"In a social media world where fights between players in the handshake line, fights among fans in the bleachers and fights in the locker room always seem to receive the most clicks and attention, let's hope a simple act of sportsmanship and kindness from Saturday's South Gate-Dorsey football playoff game goes viral. After South Gate won the City Section Division I semifinal 28-20, several Dorsey players were distraught."
"The winning quarterback, junior Michael Gonzalez, heard a strange sound while shaking hands. "I heard someone crying," he said. "I looked to my right and saw two players, one I knew and one I didn't." He went over to console both. The player he didn't know, William Smith of Dorsey, was resting on one knee, head down, helmet off. Gonzalez said he told him, "There's more to life than just football. You got college. Keep your head up. It was a good game.""
Social media often amplifies conflict while sidelining acts of kindness and sportsmanship. South Gate defeated Dorsey 28-20 in a City Section Division I semifinal, leaving several Dorsey players visibly upset. South Gate junior quarterback Michael Gonzalez heard crying during the postgame handshake line and identified two distressed players, including William Smith of Dorsey kneeling with his helmet off. Gonzalez approached to console them and urged perspective, reminding Smith of college opportunities and that there is more to life than football. Gonzalez credited his mother and coaches for teaching him to be a good person and show respect.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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