Mizzou Coach Teaches the Measure of A Man

By Brian L. Baker

Martin Luther King Jr. once said “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

This past week, Missouri men's basketball coach Mike Anderson suspended five players indefinitely after a weekend altercation left his top scorer with a broken jaw.

In a statement from the school, Anderson called the infractions a violation of team rules. Columbia, Mo. police confirmed that several teammates were with senior guard Stefhon Hannah when he was attacked outside the downtown nightclub Athena early Sunday morning. The injury could cause Hannah to miss the rest of the season.

Hannah, a Hyde Park graduate, returned home to Chicago following surgery. Senior guard Jason Horton and forwards Marshall Brown, Darryl Butterfield and Leo Lyons were also suspended.

Four days of drama, one injury and five suspensions later, the Missouri Tiger basketball team had only eight players available for this past week’s game with Nebraska.

The Tiger basketball team took on the Nebraska Cornhuskers, playing only seven men. With five regulars, four of them seniors, suspended for the game, the Tigers were asking for - and received - a boost from their underclassmen. Junior Matt Lawrence played 36 of 40 minutes, and sophomores Keon Lawrence and J.T. Tiller each put in 35 minutes. All three combined for 30 of the team's 62 points.

This past week, Mike Anderson brought honor and integrity to the NCAA, Missouri University, and the great state of Missouri. His actions are, in my opinion, the actions of a true statesman who wishes to convey a message to young people around our state – RULES MATTER.

Further, he proved that a team can rally around discipline and unite to conquer obstacles and challenges. His actions, even amidst a very close loss, prove that team can weather storms. His stand proves that sound discipline works.

Mike Anderson became a true statesman for sportsmanship and honor. He has set a standard that every pee-wee league, volunteer, high school coach, and parent can follow. Further, the young Missouri Tigers showed they can rise above difficult times.

I had the privilege of attending the Missouri vs. Nebraska game. The five suspended players walked in with their team, stood with their coach, and accepted their fate with dignity and heads-held high. Did they break the rules – YES! Did they accept the consequences…YES! And…the entire Missouri team brought dignity to the sports arena.

The most significant action this week did not take place in the halls of our Capitol. The most challenging decisions were not those announcing their candidacy for Governor. The most news-worthy information was not found in the presidential primaries.

The most important action this week was a coach proving that rules matter, discipline works, and the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Thank you Coach Anderson!