Major Let Down!

Arrested on Domestic Violence Charge

 Some wounds are self inflicted and the blame falls squarely on the shoulders of the person carrying the weapon. In this case Mike Haywood has the smoking gun. On Friday afternoon the new Pitt head coach was arrested and jailed on a domestic violence charge after a struggle at his South Bend home. Assistant St. Joseph County Police Chief Bill Redman said Haywood was arrested about 3 p.m. Friday after a custody issue developed with a woman with whom he has a child. The unidentified woman told police that Haywood grabbed her by the arm and neck and pushed her as she tried to leave. Redman said the woman had marks on her neck, arms and back.

Now keep in mind that Haywood was just hired a couple of weeks ago on December 16th. Haywood who is African American turned the Miami of Ohio program around in just two short years. In his first season in 2009 the Red Hawks went 1-11 and in 2010 they went 9-4 and won the MAC Championship. I mention the fact that he's African American because not only does he represent all coaches across the country but in particular he represents every coach of color that aspires to be a head coach.

Over the years the percentage of African American coaches at the major D-1 or FBS level, as it's called now, has been disappointing. According to Floyd Keith, the Executive Director of the BCA(Black Coaches and Administrators) and their 2010 Hiring Report; 46 percent of the players in Division I football are ethnic minorities, while only 10 percent are head coaches. The ratio of head coaches to players is 21 percent. In comparison, Division I basketball has a 60 percent to 23 percent ratio, which equals 38 percent. One should understand, a person of color is still more likely to be a general in the United States Army than a collegiate head football coach when you realize that 20 percent of the U.S. Army is black and compare that with 9 percent of black generals resulting in a 45 percent ratio, according to Kieth.

With all of that being said, when the opportunity presents itself you can't blow it. Not only do you affect your family but there is a ripple effect that's far reaching. I can remember as a kid my parents saying, "When you leave the house not only do you represent yourself but you represent your family as well. Don't embarrass us out there." The same rule applies when you're a player or coach. You represent the family of the university, the fan base and college football in general. When you're African American you represent the entire race. That's pressure that you've just got to live with.

The old timers continue to say, "We've worked too hard as a people to get to this point for you to throw it away. Folks marched and died just to have the opportunity to be recognized in this country." Just to be considered for jobs like this was unheard of just 20 years ago. Now it's still bad with less than 10 percent of the 120 coaches being African American but how can it get better when guys make mistakes like this? Are other coaches qualified? Sure! Are they given the opportunity as often as they should? No. So when you get the job you've got to treat it  like Willie Wonka's Golden ticket. You've got to make the most of it.

Think of how selfish that decision was on yesterday and how that affects everyone connected to Haywood. Let's look at the assistant coaches that left Miami of Ohio to come to Pitt with him. Those guys have families and mortgages to pay. Keep in mind that they just moved or are in the process of moving.  If he gets fired over this, those guys are now out of a job as well. The new head coach wouldn't be obligated to keep anyone from the old staff. Even though they've only been on the job for two weeks, they are the old staff.  The current players and recruits suffer a blow as well.

 The Bible says it best in Luke 12:48, "To much is given much is required." What's your opinion?

Jay Graves

Information from The Associated Press and the BCA's 2010 Hiring Report was used in this report.