A few weeks ago I watched my son’s mens division team, The Las Vegas Blackjacks, play the Sacramento Lions. To add some perspective, I am a Maori / Samoan from New Zealand. These men represented you very well. In fact it was the most remarkable display of good sportsmanship and self discipline that I have ever seen at a rugby game especially in light of what happened after the game.
During the game their were some very big hits, particularly on the Sacramento side of the ball. Hard tackling but guys were wrapping up and no one was hurt. The play was hard but clean. I saw not fists flying or stomping. Hats off to the Referee he did an excellent job. These are not easy games to ref. He showed respect for the players and the calls were fair both ways, and in return he received respect from the players. The Lions lost a hard fought game but they were gracious and gentlemen in defeat even wishing Las Vegas the best in Texas.
After the game as the Lions returned to their side of the field, some of the players wandered across an adjoining field where a game of flag football was being played. Words were exchanged #%T&^$##%%^% and then some pushing and shoving started. I stood their thinking to myself, you crazy crazy flag football players, you have no idea what type of hornets nest you are messing with. You do not get into a Polynesians face after he lost a rugby game and with all of his team mates only 20 feet away.
Then I heard the voice of the coach calling to his players to let it go and come back over to sit under the tree. F&B’s still flying, players pulling other players away and then they turned and WALKED AWAY, listened to the coach and gathered with the rest of the team under the tree.
I was so proud and pleased with their conduct. These men turned a potentially very ugly situation into a lesson that needs to be shared with everyone. I later shed a few tears for my Polynesian brothers who are so often stereotyped and marginalized because of their appearance. Big guys with big hair, big tattoos and the too often overlooked big hearts. We hear too much of the negative and not enough of the positive. We are often blinded by the outward appearance and fail to see the good that lies within or recognize and praise good conduct.
On this day these warriors walked away with a victory on and off the field. They did your union, club, coaches, supporters, families, community, parents, ancestors, cultures and each other PROUD. Damn proud. A huge credit to their program and coaches and a great example for all of us to follow. These Lions were Kings of the day!!
And the flag football players should be counting their lucky stars.
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