In the terrific book, Wooden, with Steve Jamison, Coach Wooden details his attitudes on race which were derived from his father. The fact that his father was and Indiana farmer living at the turn of the 20th century, makes his philosophy even more remarkable.
Dad helped me set my thinking in place on the issue of race. He told me and my brothers many times, “You’re just as good as anyone, but you’re no better than anybody.” Because of him I’m better than I might have been on many matters, even though I fall short of what I should be.
One of our players said to a reporter once, “Coach Wooden doesn’t see race. He’s just looking for the players who will play together.” I’d have to say that gave me about as good a feeling as I could have.
My dad was a very wise man.
Filed under: Sports World | Leave a comment »