Humility brings honour
"Pride ends in a fall, while humility brings honour." Proverbs 29:23

2005.05.23 I have lost a lot of wrestling matches over the years. I have been powerbombed. I have been dropped on my head. I have been involved in some flat out embarrassing and humiliating situations.

I can handle the abuse that comes with wearing pink trunks. I survived getting dropped on my head. I am unfazed by my win/loss record.

This past weekend the Sizzle lost 61-0. We have been outscored 193-22 in our past 3 games. We have been trounced thoroughly.

After we lost to Detroit 76-0, I stayed on the field for a long time. I waited until all of the fans and families were gone. I was embarrassed... I was so humiliated that I did not want to see or talk to anyone. I sat on the bench next to the field and stared blankly into space for more than a half-hour.

Two weeks ago, we traveled to Pittsburgh where we lost 56-22. Thankfully, it was a road game. I did not have to avoid any family or friends. I was upbeat because there were signs of improvement.

This past week in Cleveland was demoralizing. Many of the players have family in Cleveland. There were a lot of fans on hand to cheer for the Sizzle. Neither offense nor defense ever got much going. We were decimated 61-0.

After the game, I stayed down at the field. I played catch with my son. I tried to clear my head. I stayed on the field for probably 30 or 40 minutes. One of the players approached and went about introducing me to 20-ish family members who attended the game. I had no idea what to say. How do you thank someone for coming out to witness the mauling we received?

As I finally made my way to the locker room, I realized... the fans are embarrassed for us. They feel our humiliation. As I walked up the ramp and looked at the fans still milling about - none of them made eye contact. They all just dropped their head and hoped I would pass without incident.

This week, the Sizzle plays a home game against the Columbus Comets. The Comets won 100-0 this past week. They are probably the 2nd best team in the league. They are riding high and looking to prove a point. We are searching for an identity.

Our pride has been damaged. We have been humbled. Any sense of arrogance once possessed is now long since gone. We will continue to press on.