If you can't see this as a problem. . .
First, there are clearly more important issues on the national level - this is more in the gossipy kind of news. It is another black mark on youth sports when stuff like this occurs.
However, if you equate kids razzing each other with this award, there is no comparison in my opinion. They had an end of season honors banquet and this coach went out of his way to single out one kid with a gag award. He specially invited him to come, and the kid came thining he was getting a special honor. It wasn't a laughing with you kind of award, it was a laughing at you kind of award - intended to motivate?!?
And yes, this kind of public humiliation from an authority figure and delivered in front of adults and fellow teammates is completely without any reasonable defense in my opinion. The coach's defense of it is weak as well. And this stunt would have far greater psychological impact then another kid hassling him would have.
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