Yesterday Lane Kiffin took the football head coaching position at the University of Southern California. Kiffin, after spending 1 year with the University of Tennessee, shattered his contract and is on his way to the west coast. At first, this didn’t bother me, but sources have now disclosed that he will be taking several critical members of the coaching staff to USC and several top recruits are taking back commitments previously made to the University of Tennessee.
What sickens me is the example that this sets for society. In this world of instant gratification, a man like Kiffin can totally disregard his contract and commitment with seemingly no consequences. Of course, he’ll have to pay $800,000, but money really isn’t an issue in this situation. Basically, Kiffin divorced the University of Tennessee after one year of marriage. And better yet, he’s leaving her for his easy west coast ex-girlfriend…
Then we have Brian Kelly, current head coach of Notre Dame football. Last season, Kelly coached the Cincinnati Bearcats to an undefeated season only to jump ship on his team mere weeks before they were to face University of Florida in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The abandoned Bearcats were routed 51-24 in the first game after losing their head coach. Yet, Kelly remains unscathed with a fat paycheck in South Bend, IN.
I suppose it’s important to realize that sports is an industry. Sports celebrities are not meant to be role models, they are entertainers. However, it’s important to mention that we do have people like Larry Fitzgerald and Lebron James who successfully entertain and set a valuable example to young viewers. (Which gives me an idea for my next blog…)
Kiffin and Kelly aren’t the only people breaking commitments. This seems to be an all too common trend within American society. In this day of instant gratification, we are more than willing to break commitments if something “bigger and better” comes along. The truth is that we’re living in an era of consumerism. We either drain an object til there’s nothing left or until a more appealing option comes along. Our marriages are failing and we’re burning through our planet’s resources, both at an alarming rate. I would like to believe that there was once a day when a man’s word really stood for something, but today, sadly, is not that day. I wish there was a simple solution to this crisis, but the fact is that if we are to have change, it has to begin with you and me. Change will not come quickly, but if we want change in the future, we have to start today.
Ultimately, as a UT fan, I believe this Kiffin situation is ultimately a good thing. It may sting the incoming recruiting class, but now the university has a chance to go get a proven coach who can back up his bark. When that day comes, we’ll conquer the Gators and be sing “Rocky Top” long into the night. And Lane, my friend, you’ll be nowhere in sight.
