Why Do Some Basketball Coaches Ask Players Who Should Be Cut?

Asking players which student athlete should be cut is not good practice for any coach, as it is both unprofessional and unethical.

Some coaches have a limited perspective and can be influenced by their own jealousy, biases, and negative stereotypes.

For instance, if a coach tries to dig up dirt on a player by asking teammates about a student athlete who led the team in points and assists, inquiring about the student’s behavior in school, it creates an uncomfortable situation for the athletes being questioned.

Questions like, "How is he in school? Is he a bad kid? Does he get into trouble?" are inappropriate, especially if the targeted player is a quiet and respectful student.

A coach’s predetermined biases and stereotypes can influence their behavior, particularly if the student athlete is of indigenous heritage and has been training diligently 6 days a week since the age of seven with his older brother, father, and multiple clubs.

This dedication contradicts many societal biases and racial stereotypes of the typical indigenous male.

By asking players to make such decisions, a coach risks pitting them against each other, damaging team morale and creating animosity.

This approach also puts players in an awkward and unfair position, forcing them to choose between friendships and skill.

Ultimately, this undermines the coach’s authority, as the responsibility for making team decisions should rest solely with the coach, and such manipulation weakens their position.