The brawl that took place in the final seconds of the annual “Crosstown Shootout” basketball game between the University of Cincinnati and 8th ranked Xavier University this past weekend was regrettable and embarrassing. There was even the suggestion that assault charges be brought against some of the players involved. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed yesterday when Hamilton (Ohio) County Prosecutor Joe Deters came to the decision not to pursue any charges.

In situations like this it is common for people to rush to judgment and label the perpetrators involved as thugs. While I certainly do not condone this type of behavior, it is not fair to define any individual by a singular act. Yancy Gates, the player who threw the first devastating punch, seemed sincere in his apology to the recipient of the blow Kenny Frease. In fact, Prosecutor Deters pointed to Frease’s acceptance of Gates’ apology as an act of forgiveness that mattered in his decision not to prosecute.

Taking a closer look at the events that contributed to the brawl, I find the words and lack of action on the part of Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin to blame for the situation. Listen to this quote from Cronin, “True toughness is dealing with the environment and walking away. We lost our head. We were winning when it all started. My guys lost their cool. We were concerned with everything except execution.” Great words, outstanding and completely appropriate you are probably thinking and I would agree.

The problem is that this quote came not after last weekend’s game, but rather about an altercation that took place in the same game on December 12th, 2009 . Clearly coach Cronin sounded concerned about his team’s lack of poise but it appears that he has done little to change the culture that lead to it.

Here are a few of his quotes following the brawl this past weekend, “If my players don’t act the right way, they will never play another game at Cincinnati. I just told my guys, I’m going to meet with my AD and my president, and I’m going to decide who’s on the team going forward. That’s what the University of Cincinnati’s about, period. I’ve never been more embarrassed.” And this, “I made everybody take their jersey off, and they will not put it on again until they have a full understanding of where they go to school and what the university stands for and how lucky they are to even be there, let alone have a scholarship, because there’s a whole lot of kids that can’t pay for college and don’t get to go to school.”

I wrote about previously about ‘Walking Your Talk’ here last May.

Not personally knowing the players involved or their history, I am not sure what an appropriate punishment would entail. But I do know that you cannot use strong language like ‘never play another game for Cincinnati’ and ‘I’m going to decide who’s on the team going forward,’ followed by a simple suspension of six games (which includes just one league game) and still retain the respect of your players.

Contrast this with how the head coach of the University of Oregon football team (Chip Kelly) who has only been a head coach for three years, suspended his star running back LeGarrette Blount for 10-games after his first game ever as a head coach. Following that season, he kicked his star quarterback Jeremiah Masoli off the team, and this season he kicked off pre-season all-American punt returner/defensive back Cliff Harris.

Upon hearing Cronin’s words and watching his actions following the game, it is clear that he lacks the leadership qualities necessary to maximize the talents of those under his charge, and though it is sad, it is hardly surprising they acted out in the way that they did.

You can follow Sam on Twitter @SuperTaoInc

Posted in The Mind Side Blog