May 2000

Coach, Friend, or Counselor?

John “Buzz” Busbee is the boys’ basketball coach at Kennedy High School, an urban high school in a Southwestern state.  Since becoming coach a few years ago, he has brought the team from one of the poorest performers in Big Six conference to a contender for the district, and possibly, state championship.  But, as much as Buzz likes being a winning coach, he takes great pride in being a friend and mentor to the young men on the team.  He is aware of the many pressures on them and tries to help in any way he can.

A few days ago he was informed that Scott, a 15 year old player on the team, had been accused of causing the death of two women in an automobile accident.  The charge was vehicular homicide and Scott was scheduled to appear at a hearing at the end of the week.  Buzz knew Scott well as he was a first stringer on the team who scored points in every game but more importantly, he could be depended to steady his teammates in a tight game.  He was also an excellent student who had the potential to earn a full basketball scholarship to the state's most prestigious university.

Buzz was shocked by the incident and puzzled about what, if anything, he could and should do.  After all, Scott had only been charged with a felony, not convicted. The boys on the team wanted to present Scott with a game ball from the game

 he missed as a result of the accident but Buzz wasn’t sure this gesture would be appropriate.  Should Buzz take time off from work to attend the hearing on Friday and encourage other coaches to accompany him?  What about having Scott’s team members go?  He wanted to show support for Scott but didn’t want the hearing to turn into a pep rally.  The impact this gesture would have on the victims’ family concerned him too. And, he was concerned about the possible reaction of the media. On the other hand, Buzz didn’t want a promising student to be hurt by what, as far as he knew, was just an unfortunate chain of events. What should Buzz do?