True test of teamsmanship
Prez needs leaders like Bennett, McCourty
A true hallmark of the Patriots’ Super Bowl win is their superior teamwork. It is a valuable lesson for the nation, not to mention a breath of fresh air from the demeaning and divisive vitriol our nation has experienced lately. Bringing people together rather than tearing them apart should be our collective goal.
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick could not have got it done without Julian Edelman’s circus catch or without, as Brady has pointed out, James White putting the ball over the goal line by inches for that spectacular overtime winning touchdown. Tom Terrific showed the true spirit of teamwork with his repeated shoutouts to White, who Brady said deserved to be MVP. True teamsmanship at its best.
It is why I am disappointed that two Patriots, Devin McCourty and Martellus Bennett, announced they will not attend the traditional White House welcome for the team. That is their right. But I have to say the Patriots’ winning ways and spirit of teamsmanship is something that President Trump could benefit from.
Brady, Belichick and Bob Kraft are Trump’s pals. We know they don’t support everything that Trump stands for. Friendship doesn’t require total agreement. Who among us wasn’t shocked to find some of our friends voted Trump? Does that mean we should be friends no longer?
I understand the value of standing on principle, and sometimes you must. But I also see the value of seizing an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, particularly our young people who look up to athletes. And frankly, I feel our athletes can do more, especially in black and brown communities.
This is where McCourty and Bennett could really make a contribution.
It is obvious that Trump doesn’t have a clue about what these communities need. So why not help guide him by taking a unified stand that symbolizes teamsmanship that supports My Brother’s Keeper here in Boston. Or support a passion of the late, indomitable Myra Kraft, which her son Josh continues to do, as CEO of the Boys and Girls Club.
I hope our guys change their minds about going. And that everyone stands together in lockstep. Enough with the protest, when you have an opportunity to change the dynamic by your presence and your example. Sitting out the game does nothing to help the team win. The Patriots, all of them, have a chance now to move the ball forward and get us closer to the goal line.