Fatal Disrespect

We’re taught at an early age to respect our elders — that age deserves our appreciation, regardless of time and place.

Those who want respect give it first, and those who earn it do so through success, longevity and achievement.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks was at the center of controversy recently when he described LeBron James as "old," adding, "I don't respect no one until they come and give me 40 (points)."

Brooks’ cocky attitude and verbal battle was, according to him, a display of confidence.

In reality, it was disrespectful and stupid.

His lack of respect for the legend James was one mistake. But his lack of respect for his teammates was another. By choosing his words foolishly, Brooks put a target on his team’s back.

On Tuesday, the Grizzlies announced that Brooks would not be retained next year. Memphis seemed to want to send a clear message to their organization that he wasn’t welcome. They needed to cleanse themselves of his lack of judgment and overall respect for the game.

Legendary Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi had a sign in the locker room saying: “What you see here, let it stay here when you leave here.” It hung well before social media was invented or the 24-hour news cycle.

Lombardi respected the game and wanted his players to respect their team. Idle gossip or false bravado didn’t have a place in his organization.

Brooks crossed a sacred line and seems to still be unaware of his mistakes, and while everyone deserves a second chance, if they don’t actually acknowledge their original mistake, how can we offer that new opportunity?

Respect is an action: We show respect; we act respectfully; we speak with respect.

The Grizzlies showed respect to their players by releasing Brooks and appeared to address a key issue by announcing their intentions early on.

As leaders, we have to understand that we become what we tolerate. If we tolerate disrespect, then we become disrespectful.

We must act quickly to resolve anything that resembles disrespect for the business we lead — or else that business can quickly be lost.