The Entertainer • August 2015 • PAGE 33
In today’s sports world, what constitutes courage? T
By ‘Philly’ Robb Francis
here has been much discussion lately in the sports world and beyond regarding the manifestation of courage, and what it truly means to be courageous or to recognize courageous behavior. There has also been much debate over the scale of a person’s courage compared with that of others. Before I continue…a quick reminder that this is an opinion column, and it does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management or staff of the Entertainer. Their publication of my column should not be taken as an endorsement of my opinion. They believe in free speech as much as I do. With that said,,, I believe there is no greater act of courage than to join an all-volunteer military force and put your life on the line to protect the rights of some who might wish for your demise. That, to me, is the most selfless act a person can commit. Courage is defined as doing something that is uncomfortable, dangerous or outside of your comfort zone. Success or failure doesn’t factor into the equation — only the act itself matters. Much has been made of ESPN and its operators, Disney-ABC, giving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award to Bruce (Caitlyn) Jenner instead of many others believed to be more worthy of the award. I’m going to refer to Bruce/ Caitlyn as Jenner from here on to wade out of the pool of gender-defining, because that isn’t what this article is about. It’s about what constitutes courage. I believe it took a tremendous amount of courage for Jenner to go public with the decision to transition to female. Even though there have been many strides made in accepting
took a significant amount of courage, knowing the likely backlash. But this is where I believe the courage ends, and the manipulation begins. Jenner has been involved in the reality TV world for a long time now and knows the ins and outs of soapopera-like television. The nation tuned in to the lives of his wife and stepdaughters, and he enjoyed the reintroduction to the limelight. He knows what people want to watch. In essence, Bruce Jenner became Bruce Kardashian. So Jenner knew how to get the maximum exposure for his decision and how to get it to play in a media that are always looking for the next great cause celebre. Jenner knew full well that, with cameras following the family 24/7, a little exposure of some changes here and there would be noticed and become tabloid fodder. Then came the announcement and the subsequent interview with Diane Sawyer, followed by the ESPN announcement. That is when everyone stopped and asked the same question. Huh? How does someone removed from sports for almost four decades win a sports award for courage by changing gender? How did the late Lauren Hill, who Caitlyn Jenner speaks to the audience at continued to play college basketball to bring awareness to the rare brain the ESPY Awards after accepting the cancer she suffered from, not deserve Arthur Ashe Courage Award. that award? How does Noah Galloway — who lost his left leg and arm in Iraq, people for who they are, we are still yet races competitively despite his sometimes reluctant to just “live and injuries -— not win the award? The list let live,” For someone who was an Olympic athlete on the world stage to goes on. Word then came out Jenner’s people go public in that fashion took a lot of courage. There isn’t a person who was had struck a deal with ESPN and Disney-ABC Television Group. Jenner alive in the mid 1970s who doesn’t wanted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award remember Jenner on that Wheaties box, and to take that image away from or he would call off the ABC interview with Diane Sawyer. The network us and say “This is who I really am”
scrambled because they knew the ratings bonanza this would deliver. Let’s face it, this is Barbara Walters’ territory here, and Diane Sawyer had the chance to take the spotlight for ABC. It was a no-brainer for the network. They would give an award to Jenner that they later explained isn’t voted on anyway, and Jenner would do the interview with ABC. Then the fangs sunk in and the venom was released. Both camps denied a deal had been made, but we are all smarter than that because, when it comes to the world of reality TV and its participants, anonymous sources abound. Manipulating the system to grab your 16th minute of fame is not courageous. The same goes for Michael Sam. If you do something knowing you are manipulating the outcome, it is smart business but not courageous. It took more courage for Dr. Renee Richards in the 1970s to come forward and pursue a career in women’s tennis than it did for Jenner to control the networks and the media. Richards faced backlash from men and women alike for her decision, and had to go to court to have the right to play. That is courage. People exhibit courage every day to differing degrees. True courage is when you face a difficult situation, only to defy it and continue on with your life. It doesn’t describe working a system so you can get the maximum benefit and then try to play it off. Courage is selfless, not self-centered. Jenner and ESPN/ABC/Disney would do well to remember that for next year’s award. Philly Robb Francis can be heard along with Craig West on “The Locker Room,” weekdays at 10 a.m. on KONA, 610 on the AM radio dial.
Ams hockey team names Rejean Beauchemin to coach goaltenders Tri-City Americans General Manager Bob Tory last month named Rejean Beauchemin as the team’s goaltending coach, replacing the departing Lyle Mast. Beauchemin will be assisted by Jerry Price, who was brought on board as a goaltending consultant. “With Lyle Mast moving on to pursue professional opportunities, the door opened for Rejean and Jerry to join our program,” Tory said. “We wish Lyle all the best in his future career endeavors and thank him for the four years he spent with our club.” Beauchemin brings a wealth of goaltending experience to the Americans. He started his goaltending career with the Prince Albert Raiders in 2002. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2003 and went on to a 10-year career in the ECHL, AHL, CHL and in Germany for a year. He played for the last time in the 2011-12 season. Beauchemin has worked as a strength and conditioning coach at Focus Fitness, and has been involved in instructing goaltenders in the Hockey Manitoba Program of Excellence and at development camps for Hockey Canada and the Winnipeg Jets. He’s certified as a personal trainer and performance enhancement specialist by the National Academy of Sports Medicine and is completing a business degree at the University of
serve as a mentor to Rejean and the team’s goaltenders. “Jerry is a former WHL and pro goaltender, drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the eighth round of the 1978 NHL Draft, and has scouted previously with our hockey club,” Tory said. “The
father of Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, Jerry has an understanding of the pressures involved for young goaltenders in becoming elite goaltenders at every level. He will be a tremendous asset to our organization.”
IN BRIEF Bus trip to Mariners game scheduled for Aug. 9 Rejean Beauchemin in his playing days. Winnipeg. “I am thrilled with the opportunity to join the organization,” Beauchemin said. “I want to help this team seek a championship and I am looking forward to contributing in any way possible next season.” “Although young, Rejean brings a wealth of experience to our program,” Tory said. “Having both playing and coaching experience with Hockey Canada, Rejean captured a gold medal at the 2005 U-20 World Championships. We welcome Rejean to our organization.” As a goaltending consultant, Jerry Price will work with Beauchemin, coordinating the development of goaltenders and prospects. He will
Kennewick Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a trip to Seattle by motorcoach on Aug. 9 for a Seattle Mariners baseball game against the Texas Rangers. The bus departs at 7:30 a.m. from 500 South Auburn in Kennewick and arrives back in the TriCities at 10 p.m. Game time is 1:10 p.m. You’ll enjoy the game from section 146, rows 29-31, between third base and left field. The fee of $107 includes transportation and admission, but meals are not included. There will be a dinner stop in North Bend on the return trip. To register, visit go2kennewick.com/recreation.
Ams season tickets save 35 percent for avid fans Tri-City Americans season tickets are on sale at an average savings of 35 percent over walk-up prices. You can enjoy every game from the same reserved seats, and the never-a-wasted-ticket feature means you can redeem unused tickets for additional seats at other games. Prices range from $250 for a child from 3 to 9 years of age up to $550 for adults 20-61. Seniors 62 and over save $90 off the regular adult price. To order, call (509) 736-0606. For schedules and information about this coming hockey season, visit amshockey.com.
Paddleboarding workshop offered in Richland A paddleboarding workshop will be conducted on Wednesday, Aug. 5, for kids 12 and older at Columbia Kayak Adventures in Richland. The cost is $49 for Pasco and Richland residents and $61 for non-residents. Register by Aug. 2 by calling (509) 545-3456.