At the youth sports level, we are taught to respect the game, as well as our opponents, regardless of the outcome. I view it as a good idea to teach humility to our children at an early age because not everything will go their way in adulthood.

As such, being gracious in defeat can will enhance a child’s ability to deal with adversity in future aspects of their lives. As it turns out, NBA superstar LeBron James and heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder never learned these virtues themselves.

During the first round series of this year’s NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from championship contention in six games by the Phoenix Suns. While I find no shame in losing to a talented team such as the Suns, there is something to be said for James, the most widely recognized athlete in the entire world since Michael Jordan, who did not display the slightest bit of courtesy.

In Game 5 of the series with his team hopelessly behind in the fourth quarter, James decided to walk off the floor while the game was still in progress. By leaving the court early, James not only refused to acknowledge the opponent who played a superior game that night, but he signaled to the world that he has far more important things to do than to show any solidarity with his teammates.

Meanwhile, Wilder suffered the first loss of his professional fighting career in brutal fashion back in February of 2020. That night, fellow fighter Tyson Fury, administered a severe beating at Wilder’s expense that resulted in a seventh-round technical knockout. As a result of this defeat, Wilder lost his status as a heavyweight champion.

Afterward, Wilder blamed everyone but himself for his setback in the ring. His trainer, the referee, his opponent and even the 40-pound costume he wore into the ring before the match began, were all reasons Wilder gave to explain what went wrong that night.

More recently, Wilder and Fury held a press conference earlier this week to promote their re-match which is scheduled to take place on July 24. Rather than fulfilling his media obligations by actually participating in the press conference, Wilder decided to sit silently in front of reporters with his headphones on as his trainer fielded questions from the press.

The recent unsportsmanlike behavior displayed by James and Wilder not only signals to the world that they suffer from a complete lack of humility and mental maturity, it is also a very poor message to send to the children who look up to these athletes.

As society begins to normalize such behavior from some of the biggest celebrities in sport, I believe it is more important than ever for parents to instill a strong foundation for children when they enter the field of competition. If we leave the job of instilling values up to the entitled and pampered pros, we will be severely disappointed with the outcome.