Advice from Grandma: 2007 Edition

Phil Simms, or "Grandma" as he was called when he quarterbacked the New York Giants Football team and seemed slow afoot, did the commentary for the Patriots/Jets game today. He is slow in a much more important dimension.

When asked his view of Bill Bellicik's team filming the signals of the Jets during a game -- now an issue for investigation by the league -- Simms gave these answers (paraphrased):

1. Technically, it isn't against the rules.
2. Everybody does it (the Patriots didn't do anything others don't do).
3. It's not effective anyway.

Never mind the specific deed. Is Simm's viewpoint now the standard for moral choices for coaches, managers, owners and athletes? And maybe the standard for corporate executives, religious leaders and others?

This kind of thinking is why we have an epidemic in our national pastime of performance enhancing drugs. Win at any cost. No such thing as it's just plain wrong. We don't mind if they cheat as long as we are entertained. So what if it causes lifetime health problems.

This kind of thinking is why so many executives "backdated" options -- in quotes here because of the euphemism for options that are falsely dated.

The dozens of CEOs with whom I do business week in and week out cringe at this behavior and at the judgment applied by the man in the street.

OK. The remedy is not clear. Perhaps we have to have powerful incentives for both bad behavior and good behavior and ways for the good guys to bring the bad guys to heel. But come on folks, tolerating unethical behavior is the same thing as endorsing it.

With the rewards so much larger than ever, the standards far from clear, no single empowered authority to certify to compliance and no enforcement, there is an epidemic in society of both cheating and cynicism.

You can't legislate morality. Really. And invasiveness into people's lives and over-regulation are repugnant. So, where does the solution lie?

It starts with the media: taking to task their own apologists, legitimate investigative journalism, courage in reporting and calling it as it is without euphemisms. And the media will need to be educated and informed by "reliable sources' in a position to explain and make simpler how things work. Only then can public pressure be brought to bear.

Perhaps there was a time long ago when the average citizen envied the elites but believed they really earned their wealth and advantage. Now the system appears to many to be broken and not to be trusted. That has terrible consequences for al of us.

To re-purpose the anti-terrorism slogan on the walls in the New York City subways for our friends in the media as well as ourselves: "If you see something, say something."

Comments

[realitytrumpsbull]

I think if they outlawed sports betting, the
juicing would stop...

[Wilburrr]

Same thing I've been saying in calling for impeachment hearings.

[January]

"Nice guys finish last" has been around for a long time. Is it really a surprise that those with vested interests in the outcome try to "game" the game?

Professionals long ago sold their souls to the devil--no, not necessarily but it takes a saint to avoid the temptation. The plea for saints in professional sports might get your article published, but then it will line our bird cages. It's a cheap shot.

The reward for taking advantage can be winning. "How you play the game" takes second place in professional sports where power is all that matters. Yes, winning forgives a heap of sinning.

If it isn't against the rules and if anyone can do it who wants to do it, then the rule-makers need to make a decision.