Being a gentleman and a sportsman

There were three events this weekend that reminded me of what we have become and where we may be going.

With the passing of Walter Cronkite, we were all reminded of the past quality of our news media and how we have gotten away from reporting the facts while being more concerned with titillation and opinion. Not only did Walter want to be called Walter, he reported the facts expect for some extremely unusual situations. And he was a gentleman in retirement. If you can find an interview he did with Roger Mudd a few years ago, Walter talked about how they didn't use adjectives when reporting the news. The reason for not using adjectives is that they convey opinion and they didn't feel that it was their job to provide opinion. When asked about tips to success, he said things like, "Hang in there" and "Do your best". This simple advice isn't flashy and not designed to grab headlines. It just epitomized his commitment and achievement. He was truly a master.

Also this weekend, golf fans had their hearts ripped out as Tom Watson came so close to winning The Open. And we also watched the sportsman congratulate Stewart Cink with his victory on the final hole and in the interviews afterward. We were reminded what a true gentleman in sport looks like. Thank you Mr. Watson for your performance on and off the golf course. I would rather watch your simple, effortless swing any day of the week than the scowling, club-throwing, whining Tiger Woods. Mr. Woods is swiftly becoming the "McEnroe" of golf with his bad behavior and poor sportsmanship. He needs to take a page from the sportsman's handbook and quit the fist-pumping, in-your-face attitude to competition. Yes, you set high standards for yourself, but take a look out there - there are others in the tournament, other golfers and kids out there watching you act like a child who got his teddy bear taken away. Clean it up and learn from Mr. Watson. He is truly a master.

In France, Alberto Contador won Stage 15 in the Tour de France and put himself in position to spoil the return of Lance Armstrong to world-class bicycle racing. And look at how Mr. Armstrong responded - he reminded us that it was about the team. Lance has won plenty of times and wants to win again, but understands that in competition, sometimes you win, but most times you lose and it's important to be a sportsman and congratulate winners. Thank you Lance for showing us why you are a master and a role model.

In the end, when we look at our economy, the media and sports, it has become about greed - grasping for more money, more attention and more dominance over others. It will be our downfall. Yes, winners can celebrate and they can make room for losers as well. But again, we have become all about winning, at all costs. In the grand scheme of things, we can't all be winners all the time. So a message to all who read this - look at how the masters I've mentioned above have mastered not just their talents, but mastered their emotions and the ability to be humble. If we need to have role models, look to the ones that congratulate the losers and empathize with their disappointment. Cuz we've all been there.