You know who wasn’t surprised when the big, tough University of Nebraska football player cried about being homesick for his family, a couple weeks ago? Parents of college athletes.
As such a parent myself, I was also more amused than amazed by this story, in yesterday’s New York Times:
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson’s father and brother apologized for their roles in a fracas following the Wildcats’ 24-21 loss to No. 22 Iowa State in Ireland on Saturday.
In a water puddle outside of Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Mark and Anthony Johnson were seen on video fighting one another before they were pulled apart by at least five Kansas State fans. … Jewelry was scattered in the scuffle, and at least one person had a swollen eye.
“We sincerely apologize for our actions following yesterday’s football game in Ireland,” Mark and Anthony Johnson released in a statement to On3. “Senseless bickering escalated into an unnecessary fight. We have resolved our differences and take full responsibility for our actions.”
College athletes have more pressure on them than you know—and they’re more vulnerable on the inside than they look on the outside. And their parents? Sort of the same!
What in the world is the matter with all these people? That’s among the things you’ll better understand upon reading my forthcoming book, Soccer Dad. (Disruption Books, April 2026).
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