Come on man.... Seriously? In this day and age of sports coverage, you're going to trip someone, not once, not twice, but THREE times on NATIONAL television and you just expect to get away with it?

Many of us Americans watching (especially us NC State fans) are quick to judge Grayson Allen's recent actions. We criticize his behavior and crucify him in the media. What he did is wrong, there's no denying that... but I believe it's understandable.

You read that right, I understand his behavior. I don't condone it, but I can't claim to be better because I have never set foot on that kind of high-pressure stage, my sportsmanship hasn't been tested.

Growing up, I was competitive. Actually, that's an understatement. I lived and died by wins and losses. I went from being the sweet eight-year-old that would stop a play to help up a fallen member of the opposing team, to the sixteen-year-old bulldozer that would flat out slam opposing teammates and smile as I left them in my wake.

In high school, I learned to throw elbows, shoulder slam, and flat out check people just for the sake of an extra few feet down the field. I was glorified for my aggressive play and, though I had a temper and a disrespect for authority, I excelled at sports. I thought that was "what it took" to be competitive.

Four years removed from my glory days, I cringe at such behavior. I know it's wrong, and I like to pretend I've never done it. But I have, so I won't judge you, Grayson Allen. I won't, because I'm no better. And had I gotten to step onto the Division 1 stage, I might have been you. But I'm not. Instead, I spend my days working with elementary schoolers.

I watch them joylessly play sports, driven to "get into college" when they're eight years old. What happened to playing for fun? For loving the game and busting your butt to be the best just because you loved what you did? Why is it all about winning to the point that you lose yourself when you step on that field?

Here's the thing Grayson, my kids admire you. They wanted to be just like you. Even after you tripped not one, but two people. They think that that's what the all-stars do.

But it's not.

So I beg of you, if and when you step back on the court and earn another chance, give them a reason to admire you. Not because of the points you put on the board, or the balls you overturn, but because of the person you are. Shake your opponents' hands, help them up when they fall, and have some grace. But for the love of God, stop sending the sport so many of us love down the drain, along with any chance you had at a professional career on the court.

I hope you get your spot back. You're a talented athlete and God knows you work hard, but that's not why I want you to have another chance. I want you to have the opportunity to prove that you are better than your poor choices. Show all of your young fans that they can make mistakes and learn something. Teach them that you can always choose to be a better person today than you were yesterday, and put the sportsmanship back in sports.

Balls in your court.

Sincerely,

Someone who knows you can do better