Why Petrino’s Meltdown Matters

In his “A Grip on Sports” online column today, Vince Grippi of SportsLink analyzes the UI Vandals’ sideline spat heard around the nation:

The other, more important aspect of this is the example Petrino is setting, no matter whether or not he had to be held back from Dugar. Head football coaches are not just X and O guys, they are the face of the program and, often, the face of the university. And Petrino is a role model for his players as well as a representative for UI. Imagine a Vandal football player at a party next week. A student begins to disparage the team’s ability to run a vertical passing game. The criticism hangs in the air. What should the player do? Walk away, defusing the situation, or follow his coach’s example and start yelling obscenities? Tell the student he or she doesn’t know anything about football. End the rant, but then turn around and move toward the other student. Think that would end well? And can you imagine the player’s defense if the scene turns ugly? More here.

Question: Would you want UI football coach Paul Petrino setting an example for your child?