Elizabeth Lambert: Parents and soccer fans react to ponytail takedown (video)

November 9, 10:03 AMAtlanta Northside Family & Parenting ExaminerJackie Kass

Previous Next

36 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Atlanta Northside Family & Parenting Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Elizabeth Lambert's ponytail takedown
Inentertainment.co.uk

Parents and soccer fans are reacting to Elizabeth Lambert’s ponytail takedown against a Brigham Young University fellow player. Parents and soccer fans are expressing their outrage over Lambert’s surprisingly poor sportsmanship on a new Facebook page called “Ban Elizabeth Lambert of New Mexico From College Soccer.” During a soccer game which pitted the University of New Mexico against Brigham Young University, Elizabeth Lambert delivered a series of punches, trips and aggressive moves, but soccer fans were most appalled by her infamous ponytail takedown. For her behavior, Elizabeth Lambert received a yellow card during the game, but has since been indefinitely suspended from playing soccer.

Soccer fans across the globe are expressing their displeasure with this kind of aggressive play. There are currently 985 members who joined the new Facebook group. Many members expressed anger directed at not just Elizabeth Lambert, but also towards her coaches for allowing her to stay in the game. Debbie DeLong Shea said, “What a horrible example to set for our young players! Her coach & the refs should face stiff penalties for allowing or even encouraging this type of unsportsmanlike & dangerous behavior! I am completely disgusted...” Beth Phillips Holmwood also chimed in, “Elizabeth Lambert's behavior is a disgrace to the game. This is thug soccer, and hopefully the officials will impose a very stiff penalty - like lifetime suspension - for her behavior. She should be ashamed of herself.” Angie Boyd MacFarlane continued the sentiments by saying, “She is disgusting. Not the kind of example we need for girls in sports. I agree that her coaches were at least a little responsible for not taking her out of the game! I think therapy is in order.”

The UNM head coach suspended Lambert indefinitely on Friday, and the Mountain West Conference has started an investigation. Elizabeth Lambert’s punishment can range from a one-game suspension to an entire season suspension. Lambert has since apologized for her aggressive behavior and said, “I am deeply and wholeheartedly regretful for my actions. I let my emotions get the best of me in a heated situation. I take full responsibility for my actions and accept any punishment felt necessary from the coaching staff and UNM administration.”

Parents can use this incident and turn it into a teachable moment. While all sports are competitive, especially at the college level, this kind of out-of-control behavior on the playing field is simply unacceptable. Coaches should instill a passion for the game over the actual competition itself at an early age. The best coaches are those who look beyond the competition aspect and stress good sportsmanship, camaraderie and a love for the game. These qualities will help mold a child into a respectful and responsible adult.

What do you think? As a parent, does this video make your stomach churn? Does Elizabeth Lambert’s behavior outrage you, or is it all part of the game? Please feel free to leave your comments below.

Related articles you may find of interest:

• Help! I’ve turned into a Soccer Mom, dial 9-1-1 fast
• Top 10 life lessons for parents
• The top ten ways to cope with puberty - a family survival guide

To receive future articles by Jackie Kass, scroll to the top of this article, and click on SUBSCRIBE. Your e-mail address will not be shared with anyone else. Do you have a story idea? I'd love to hear from you! E-mail your ideas to me at jackiekass@bellsouth.net.