CHAMPAIGN, Ill — Illinois lost a pivotal home game Sunday to the Maryland Terrapins 76-67, but the local and national media paid attention to the handshake line after the game between the two teams.
For years, coaches and former players have been becoming more vocal about the traditional handshakes after games. We spoke with several QC area coaches and players who gave their opinions on one of the sports' top traditions — the handshake line:
- Bettendorf Bulldogs Boys High School Head Basketball Coach Curtis Clark said, "I'm a traditionalist, Ked. I've had players over the years cross that line with me. I shake hands with every player and coach on the opposing bench. However, I will share with the head coach what was said, in hopes they will deal with it." Clark also said, "I try to teach our kids respect before the games and have it afterward. We are trying to prepare kids for life after basketball, such as losing a job or a family member that is bigger than basketball. That's just who I am as a person."
- Henry Hall, Rock Island Rocks head girls basketball coach said, "I am 50/50 on the issue, to be honest. I think there have been times when there were games when some chippy heated play was offered, and you know someone from either team might say something that causes me to not do it. I want our teams to win with class and lose with class. I also think after a battle, to respect your opponent, you should shake hands."
- Wade King, Assumption High School athletic director and retiring head football coach: "I don't think it's too much to ask athletes and coaches to acknowledge their opponents following a game. It is sad that we have those who cannot separate their emotions from competition. I say keep it and use it as a teachable moment. No reason it has to be eliminated if coaches and parents are doing their jobs."
- Scott Morel, Alleman Catholic High School boys basketball coach said, "I think it's up to the coach. If they feel like there is going to be an altercation, send the players to the locker room, and the coaches shake hands. Kids are emotional and adults need to show respect to each other for teams after a hard-fought battle contest."
- Former Illinois legend Kenny Battle said, "It’s been too many fights in the handshake line now, doesn’t matter whether male or female or level of play, for that matter. After competing for 32 or 40 minutes, trash-talking, win or lose, and you say something during the handshake line, it could cause problems. I think the coaches should do it and let the players leave for the locker room. I like how the NBA coaches do it, they wave and walk away, sometimes they might shake hands but not often. As a player, I did my share of talking trash to players and coaches during the game, but never, ever did I disrespect a coach or cross the line. Mine was fun. And coaches knew it because we would laugh about it after the game. It’s a competitive sport, but we should not lose sight of that. Not everyone handles adversity the same."
- Pat Rangel, Moline's assistant boys basketball coach from the 2023 IHSA state championship team said, "While I certainly understand the argument in favor of discontinuing the post-game handshake, I have always felt there are so many values intrinsic to sports, particularly basketball. I believe as coaches it is a responsibility of ours to nurture those values and instill them in our players. I always believed basketball is a small reflection of line, and things often don't go our way, and there will always be adversity that presents players with choices that help build character. Keep the post-game tradition. The game needs it, we all need to do better and be better on the four and outside the lines."
- Jamall Walker, Grand Canyon men's assistant basketball coach said, "The handshake is a sign of respect as it should be. There is a respect level of completion, but when someone is not being respectful to others, things could potentially happen. As a competitive guy myself, I get it. We all battle, there are some things that could happen during a game, and it might come back in the post-game handshake line. Sometimes I ignore it, that's the best thing to do if that is possible, things are happening everywhere; you can look online to see it for yourself."
Not all sports agree to a game-ending handshake; for example, in the MLB, players often walk away. In the NFL, most athletes walk away as well unless they have pals from the other team.
There is no magic answer to what is taking place in today's game; however, the world is changing daily, and so are we as people.
