Code of conduct, that’s a phrase used by Saskatchewan
Roughriders president Jim Hopson last October; however, I have yet to see one
in place. Yet again, rumours are
going around the province about something Kenton Keith did. This time, though, these rumours are
substantiated by an aggravated assault charge. I’ve heard the excuses from the Keith supporters saying how
tough it is and how players always get called out, but I question why it is
always the same player(s) in trouble. I never hear stories about Kerry Joseph,
Matt Dominguez, Chris Szarka, Jeremy O’Day, or many others.
Like
Jason French said, it only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch. So while Kerry Joseph is doing charity
work (Catch for Kids program along with SaskEnergy), the media is more focused
on what Keith did wrong, and so am I. Players have to realize that no matter what time it
is, when they are out on the town they represent the team, and to a lesser
extent the city and the province.
Players have to learn that there is a certain responsibility that comes
from playing for a professional sports team. They have to learn that, like it or not, they are public
figures and everything they do will be scrutinized by everyone, including kids
who see them as role models.
This
is where a team code of conduct comes into place. The organization has to ensure their players know that
certain distractions will not be tolerated and discipline will follow. They have to ensure the Roughriders are
something the province of Saskatchewan takes pride in. They have to ensure that they are
a winning to team, not only on the field, but off the field as well. It’s about time the organization takes
some action.
One
fan’s opinion
Devin Sandor