Getting Into The Game with Johnny "Ballpark" Franks

Johnny “Ballpark” Franks can be heard weekdays locally from 3pm-6pm on SportsRadio 730 The Ump (730 AM/103.9 FM). Email comments and questions to Johnny.Franks@cumulus.com

Published: Thursday, March 4, 2010

Why are so many people quick to give up when facing adversity? Whether in sports or other phases of their lives, "throwing in the towel" seems more like a first reaction these days than a last response.

Then, having to admit they didn't do the things necessary to achieve their desired success, these same individuals start practicing the blame game.
The latest episode that clearly demonstrates both character flaws centers around the Canadian Olympic Committee. With a week to go in this year's Winter Olympics on February 25, members of this committee conceded it wouldn't meet the desired objective of "Owning the Podium" established several years in advance leading up to this year's Games.

At the time Canada was tied for fourth place with only nine medals, while the USA led the medal count with 24. It didn't help that the USA was fresh off a 5-3 upset victory over Canada in men's hockey on the previous day, which had diminished Canada's gold medal hopes.

If you were a participant in the Olympics from Canada, then you must have fully appreciated the foundation of support being demonstrated by the Host Olympic Committee. And, if you appreciated that support, then you had to love the following day.

Someone came up with the grand idea to blame somebody or something for the perceived failure at that point. Administrators? Coaches? Athletes? No, no, and no! Nathalie Lambert, the chef de mission of the Canadian Olympic Committee, pointed fingers at (Are you ready?)… the Canadian fans. She told

The Province that "we were ill-prepared to how we would react to Canadian fans really showing their colours." She added, "We definitely had some cases where nerves were not totally under control."

Can you imagine Alabama's Nick Saban or Auburn's Gene Chizek after a loss talking to the media and saying something along the lines of the following: "It was a tough loss. I wish I could take blame or blame the assistants or players, but the reality is the fans lost the game for us. They were too encouraging, too loud, and too enthusiastic. It made it tough for our players to deal with the pressure." Ok, I realize you first have to imagine Alabama losing a game again., but you see my point.

Despite leadership giving up, it is important to mention that Canada rallied in the final week. The host country finished third in the medal chase with 26 medals (14 gold, 7 silver, 5 bronze) behind only the United States (37 medals: 9 gold, 15 silver, 13 bronze) and Germany (30 medals: 10 gold, 13 silver, 7 bronze). And, no thanks to the encouraging support of the Canadian Olympic Committee, the 14 gold medals won by Canada were the most ever earned in a Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, the USA squad set the new record for overall medals won.

So, next time you mess up at work, don't take responsibility for your mistake. Blame the lady in accounting who offers a supportive smile or the gentleman at the next cubicle who is first to pass along compliments. The Canadian Olympic Committee may be on to something. Or, not! Johnny "Ballpark" Franks is the afternoon host on SportsRadio 730 The Ump (730AM/103.9 FM). His show can be heard each weekday from 3p-6p. E-mail: Johnny.Franks@cumulus.com.

Johnny "Ballpark" Franks is the afternoon host on SportsRadio 730 The Ump (730AM/103.9 FM). His show can be heard each weekday from 3p-6p. E-mail: Johnny.Franks@cumulus.com.