Every so often, I like to award what I call my “Ethical Hero of the Week” to someone who steps up and really does the right thing. This week’s hero is Coach Matt Labrum, the head coach of the Union High School “Cougar” Football team in Roosevelt, Utah.
Matt Labrum 
Coach Labrum recently suspended the entire football team because team members were bullying a student, skipping classes and disrespecting their teachers.
Instead of going to football practice, Labrum forced his players to perform community service and before they could return to the team, they had to sign a pledge indicating they would change their behavior. If they would not sign the pledge, they were off the team. He received enthusiastic support from parents.
In addition, Coach Labrum met with the student who was being bullied. He apologized and told the student that as a coach he did not condone such behavior from his players.
In meetings with the team, the coach wanted his players to realize how fortunate they were and that they should be grateful for everything they have in life. He has reported to CNN and several other outlets that he has seen a positive change in the behavior of his student athletes.
Easy to be Cynical
Not surprising, it is easy to find contrary views online to Coach Labrum’s actions. Most of the comments don’t condemn him for what he has done, but that it was more a matter of too little and too late.
While I understand the reservations about giving the coach a huge award for his turning the lives of these young men around, I also believe the critics are being too cynical. We have got to start somewhere.
There are pictures of the young football players visiting sick and elderly patients in nursing facilities, painting the homes of the disabled and doing clean-up and landscaping. More than photo-ops, I truly believe that at least for some of these players, they have realized that there is life beyond the walls of their high school and it that life isn’t always pretty. In some cases, the changes may be immediate and in other cases (even if they paid lip service), the students may realize the benefits of the lesson years down the road.
We can’t be naïve about the situation. There will be some players who will be unchanged. The only way to deal with those who refuse to change is by changing their circumstances. By that I mean is that Coach Labrum must follow up with purpose and with intention so if it means kicking them off the team, so much the better.
The point is that the players must understand there are always consequences for poor ethical decisions. The consequences need to be enforced and the players needs to know why the consequences are occurring. They must be made aware that this isn’t a game – even though they are playing a game.
High school football will last a few years, but ethical missteps can last a lifetime. The difference between the two must be understood.
Kudos to the coach. There needs to be a lot more courage in our world before bullying will retreat beneath the rocks from where it came.
Great article, important info!
In Germany we have the same situation on many soccer events, especially with youth players. But not the players, but the parents often behave not ethical.
If you are not teached in youth what ethical behavior is, you will not be able to behave ethical later in your career.
Kind regards from Germany
Hansjörg
It has been a very long time since I have seen such a commitment from one person as I see in Matt Labrum. Tom Peters use to talk and write about such people and I thank you for bringing out this story.
Ethics and honesty is are the most important things within a person and it defines them as to who they truly are. Honesty is how I run my Internet radio business and adding real value only comes from good ethics and honesty!
This is a great story. There is too much acceptance of unethical behavior if it leads to getting what we want (i.e. politicians).
Interesting and useful article !! Deserves it to be shared !!!
We can all use a hero!
Great to see a coach like this. Very inspiring.