My Bad

The phrase “my bad” is used by many, especially among young people. The phrase is used in reference to a mistake that someone has made. In some athletic settings, the phrase is almost a guarantee when a coach asks a player about a particular situation. The problem is that the phrase is almost like a “get out of jail free card” in Monopoly. When a player uses “my bad,” there appears to be no accountability for  his or her actions.

As coaches, we spend countless hours preparing each individual to do his or her part in order to come together as a whole for the benefit of the team. God holds us accountable for our actions. We must teach our young athletes that they are also accountable for their actions (on and off the playing field). God asks all of us who believe in Him, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say?” (Lk 6:46). As coaches, why ask our players to call us coach if we’re not going to hold them accountable for their actions?