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Daily Debate: Shake hands after the game, not before

By Brian Murphy - bmurphy@idahostatesman.com

Published: 08/22/09


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Having tried to legislate all the fun out of college football during the game - no touchdown celebrations with teammates, no using the ball as a prop, no sack dances - the powers that be are now trying to quell emotion before the game.

The American Football Coaches Association and the NCAA have asked teams to have a teamwide handshake on the field before kickoff during the first week of games. Boise State and Oregon will do so on Sept. 3 at Bronco Stadium.

Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli told The Oregonian: "I don't like it. I don't even like shaking hands when you get out there with the captains for the coin flip."

You know what, I agree with him. Sportsmanship - the ultimate goal of the pregame handshake - is a worthwhile goal. Taunting, throat slashes and other such actions should be prohibited.

But football is a game of emotion and you steal a bit of that when you make the teams line up for a pregame handshake. There should be a level of healthy animosity - and respect, too - for your opponent before a football game.

Make the players line up after the game. Have them shake hands and show kids that you play hard, compete and then show respect to your opponent whether you win or lose.

Contact Idaho Statesman columnist Brian Murphy at bmurphy@idahostatesman.com or by calling 377-6444.

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