In my duties as President of a youth football organization, I will probably be invited to speak to various youth organizations. On these occasions I will always asked this question, "What one thing do you think we need to teach our kids?" My answer, "Responsibility," will always raise eyebrows.

In our society today, role models (pop stars, pro athletes, and politicians) blame their mistakes on others. Our youth do not meet expectations. Our youth fitness level is at an all-time low. Parents blame the schools. Schools blame the parents for allowing fast food consumption, substance abuse, and hours spent with TV and video games. The media blames everyone: latchkey kids, "McParents," disinterested teachers, and lack of government funds.

Youth suicide and violence are common place. Here the finger pointing is even worse. Teachers, lawyers and judges all play the "Blame Game." Criminals are not responsible for their actions because???  Responsibility is an ORPHAN!

At a local football game I saw a friend who coaches High School football. "Hey Dave, how is your team?" The response stunned me. "We dropped football this year," he said, never looking up. He went on to tell me the all-too-familiar story of budget cuts. In the 60's "Tiger" Ellison (of run-and-shoot fame) had the public address announcer say, "This game is dedicated to our country and the fine youngsters playing the game tonight. This is not a classroom. They may get some skin scraped off their knees, but they are learning the value of courage, confidence and teamwork. Welcome to America's Leadership Laboratory."

Just think about this; It costs more to send a kid to jail than to Yale. Our kids are being poisoned. Yes, poisoned! Physically and mentally, and what are we doing about it?

Every one of us is responsible. We need to be more active. Our sport is under siege. We have enemies outside and sadly inside the sport. We cannot allow felons to dominate the thoughts of our school boards, elected representatives, and media. We must not allow the decay to continue. Let's all of us take the responsibility to alert America. The face of football is NOT "Beer, Brawls and Betting!"

THE TRUE FACE OF FOOTBALL IS THE MILLIONS OF KIDS AND VOLUNTEERS!