“The Fine Print”, by Michael Schrader

DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO

(Written 27 May 1998. Published in the Neighborhood Journal. Posted 26 June 2009.)

October 6, 1990, is a day to remember for all Missouri alumni. For it was on that day that the morale of one university was so devastatingly crushed that it took seven years to recover. It was on this day that when one man was challenged to "do the right thing", he didn't, and it suddenly became very apparent that fair play and decency were extinct. This man was Bill McCartney, former Colorado football coach and head of the Promise Keepers.

That autumn day eight years ago was the day of the infamous "fifth down" play. The Missouri Tigers, down since 1985, were on the verge of restoring their dignity. They were leading Colorado with seconds to go and had just made an impressive goal line stand. After the Tigers had shut down the Buffs on fourth down, excitement filled the stands at Faurot Field, as the hometown fans knew that their beloved Tigers had just pulled off the upset of the year. But wait. Colorado ran one more play, and on this fifth down, they scored the winning touchdown. It seems that Bill McCartney had taken advantage of the fact that one of the linesmen forgot to change the down marker. Because of this victory, Colorado would later be able to claim the national championship.

"Sports Illustrated" called on McCartney to do the right thing and forfeit the game. After all, Colorado knowingly cheated to win. McCartney refused. What is interesting is that this event happened after McCartney started Promise Keepers. On the one hand, McCartney was preaching to men across the country to "do the right thing." On the other hand, he did not feel the need to apply his "gospel" to his own actions.

Colorado finished the season 11-1, and was ranked first in the sportswriters' poll. However, Georgia Tech, which finished undefeated at 11-0-1, was ranked first in the coaches' poll. McCartney, "the man of God", was furious at having to share the championship, and lashed out at his fellow coaches. Whether or not the coaches were punishing McCartney for not doing the right thing is hard to say. However, I am confident that McCartney did not endear himself to his fellow coaches with his tirade.

All this from a man who preaches that we must be good Christian men. All this from a man who said upon his hiring, ``I promise you we will have a program built on integrity, honesty and character. Our top priority will be the graduation of the student athlete. That's how you're going to measure us. That's not going to be as glamorous as that scoreboard in the end zone. Maybe they won't keep a tally as pronounced. And yet, that's how we're going to measure success here.''

All this from a man who criticized Colorado prep players for their lack of loyalty to the university, and then less than a year later was engaged in (not-so-) clandestine talks with Southern Methodist University about becoming their football coach.

All this from a man who preaches that men must be leaders but yet who allowed his players to get involved in dozens of incidents, ranging from trespassing to attempted rape.

All this from a man who preaches that a man has a responsibility to his family, but yet did not publicly acknowledge his grandson until he was six months old. Coincidentally, this acknowledgment came at the memorial service for the boy's father, a Colorado football player who died at the age of 21 with a rare form of stomach cancer.

All this from a man who claimed that he retired from coaching to spend more time with his wife, but yet dedicates his time to an organization that intentionally and willfully excludes women.

Can you say hypocrite?

What is really alarming, though, is that after reading the official Promise Keepers Web page, I have concluded that what we have here is no more than a cult of personality. The web page talks about the teachings of Bill McCartney, and how if McCartney does not embrace a philosophy, it is not Christian and right and good. Of course, I should also mention the innumerable references to McCartney's books, tapes, etc., ad nauseam.

Driving to Missouri one night a few weeks ago, I listened to an interesting radio program about the anti-Christ, and how he will come guised as a new great Christian leader. Reading some of the web pages, could it be McCartney? McCartney is shrewd, not Satanic.

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