Post by TheShadow on Apr 16, 2006 8:21:36 GMT -5
www.greeleytrib.com
By Sherrie Peif
Athlete's facing tragedy happens frequently.
But the one constant through it all is the resiliency of them to bounce back.
Much of that comes from the discipline they've learned, Megan L. Babkes, Associate professor of Social Psychology of Sports for the University of Northern Colorado, said.
"It's common for athletes to use their sports as a way to cope and get their emotions in check," Babkes said. "It's a level of commitment, a way to go on and do something."
Athletes are motivated to succeed as part of an investment in their sport, she said. That carries on in tragedy as a way to avoid losing control of the situation and living beyond it.
"It's typical for them to think, 'I need to keep doing what I know instead of letting everything fall out from underneath me,'" she said.
Throughout the years, different tragedies have provoked different responses, here are a few examples:
*In 2003, the day after Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre's dad died, Favre passed for 399 yards and four touchdowns, moving into second place in NFL history for career TD passes in the team's 41-7 route over the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football.
"I knew that my dad would have wanted me to play," Favre told Sport Illustrated. "I love him so much, and I love this game. It's meant a great deal to me, to my dad, to my family, and I didn't expect this kind of performance. But I know he was watching tonight."
* In 2001, when the World Trade Center and Washington D.C. were attacked, every major pro and college sporting event was canceled. The Ryder Cup was postponed for an entire year and the Super Bowl was pushed back a week.
* In 1999, the Texas A&M bonfire, which had been a long standing tradition at the school, collapsed and killed 12 students. The game went on as scheduled.
* In 1981, after President Reagan was shot hours before the NCAA basketball tournament final, the league decided to play upon learning of a successful surgery, but the Academy Awards were postponed for 24 hours.
* In 1972, the Munich Olympics were suspended for only 34 hours after a Palestinian terrorist group's attack led to 11 Israeli athletes and coaches dying.
* In 1968, The NBA playoffs were beginning when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Boston and Philadelphia were scheduled to play the next day, with eight of the 10 starters black. But the decision was made to play.
* In 1963, following President Kennedy's assassination, Pete Rozelle followed the advice of the White House to play that Sunday's schedule of NFL games.
Tribune wire services contributed to this report
By Sherrie Peif
Athlete's facing tragedy happens frequently.
But the one constant through it all is the resiliency of them to bounce back.
Much of that comes from the discipline they've learned, Megan L. Babkes, Associate professor of Social Psychology of Sports for the University of Northern Colorado, said.
"It's common for athletes to use their sports as a way to cope and get their emotions in check," Babkes said. "It's a level of commitment, a way to go on and do something."
Athletes are motivated to succeed as part of an investment in their sport, she said. That carries on in tragedy as a way to avoid losing control of the situation and living beyond it.
"It's typical for them to think, 'I need to keep doing what I know instead of letting everything fall out from underneath me,'" she said.
Throughout the years, different tragedies have provoked different responses, here are a few examples:
*In 2003, the day after Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre's dad died, Favre passed for 399 yards and four touchdowns, moving into second place in NFL history for career TD passes in the team's 41-7 route over the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football.
"I knew that my dad would have wanted me to play," Favre told Sport Illustrated. "I love him so much, and I love this game. It's meant a great deal to me, to my dad, to my family, and I didn't expect this kind of performance. But I know he was watching tonight."
* In 2001, when the World Trade Center and Washington D.C. were attacked, every major pro and college sporting event was canceled. The Ryder Cup was postponed for an entire year and the Super Bowl was pushed back a week.
* In 1999, the Texas A&M bonfire, which had been a long standing tradition at the school, collapsed and killed 12 students. The game went on as scheduled.
* In 1981, after President Reagan was shot hours before the NCAA basketball tournament final, the league decided to play upon learning of a successful surgery, but the Academy Awards were postponed for 24 hours.
* In 1972, the Munich Olympics were suspended for only 34 hours after a Palestinian terrorist group's attack led to 11 Israeli athletes and coaches dying.
* In 1968, The NBA playoffs were beginning when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Boston and Philadelphia were scheduled to play the next day, with eight of the 10 starters black. But the decision was made to play.
* In 1963, following President Kennedy's assassination, Pete Rozelle followed the advice of the White House to play that Sunday's schedule of NFL games.
Tribune wire services contributed to this report