coach's #1fan

In the wake of the events that have happened over the last couple of weeks concerning Coach Greene and the Blackman baseball team, I feel the need to respond to a group of people who have caused tremendous pain and suffering. I usually don't visit this site. I've known too many people, including kids, who have been hurt by things posted here, but I felt the need to reach you in a way that you would understand. First of all, let me say that I realize that there are a few of you who stood for truth and decency. For that, I know you will be blessed, and for that , I am deeply appreciative. I have been raised with Christian values. I thought many of you had, as well. I guess that's why I have trouble understanding how you could respond in the ways you have.You have seized an opportunity to express your grievance in a manner that shows no regard for another human being's life or reputation-A human being that many of you called "friend." Most of what you have spread across the state is not the truth. Your administration knows this. But, the media loves to report the bad (with the exception of one very good man in th local news'sports department who attempted to find the truth.) Your coach has sacrificed much of his life for his players and his sport. (Since this happened, he has actually been able to celebrate a birthday, have real dinners in the evening, and spend more time with his own family.) He has stood up for your children, watched after them, supported them in their other activities and hobbies and loved them. He has stepped in and paid for things out of his own pocket for some of you when times were tough. He has taken several on college visits on his own time. The list could go on and on. Many of you have had things done for you that you will never even know. I personally have sacrificed much of my own time so that your children could have it. And, I have cheered for them and loved them. I hope you have found some "justice" because we are still looking for it. But, we feel confident that the Lord will sustain us in our trials. I would like to share a few things with others, however: To Doug: You have handled this situation with tremendous faith and forgiveness towards others. I hope I can do the same. To other coaches: I work with many of you. I know of the sacrifices you make on a daily basis and of all the things you do for your kids. Any compensation you may receive is not enough for the work you do, the long hours, the hassles you encounter, and the lessons you teach. To coaches' families: It's not always easy. You make sacrifices as well, and often have to sit in the stands and listen to unkind comments about your loved one whenever someone doesn't agree with a decision or things don't go just right. My prayer is that you will never have to go thru what we have, but, if you do, know that you are not alone. To parents: Please know that coaches have to make decisions based on the whole team and not an individual. Also, know that if you have a problem, the appropriate and responsible way to handle it is first through the coach and , if needed, through the school's administrators. Too often, our children are learning that it doesn't matter what I do to others as long as I get my way. To players: Your coaches don't do this for the money- there's not much in it. They coach because they care about the sport and about kids. Sometimes they have to discipline. It doesn't mean they don't like you- it means they want you to be the best you can be. To those just browsing the posts: Don't believe everything you hear and read. We know this lesson the hard way. To the many who have called, written or approached us to express support and encouragement: From time to time, things happen that cause us to lose faith and trust in the human race. Then God sends people like you to restore it. Most people don't know who their true friends are- we do. We love you all. Many of you, I'm sure,are reading this with a calloused heart and probably a chuckle, imagining yourself winning some dirty game. However, there are no winners here. But I have to believe that some of you have good hearts. To you I say that I am trying very hard to forgive. Though you've changed our lives forever, I have faith it will be for the better. Psalm 41 Isaiah 40:31