Fairness Fouled: When Standing Up for Your Team Gets You Benched

The Unfair Suspension of Greg Kampe: A Coach’s Right to Speak Out

In the world of college basketball, bad calls are an unfortunate reality. But when a coach like Greg Kampe stands up for his team and gets suspended for it, something is amiss.

A Call That Changed the Game

The Horizon League recently made headlines for suspending Kampe, the head coach of Oakland University, after he vehemently protested a questionable foul call during a game. While Oakland ultimately lost the game, Kampe’s outburst was not without merit. The foul call in question was dubious at best, and many would argue that it was a clear mistake.

Accountability in Officiating

It’s commendable that the Horizon League is taking steps to hold referees accountable for their actions. However, in this case, it’s hard to justify punishing a coach for speaking out against an egregious error. Kampe’s reaction was not simply a tantrum; it was a passionate defense of his team and a call for fairness.

The Double Standard of Coaching

If we’re being honest, yelling at referees is an integral part of the college basketball experience. Coaches are expected to be passionate and advocate for their teams. So, why is Kampe being singled out for doing exactly that? It’s a slippery slope when we start suspending coaches for expressing their opinions, no matter how forcefully.

A Defense of Greg Kampe

As someone who appreciates the dedication and hard work that coaches like Kampe bring to the game, I believe he deserves our support. Let’s not forget that Kampe was right to protest the call, and his suspension is an overreaction. It’s time to let him get back to doing what he does best: coaching.

The Bigger Picture

In the grand scheme of things, this incident highlights a larger issue in college basketball. We need to create an environment where coaches feel empowered to speak out against injustices without fear of retribution. By standing up for Greg Kampe, we’re standing up for the principles of fairness and accountability that make our sport great.

Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *