make sure your attitude is as right as your principles.. keeping your composure.