Managing your Emotions Overseas

As someone who has played overseas, I know firsthand how intense games can get and how fights can break out. When playing at a professional level, the pressure to win can become overwhelming, and the passion for the sport can sometimes lead to explosive reactions on the field or court.

We have seen tempers boil over in both the Euroleague Playoffs and the NBA Playoffs. With the stakes so high, tensions can run high as well. We've seen players get into heated arguments, shoving matches, and even full-blown fights on the court. These moments remind us that even the best players in the world can let their emotions get the best of them. While these incidents are not something to condone, they are a reality of sports at a high level…especially overseas.

One unique challenge of playing overseas as a foreigner is the pressure to perform and represent your team in a positive way. The fans can be deeply invested in their teams and ruthless towards opposing players. I have been subjected to verbal abuse and physical altercations on the court. For example, in one game, I remember a fan throwing water bottles, coins, and occasionally a flare that narrowly missed my head. The intensity of the game was so high that I had to remind myself to stay focused and not let the aggression of the fans affect my performance.

But it's not just the fans who can become aggressive - the players themselves can also get heated. Injuries are a common occurrence in contact sports like rugby and football, and the pain from a collision or tackle, especially if the player feels it was intentional, can trigger strong emotions and reactions. I’ve been intentionally fouled, in some instances tackled from behind, causing me to fall awkwardly. I was in a lot of pain, and I couldn't help but feel angry at the player for what I perceived to be a deliberate attempt to injure me. Tempers flared and confrontations took place.

While dirty play contributes to most aggressive behavior, the pressure to perform, the desire to win, and the competitive nature of the sport can all play a role. When players are competing at a high level, the intensity of the game can sometimes lead to heated arguments or physical altercations. It's important to note that while aggression and altercations are not something to be proud of, they are a reality of playing sports at a high level. As athletes, it's important to find healthy ways to channel our emotions and competitive drive, and to prioritize respect and sportsmanship towards our opponents. This means acknowledging the line between intensity and acting like a dickhead, and striving to stay on the right side of that line. Ultimately, the love of the game and the desire to compete should never come at the expense of our own values and the values of the sport.

At the end of the day, we're all human beings who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. It's up to the players, coaches, and governing bodies of each sport to work together to promote a culture of respect and sportsmanship. We should always prioritize the safety of all players and work to create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.