As a UMass alum, longtime basketball fan, and human being, I am appalled by the behavior of the UMass basketball coach, Frank Martin. His screaming in the face of his players in front of an arena full of fans is nothing less than abuse, not to mention a horrible example for fans young and old in the stands. And it obviously is not working based on their record and performance. While Mr. Martin professes to love his players and is trying to teach them accountability and pride, his approach is embarrassing them, causing a loss of confidence, and in many cases emotionally abusing them. He wonders why his players are not performing? Who would respond positively to being publicly humiliated? When his players are taken out of the game he refuses to even look at them and makes them cower to the end of the bench like a beaten dog. It is awful to watch.

I am a firm believer in structure, consequences, and accountability. Most effective coaches have found a way to do this without belittling their players and acting in a socially unacceptable manner. Recently a friend brought his 7-year-old grandson to the game to encourage his interest in basketball. He saw Mr. Martin screaming at one player and asked, “Why is he mad at him?” This display of anger can traumatize young fans and make people of all ages cringe, I can only imagine what it is doing to his players. He is not only making them uncomfortable, he is traumatizing them for not playing up to his expectations. He is making the fans uncomfortable. These are teachable moments for a player, not an opportunity to display is lack of anger control. He has a long history of this behavior, has been disciplined and sworn to improve. Apparently consequences have not worked on him. Some players may benefit from this drill sergeant approach but most will not. It is outdated and inappropriate in most contexts and socially unacceptable. I don’t know why any player would want to come to play for him or if they do, why they would stay? The coach can show disapproval of their play in so many ways without acting like a coach with no self control. Bad example, bad role model, awful treatment of another person. He has to stop, or he has to go.

Thom Martens

Pelham