Shame at this weekend's state tournament

[nate]

I attended the entire state tournament. I noticed at least 3 times that one Region II wrestler, from a lower weight class, didnt remove his hood from his head and continued to bounce around facing whatever direction he bounced to, during the playing of the national anthem. I also think he may have head earphones in, listening to music(?).
I was embarrassed each time. He was the only person in the entire arena exhibiting such a flagrant showing of disrespect, and right in center stage.
If a person is making a statement about freedom of speech or conscience, I'm ok with that. But I think it was obviously not that. Even if he is not a US citizen (I doubt that), normal behavior dictates respect for others.
I hoped after the first time one of his coaches might wake him up, but apparently not. Anyone else disgusted at this disgrace?

[nwdfan]

Just because you got shot down on the virginia wrestling forum, does not mean you need to come on here trying the same. He we more than likely a lower weight, preparing for the biggest stage of his career. Obviously you have no empathy and can not think out of your small minded box. Yes, it is the national anthem, and yes it is disrespectful to not stand and listen. However, put yourself in his situation. Are you going to sit him and banter on about his disrespect when obviously you were not at attention because you were too busy finding something to complain about. Don't come on here singling out people, when you know other people were talking, not standing, or walking. It is not fair to the individual. You should of listened to your mother when she said "if you don't have anything nice to say, you shouldn't say anything at all".

[wc126]

I have no grievance with any wrestlers. These kids are growing, maturing, young men. Occasionally their behaviors can be questionable. I agree that a coach or parent should intervene and show the young man the err of his ways. I don't think it is a viable excuse to say he is on the biggest stage of his career. Professional athletes in championship contests of all sorts take a moment to stand still, face the flag in a show of reverence, honor, and respect for our flag. After all, that flag represents the how and why we can do any of the things American freedom allows. It is absolutely the duty and obligation of parents and coaches to do this. If it is true, that he was clearly the only one showing lack of honor, then even more so.

[comment]

Hey Nate,
Why don't you go beat your dead horse some place else....enough is enough.

[nater]

You know what is even more of a shame, Nate? Offering to film matches and then taking over 3 months to post them but having plenty of time to post advertisements, thats a shame...

[nate]

Nater, you're 100% right. Sorry to disappoint you and make you impatient. Perhaps someone like you with your ample skills and free time would like to assist in processing hundreds of hours of video footage and in designing, creating and testing hundreds of html pages, etc. Splitting the work in half would mean you’d only have to spend about 8 to 10 hours a day for 5 months instead of the 16 to 20 hours a day that the entire enterprise has been consuming. You could even take a ½ share of the almost $8 (eight dollars) accumulated to date from google advertising. The $4.00 would nicely offset the approximately $3,000 (and climbing) investment you’re assumedly willing to make for just a ½ share partnership, which doesn’t account for over 5 months of lost wages (north of $15,000 worth) trying to provide a service previously unavailable to the local wrestling community. Please advise. Looking forward to another thoughtful response from you.

[nater]

Find something the people actually want. Bout as thoughtful as it gets