Although I will probably be remembered for something involved with athletics, I would prefer to be remembered by my students — and my basketball players, especially — for the many speeches I gave about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse and getting behind the wheel of a car.
This time of year, with all its talk about proms, graduation and the resulting partying which transpires, always gives pause as all of our precious young people head out in one direction or another, at times after considerable alcohol and drug abuse.
If you were in one of my classes, this was the time of the year when I got up on the soapbox and preached my lungs out about the dangers of alcohol and getting behind the wheel of a car or just getting into one with a drunk driver.
The inherent risk of such an activity, combined with the false sense of invincibility, which accompanies graduation and all its associated hoopla, are often enough to foster poor decisions.
The end result of all this is often tragic.
As I hop up on this soapbox today to retell and warn of these dangers, I am reminded of the many funerals I’ve attended through the years that were senseless, tragic, and sad.
I caution parents, relatives, and, obviously, the young people out there to be prudent, cautious, and careful in their decision-making as warm weather accompanies what lies ahead.
For parents, don’t be suckered into the erroneous assumption that the spring bash is safer if you host it.
Don’t fall victim to the notion that if you, as adults, take on the enormous responsibility of hosting a so-called booze- and drug-free event that you will automatically remain responsibility-free by offering your home to avoid any trouble.
Guess what?
Far too many of these events go sour because kids will abide by your rules until they leave the place.
Put your foot down now and understand that the real fun begins — in many cases — once the sober participants walk out your door and look for a better time elsewhere.
For all the kids out there, listen to this: Attend an alcohol- and drug-free party and go nowhere else.
Can’t do it, you’re saying? Then prepare for a Russian roulette scene and prepare to add your name to a growing list of tragedies on the road in Maine.
You are not Wonder Woman or Superman. OK, you may feel invincible because of your age or your status in life, but that can all fall down in the blink of an eye once you are inebriated.
No, some don’t want to hear this on a nice, spring day.
As long as I have access to this space, I will preach this message.
And this year is no exception.
30-Second Time Out
The tired Boston Celtics bowed out in their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup with the Orlando Magic in Game 7 on Sunday.
I have a theory about fatigue and basketball. This year, I think the C’s spent so much energy on the Kevin Garnett injury matter that they finally ran out of gas against Orlando. In that same equation, I would include media types, especially the Boston media — which at times can be vicious, and so the issue is now put to bed. Orlando moves on against highly-touted Cleveland, and Boston sports fans without the Bruins and the Celtics are left with the Red Sox.
Back in the day, the Celtics seldom bowed out, and world titles in basketball may remain few and far between.