Since the Arkansas Blog first reported this athletic rumble, which then become subject of an extensive report in the Democrat-Gazette, it probably should note the closing chapter. I am referring to the unpleasantness that broke out following a recent middle school girls’ basketball game at Arkansas Baptist High between Miss Selma’s School and Little Rock Christian Academy. LRCA, until then unbeaten, lost in a squeaker, but the post-game was marred by an academy parent’s angry confrontation with his team’s coach over lack of playing time for his daughter. Police were called.
Recently, Charles W. Phillips, interim head of LRCA, sent a letter to leaders of Arkansas Baptist and Miss Selma’s apologizing for the incicent. He also included a copy of a letter of apology from the parent who set off the ruckus. The father said, in part, “Although I consider myself a born-again Christian, my confrontational response at the outcome of this sporting event was decidedly un-Christian and reprehensible.”
Phillips also included in the mailing the letter he’d sent to LRCA parents. It explained the incident and the various apologies and said the father had agreed to professional counseling “in the context of his church family” and would not attend LRCA sporting events until the counselor “attests that he is able to return.”
Now we return to our regularly scheduled programming, the lovefest that is sports at the University of Arkansas. I spent some time with Wally Hall on The Buzz this morning with Tommy Smith and David Bazzell. Gee whiz, fans take this stuff seriously. If only the same degree of emotion could be stirred for the state school spending formula.