Sports world lacking in class

With the constant arrests of NFL, NBA and MLB players, violations by players and coaches alike of NCAA rules, and fighting that occurs during many sporting events, sportsmanship is beginning to look like a thing of the past. \nEven in Indiana the epidemic seems has spread after the November 2004 brawl between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons in Auburn Hills, Mich. And it would be hypocritical not to mention Bob Knight's famous chair-throwing incident.\nIndiana's heritage, however, is not so laden with unsportsmanlike conduct. The Big Ten Web site has dedicated a page to "Celebrating Black History Month," chronicling and remembering the accomplishments of black student-athletes. Big Ten commissioner James. E. Delany says the celebration, which will feature 22 athletes during the 28 days of February, is not only an acknowledgement of accomplishment, but a way to "reflect proudly" on their Big Ten careers. \nThe second athlete recognized this month came directly out of our own crimson and creme community. \nGeorge Taliaferro led the 1945 Hoosiers football squad to its only undefeated Big Ten title, earning first-team All-American honors as a standout in all areas of the team: defensive, offensive and special teams. Taliaferro was signed to a professional contract with the Los Angeles Dons, a team in the All-America Football Conference. \nIn 1949 he had an opportunity to achieve what he told his mother was an "unbelievable dream come true": He was drafted by the Chicago Bears, making him the first African-American player to ever be drafted by the NFL. Having grown up in Gary, just across from Chicago, it is no wonder it was Taliaferro's dream.\nBut this story takes the road not of selfish dream-achievement but of selfless integrity. Taliaferro chose not to play for the Chicago Bears and make history as the first African-American to set foot on an NFL field. Rather, he chose to stay with the Dons -- because he gave them his word and because his father had taught him "to be the best you can be in every situation you find yourself."\nThat, ladies and gentleman, is the mark of a true sportsman. While Taliaferro played in the NFL later in his career, he never wore a Bears uniform. It is this sort of commitment to being a good person that makes for the best perception of IU, Big Ten, Indiana and national sports.\nSuch is the legacy entrusted to athletes in Indiana. Continued poor sportsmanship in the state should be unacceptable. Unfortunately, this includes the famous "Puck Furdue chant" and the booing of team members. Glimpses of Midwest sportsmanship showed up in Miami as Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy and Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith embraced at midfield at the end of Super Bowl XLI.\nMen like Taliaferro should serve as an example to all of IU's student athletes. Being the best you can be in any given situation includes shaking hands, keeping tempers under control and, above all else, holding your head respectfully high in victory or defeat.