How the NFL’s work to mitigate head injuries and unsportsmanlike conduct was dealt a deadly blow

Wow.  Talk about unsportsmanlike conduct.

Last night Myles Garrett dealt a blow that will reverberate for at least the immediate future of his career.  Why do I believe it is only the immediate future?

We don’t seem to have much of an attention span these days.

If there is a lesson to take from this event, then, we’d best take it quickly.

Let’s start with the immediate participants.  Garrett and Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph are both, albeit in unequal portions, to blame for this getting out of hand.

Didn’t anyone teach either of them to walk away?

Garrett is quoted as saying all sorts of things – all of which are considered ‘appropriate’. Here’s what I keep looking for.

Why hasn’t he apologized to Rudolph?

If John Maxwell’s principle of 360° Leadership is anything to go by, Garrett shouldn’t have to wait to be told what to do.  His conscience and values should have already informed him.

The NY Times coverage, being my primary source of information here, also cites Brown’s coach and Mayfield, the Cleveland quarterback, as weighing in as well.

Still no apology to Rudolph.

Leadership is not about ducking responsibility. It’s about owning up to the harm your action has caused. And it’s not about you – it’s about the people you have harmed by your actions.

A culture that is truly leadership driven is about everybody.

What is your team’s culture? Does it celebrate the collaborative spirit of each of the individuals or does it tempt people with the rewards for ‘rock star’ standards?

Learn more about how team leaders can create and support higher performing teams at leadershipdrivenprojectmanagement.com or on the KSP Partnership channel on YouTube.

Or, of course – you could always contact me directly! kziemski@ksppartnership.comNFL - Penalty called forNFL - Penalty called for