Ethical Shortcuts Turn Into Deadly Mistakes

It is a fact that most shortcuts, particularly those that are ethical ones, have a high likelihood of being repeated.

Why is this? As flawed humans we have the ability to rationalize and justify our conduct; rarely having the moral courage to not blame others and call ourselves out for wrongdoings.

I am a big sports fan and very much enjoy following collegiate sports. There may be no better tournaments in the world than watching the NCAA men and women’s basketball tournaments currently taking place.

As more money keeps pouring into college sports, the idea of what constitutes a student-athlete has to be called into question on some level. 

Our colleges and universities have turned into businesses largely driven by athletic departments thirst for winning; their intense desire to be recognized, validated, highly compensated, and in control. 

Sadly, this past week the nation saw another new drama and ethical shortcoming being played out with Manhattan head basketball coach Steve Masiello.

South Florida’s deal to hire him as its new basketball coach quickly fell apart when it was disclosed that the successful and fast rising young star didn’t have a college degree.

Their agreement to hire Masiello away from Manhattan was contractually contingent on verifying his credentials and specifically that he have a bachelor’s degree.

Masiello’s biography on Manhattan’s website says the coach graduated from Kentucky in 2000 with a degree in communications. This was not the case according to Kentucky personnel who confirmed he was an undergraduate student but did not graduate.

Why Masiello would claim having a bachelor’s degree in advance of his three year tenure at Manhattan is anyone’s guess.

His ethical shortcut was something he knew about and failed to disclose to senior administration officials at Manhattan prior to his hiring.

At no time did he apparently try to correct his wrongdoing and oversight with Manhattan or those at South Florida trying to hire him.

As a result, South Florida pulled their coaching offer to Masiello and will continue their national coaching search.

I would hope that Manhattan does not take Masiello back and overlook his lack of ethical conduct.

Where Masiello’s basketball coaching goes from here is subject to much conjecture and speculation.

I have said many times that greed, arrogance, entitlement, power, and money are powerful forces that can cripple any human being used in the wrong manner. 

It is a fact that the eighty percent of all resumes are either fraudulent or have misrepresentations. 

I urge every reader to take stock of who you are, what you have done, and where you are going in life.

It must start with a moral compass that can be the driver and key vaccine in dealing with any moral dilemma.

We know that life is not black and white, but a series of different colors confronting us with choices that must be made each day in our lives.

Don’t make the mistake of discounting any dilemma you face. Ethical shortcuts can be deadly and cause individuals great pain starting with the loss of employment.

Always consult your moral compass when facing any decision small or large.

Avoid shortcuts at all costs. Don’t rationalize and justify situations as no big deal.

Strive to do the right thing and always do your best each day you have.