And That's Why I Just Can't Get Into Sports

Our men's group at church had the opportunity to see the Steelers practice today. (For those who don't know where I live, they train about 40 minutes from our place in Latrobe.) Sam took Josh and Luke, after I stopped to get them some Terrible Towels and hats to be signed.

And Luke being Luke, he couldn't just get a ballcap. He's incredibly proud of this thing:



The guys watched the Steelers run, tackle, pass and practice other sporty maneuvers. The boys were waiting so patiently for practice to finish so that they could get autographs. And then it finished, and they ran up to the field and held out their shirts and hats, and watched the players walk right by.

Their disappointment was keen, and that's why I remind kids not to idolize anyone. Whether they're sports figures, singers, actors or what-not I tell the kids that sure they may have great talent but they're people just like you and I. If we put someone on a platform they'll let us down at some point.

Tunch Ilkin gave a speech that was incredibly moving, and based on what was relayed to me, he's the kind of guy that the kids can look up to. Not idolize, though. And he was kind enough to autograph every item that was offered to him.





21 comments:

caramama said...

That kid has style! Love the hat.

Karen said...

That just plain sucks for your kids. I'm sorry. Wish I knew someone to fix that.

The Sports Mama said...

Both my boys right now, when they talk about the things they'll make sure to always do when they're famous athletes... both of them ALWAYS talk about remembering their fans! They've been in the same position your boys were, and they've both decided not to EVER be responsible for making some other little boy feel that let down.

And should my boys ever become the athletes they dream of, I'll forgive them for not buying me my dream house if they just keep that one promise.

Michelle said...

Very cool Steeler outfitting (after the Vikes, the Steelers are my second favorite). Bummer on the lack of autographs....

I love football season though. And the reminders that it's coming.

Momisodes said...

What a sweet hat!

I'm so sorry they just walked by. That is awful! What a letdown indeed.

Pam said...

I'm sorry about the players waling by- that is terrible! My hubby would be so jealous they got to see the practice- he loves the Steelers.

Burgh Baby said...

Bummer. The hat rocks, though!

AutoSysGene said...

Seriously, shame on them for walking by and not signing....would it have killed them?

Though I do want a hat like that...;)

Madame Queen said...

That's so disappointing. If it weren't for the fans, those guys wouldn't be making millions to play football.

Love the hat, though!

Kidzmama said...

Aparently none of those players has ever been walked by when they were younger and just wanted an autograph. Shame on them!

We lived in Pittsburgh way back when we were first married. When I was cleaning up the basement for a garage sale I came upon our terrible towel. I just couldn't get rid of it.

Adorable hat!!

ALF said...

What a cool opportunity for them. But so sad that the players were jerks.

Marmarbug said...

what jerks those players were! Poor kids!

Andrea said...

My brother in law is a crazy mad Steelers fan. He goes to their spring training every year. I bet he was there!!
I can't believe that those players would not sign a single thing that a child held out. They obviously have never looked up to anyone before. Or they are just midless football jocks?? I feel so bad for your kidos.
But on the upside, it was really cool that they got to watch the Steelers practice!! I love Luke's Hat!!

pb&j in a bowl said...

Sounds like they had a blast, and you handled the players' ignoring them in the perfect way. It is really a bummer, though, that they didn't show any appreciation for their fans. I'm lovin' Luke's hat. Wish I had a Titan's one like that.

Wineplz said...

same thing happened when we saw the Colts at the White House after their Superbowl win. Just walked on by all the fans that showed up in the 95-degree/95%-humidity.

And I will have to remember to teach my kids the same thing you taught yours...words to live by.

Unknown said...

Love the hat!! That is too bad for the kids. Unfortunatly it is one of those lessons in life. Great photos!!

Anonymous said...

I cannot stand the sense of entitlement that most professional atheletes seem to have. Yes, you are talented. Yes, you make a lot of money. No, you are not God. And no, you do not have the right to behave like a horses rear.

HalfAsstic.com said...

Yup. Football TRAINING? Take it or leave it? As for me, leave it.

Michelle said...

that is neat that they were able to watch them practice, but how disappointing that the players just walked right on by!

Irene said...

Yeah, that is really too bad! I was going to comment at how cool it is you are so close to training camp, but then when I read about how they acted, I just felt so sorry for your little ones. That sucks.

Anonymous said...

I'll gladly come and watch. I'd love to see the boys in action. BurghBaby sent me a Terrible Towel. It's kinda hard to accept as a former Oiler fan.