For a program that seeks to encourage maturity in young adults, we should be clear that there are PLENTY of adults that fail to demonstrate even basic maturity. Here’s a small example:
In today’s Globe, there is a piece on Patriots’ linebacker, Adalius Thomas. The Patriots have a simple rule: arrive to meetings and practices on time. Pretty reasonable, right? On a stormy winter day last week, several of the players arrived late to a meeting. Result? They were sent home. Thomas complained about the CONSEQUENCES (more on this another day), so as further penalty, he has been benched for today’s game. He complained that the weather kept him from arriving on time. The only thing is, sixty or so OTHER players were SOMEHOW (written with sarcasm) able to 1) watch the news (as details had been building about the storm for DAYS!), 2) understand the schedule challenges the storm might present, 3) draw the conclusion that PERHAPS they should allow extra time, and 4) do what it takes to be punctual! Evidently this was too complicated for Thomas. So how does he react? He complains about the storm and says, according to the Globe, “I wasn’t trying to be late. I don’t know what to say. You leave home, there are people there, cars sitting in the road, you’re sitting there, what are you gonna do? It’s not the Jetsons. I can’t jump up and fly. What am I supposed to do?” Is he serious?! Leave early, be a grown-up, and assume fault for tardiness. If he had just apologized and accepted blame, he’d be playing in today’s game posting more numbers for his legacy. Instead, he's sitting on the bench nursing a weak spine.
What would you do?
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