Izzo Defines Character
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
Loading ...Izzo was the last man standing in Michigan that had character. When the announcement was made that Dan Gilbert, a MSU alumni that happens to own the Cleveland Cavaliers, made an offer to Izzo for some $6 million a year plus, plus, plus, well, us Spartans went into shock and silently and sometimes loudly said, “Oh no, not again.”
Nine days later, Izzo did the right thing not because of his fans, not because of his President, not because of his Athletic Director, and certainly not because of LeBron James and the media; he did it because of himself.
Izzo defines character like no one else and will now be the role model for leaders throughout sports, politics and perhaps business. Character is a tough word to live up to as we saw what happened to Tiger Woods who prior to Izzo was perhaps #1 in sports in this category. The photo below tells all.
For 15 years, Izzo has been involved with MSU athletics. He taught hundreds of kids way more than basketball skills. Those kids delivered and sent MSU’s team to 6 Final Fours in 12 years winning one creating the most winning program in the nation. Those kids are breathing a sigh of relief today. And while many of them are long gone and some in the pro’s, their sigh of relief is for one reason: Character.
I got to chat with Izzo a couple times at Final Four events and listen to him talk. He’s not about ego, power, or money. He’s about winning and winning fair and square. No lies, no payoffs, no drugs, no steroids, no bullshit. How many people can you say that about at his level?
Thank you Tom Izzo. Thank you Tom Izzo for becoming a MSU Spartan for life. As one, I can tell you it’s a good feeling and with you around it will be a better feeling especially after you stated in your press conference that you are going to work with Dantonio and help make MSU’s football program a winner.
It’s a good day to be a Spartan. For once good news from a press conference. And if Tom Izzo has one more wish in his pocket, it will be to hold his next press conference after winning his second championship.
Happy Wednesday and GO GREEN!
