Monmouth's Bench is Less Than Impressive

Sportscenter glorifies them, high school teams emulate them, fans applaud them. Monmouth's bench has made their way into national headlines this season for their well-thought-out and supposedly-comical celebrations after one of their teammates scores. The first time I saw a highlight of them I laughed. It was funny, it was new, it was creative, yet now we're almost three months into the season and they're still at it. Every game. Every made bucket. It's old and it's time for these players to call it a day and cut the celebrations.

First things first, I will give these guys respect simply because of creativity. There's no doubt that these guys have great ideas, but it's the timing of these celebrations and the message it sends that doesn't sit well with me. There's nothing wrong with celebrating and supporting your teammates, but there is certainly a mature and professional way to go about it. Call me old-fashioned, but I'm not a fan of the touchdown dances in football, big bat flips in baseball, and hand signals that are thrown up after a made three-pointer in basketball. Why? What's the point? Is it a shock that you did what you are supposed to do in your respective sport? Whether it's scoring a touchdown, belting a home run, or hitting a clutch three, that's the point of the game and that's your job as an athlete. Hand the ball to the ref, round the bases, and sprint back to play defense. It's simple, no choreography needed.

Though creative, Monmouth's celebrations are disrespectful

With that in mind, what Monmouth's bench is doing is disrespectful not only to the opposing team but to their own teammates. This has been a very successful season so far for the Hawks; they've taken down UCLA, Notre Dame (who was ranked 17th at the time of that game), and Georgetown en route to a 14-4 overall record and a 6-1 conference record in the MAAC. Why shouldn't these players be excited? They're racking up win after win and enjoying plenty of success, but the issue is that they're not being recognized for their success. Monmouth's bench has taken the attention away from the success of the season with their childish celebrations. The guys who are on the court aren't receiving the praise they deserve for delivering one of the best starts in school history because the TV networks are so infatuated with the bench's celebrations. In no way am I saying that the only players that matter are the ones on the court, but the attention Monmouth receives should most certainly be focused on their wins, not their bench.

Anyone that follows baseball at any level understands that there is a "code" that players follow. If you throw at my guy, I'm going to throw at your guy. If you take your sweet time rounding the bases after a home run then you're going to hear from the pitcher about show boating. That's just how it is, it's about respect for the opponent and respect for the game. Monmouth shows neither of those in their actions and, if they did this in the game of baseball, there would be a whole lot of high-and-tight fastballs being thrown. There just isn't a place for that type of celebration in any sport and it makes you wonder if these guys are more dedicated to their celebrations or to finding their way onto the floor.

I'm sure this is the unpopular opinion, seeing as ESPN and Bleacher Report (among a list of other networks and websites) drool over this group on a nightly basis, so maybe I'm too old-fashioned for my own good. However, I think it's unfair that those guys are taking the attention away from the success their team is enjoying. I think it's unfair that those guys are making a side show of themselves rather than allowing their teammates who are doing the dirty work to enjoy their time in the spotlight. I get it, kids will be kids, but I'm in college and played multiple sports for the 17 years and not once did I play on a team or for a coach that felt celebrations like that were necessary. You show up, you take care of business, and you celebrate in the locker room after the game. Maybe society is changing and the culture around sports is changing with it, but I'm not willing to support a group that jeopardizes the professionalism of one of the most popular sports in the world. It's not funny anymore, it's not cute, it's not necessary. Feel free to pump your fist, high five each other, or yell all you want Monmouth, but the extracurricular activity on the sidelines isn't a good look.