I think I would address this. What I offer is an explanation just to supplement an apology. I would rather get raked again, than simply slip away unseen. I was under an immense amount of stress and handled it badly. I guess ruining this thread, and an online rep was better than a technical foul or throwing a student out a window, but it is still a big regret.
I have been involved in basketball a long time and I firmly believe there are thousands (probably a million worldwide in all sports) who work as hard as any pro coach or player. I tried for a short time to be pro player and it was not lack of effort that held me back. So I am one of the people not in pro sports that others think take it too seriously, etc, but we do it out of love.
I have been pleasantly shocked at famous coaches like Dean Smith, Coach K, Hubie Brown that have to be pulled away by handlers because they wanted to keep talking to high school coaches. There is a lot of bullshit, but I believe most are genuine in the belief that coaching is a sacred thing, and high school coaches are the hardest workers. I have coached at higher levels and if anything, it is easier than high school.
You must keep in mind despite the climbing quality of basketball in Canada, I live in a part of Canada that Trump flags are not uncommon, and hockey and football are seen as king, despite more kids playing basketball. That basketball, even in this redneck part of the world, is dominated by black kids doesn’t help it get money or prestige. It means institutionally within schools we are given a backseat. That means despite my team’s success, I have to beg for money online or turn down tournaments. I have to sweep the floor, I have to fund raise, drive the team bus etc. I don’t get a dime for coaching. I still teach fulltime, and and my partner in ESL has cancer and a lot of admin duties fall to me, and of course that is small amount to ask for a sick friend, but it does add up.
I am doing all this one last time because, despite it all high school hoops is still the best. Kids are playing with their friends in front of their family, and the enthusiasm cannot be beat. The improvement that can be made is incredible.
The week of my meltdown I had gym times pulled for musical rehearsals. I had major stressing events with students, sick family, a racist remark directed at one of my players, and it was forty fucking below. So when I when one member here trolled me about hours in a day and how I was being dishonest about not having time I snapped. Had I not been way behind in admin duties I would not have broken my own rule and had my computer in bed with me when I was tired and written that dumbass response.
Anyway I am sorry. My kids are still great kids and we are incredibly grateful for the support.