This is a Public Service Announcement. Coach Roger Washington is no longer the coach of Holiday Check Baskets. Coach Wash and the Management decided to go in separate ways for reason I will not mention. That was an internal thing and will stay that way but I thought I owe him a tribute for all he has done for me. So here goes.
I was in my second season in Australia and I get a phone call in the middle of the night from a funny looking number. I answered it and it was a man with a deep voice asking to speak to Michael Lay. He introduced himself as Coach Wash, the head coach of Konstanz Basketball. He began asking me indirect questions about my character. Little does he know I saw right through it, but I answered honestly? He asked me questions like, do I like to party and drink? He threw a few basketball questions in there to try and throw me off but I was on to what he was doing. He was asking about who I was as a person.
Anyway, from that point on we formed a unique bond as player/coach. He took a risk on me despite questions from the management about my height, hence doubting my ability to perform on the court. Coach Wash saw something in me that they didn't see. He saw me in the same light as I see myself and that became obvious early on. He pushed me and challenged me in a way that I became familiar with early on in life because it was the same way my dad would do things or very similar. I think Coach Wash's military background was a huge factor in his approach to things and for those whom aren't familiar with people from that kind of background can find their way of doing things very direct, to say the least. Initially, I think the newness of it all intrigue people but after awhile people began to rebel against his approach, philosophy, and his authority. It's kind of like a democracy in the sense that the people have the power speak out. After all it was took the courage of brave African Americans to stand up and speak out against slavery so that I blacks can throw down the chains and pick up a textbook.
Needless to say that Coach Wash was in a difficult position because he received no recognition for games we won, but received a lot of condemnation for the losses. It’s a catch 22 or a double edge sword. Unfortunately, that is the painful and unfair world we live in.
Having said that I want to publicly thank Coach Wash (even though he might not read this) for all he has done for me, for believing in me, and taking a chance on me. He was a great man and a great coach. I'm sure he will have no problem finding another coaching job once he is ready to take the stage again.
THANKS COACH