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Fired-Up College Basketball Coach Unleashes During Postgame Press Conf: ‘I Didn’t Vote for…Obama’ but ‘I Need Him to Step Up’

Dec. 19, 2012 8:37pm Jason Howerton

Winthrop Coach Pat Kelsey Speaks Out About Sandy Hook Shooting, Calls on Obama to Step Up

(ESPN)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (TheBlaze/AP) — Moments after his team lost a basketball game, Winthrop coach Pat Kelsey spoke of a bigger loss.

The first-year coach of the Eagles gave an impassioned plea for government and private leaders to act soon to prevent further massacres such as the one at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., last week that left 20 children and six adults dead at the school.

“The last thing I want to say is I’m really, really lucky, because I’m going to get on an eight-hour bus ride, and I’m going to arrive in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and I’m going to walk into my house, and I’m going to walk upstairs, and I’m going to walk into two pink rooms with a 5-year-old and a 4-year-old laying in that pink room, with a bunch of teddy bears laying in that room,” he said, concluding his remarks in the wake of a 65-55 loss at No. 7 Ohio State.

“And I’m going to give them the biggest hug and the biggest kiss I’ve ever given them. And there’s 20 families in Newtown, Conn., that are walking into a pink room with a bunch of teddy bears with nobody laying in those beds. And it’s tragic.”

Kelsey said he wanted to take advantage of the opportunity, as a small, mid-major college coach, to reach a large audience with his emotional words.

“I know this microphone’s powerful right now, because we’re playing the (seventh)-best team in the country,” he said. “I’m not going to have a microphone like this the rest of the year, maybe the rest of my life.”

He said he didn’t have a solution. But that didn’t mean others shouldn’t pursue one – and quickly.

“I don’t know what needs to be done. I’m not smart enough to know what needs to be done, OK?” he said. “I know this country’s got issues. Is it a gun issue? Is it a mental illness issue? Or is it a society that has lost the fact, the understanding, that decent human values are important?”

Kelsey called on political leaders to get past petty differences and accomplish something.

“I didn’t vote for President Obama, but you know what? He’s my president now. He’s my leader. I need him to step up,” he said. “Mr. (John) Boehner, the Speaker of the House … OK, he needs to step up.”

He also called for others to get involved and prevent another tragedy from occurring.

“Parents, teachers, rabbis, priests, coaches – everybody needs to step up. This has to be a time for change,” he said. “And I’m going to be an agent of change with the 13 young men I get to coach every day and the two little girls that I get to raise. But hopefully things start changing, because it’s really, really disappointing.”

His voice rising, and with his eyes welling, he finished by saying, “I’m proud to grow up American. I’m proud to say I’m part of the greatest country ever. And that’s got to stay that way. And it’ll stay that way if we change.

“But we’ve got to change.”

Feature image via Getty

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (60)

BetterInformed
Posted on December 20, 2012 at 9:20am
Encinom

Your 2nd Amendment militia and Australia BS is getting worn out. Got anything new ? Maybe something from your typical rants about Jews, the Tea Party, etc. could be interjected to freshen up your BS.

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4xeverything
Posted on December 20, 2012 at 8:52am
Polotics aside on this one…I’ve known Pat Kelsey most of my life…he’s a good guy. He’s a good father. Emotions run the gammit in times like this..it’s just unfortunate that he had a microphone when his emotions were running the highest.

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- Red Meat
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 9:15am
  He said a whole lot of nothing. I don’t trust emotional people like him. He’ll be calling for gun bans soon enough.
  
  Report this comment
- oldguy49
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 11:40am
  and i will bet{hope} he has a firearm to protect his family
  
  Report this comment
- Rowgue
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 11:54am
  Exactly he said a whole lot of nothing. In summary he said “I have no idea what needs to be done, but I DEMAND something be done.”
  
  What he’s actually calling for is action just for the sake of action. To give the appearance they’re trying to do something, regardless of whether it’s actually effective at all.
  
  Report this comment
- Trigus
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 12:12pm
  He should be fired.
  
  Report this comment
- truthnstuff
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 12:22pm
  Another exhibition of emotional ignorance and pandering over substance. Oh yeah I got a headline!
  
  Report this comment
hauschild
Posted on December 20, 2012 at 8:39am
“I don’t know what needs to be done.”

That’s the whole problem with most of the people in this country. They don’t WANT to be the ones to solve the problems…they want “somebody else” to do it…..and, do anything – just make the pain stop, but for God’s sakes, don’t expect me to help.

It’s unfortunate that this is where we find ourselves at this point in time, but score another win for the progressives.

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- poorrichard09
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 8:45am
  These jock-drivers need to do their job and keep their opinions to themselves.
  
  Report this comment
- BetterInformed
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 9:07am
  Angry Richard
  
  Why ? How did that bust your bubble ? You act as though someone forced you to log on to the Blaze and participate by leaving your opinion. Since I don’t like you opinion, maybe you should keep it yourself.
  
  Report this comment
michael from Ga.
Posted on December 20, 2012 at 7:57am
These types of speeches are very good-in the unemployment line.

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Shadow_knight
Posted on December 20, 2012 at 7:26am
My idiotic college Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim did the same thing. During his 900th win he used the medium to relate his stance on gun control. “If we in this country as Americans cannot get the people that represent us to do something about firearms, we are a sad, sad society,”. Granted, it’s upstate NY, one could almost say, well duh, but this is ridiculous. Sports and politics are two separate entities. They should remain as such. Wish he would’ve taken his 900 trophy, thanked the fans, the players, etc., and went about his business.

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Americanius
Posted on December 20, 2012 at 1:23am
Way to avoid the hard question of why you loss by 10 coach? Especially a powerhouse like Winthrop.

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South Philly Boy
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:28pm
Another TOAD

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simpleprophecy
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 10:17pm
“I know this microphones powerful right now”, well, maybe it should be banned then. Obama’s YOUR president now, perhaps you should call him and have him do something about that. Oh btw coach, you lost the game, perhaps you should call Costas and the two of you can share a Shirley Temple, console each other for being total losers and hopefully leave the bar un molested because i doubt anyone would come to your rescue. Talk about dividing this country, because lefties that is certain, the days of us saving your pathetic victim a$$e$ is over. Enjoy those gun free zones, keep your cell phone close so when the cops finally arrive, they can more quickly identify the body.

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- The_Jerk
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:11pm
  Everybody is looking for their moment of fame on the backs of tragedy.
  
  Report this comment
- kenboo1
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:24pm
  Hey, go easy on this coach… Remember, he has to work, what, like three hours a day??? This was a late night for him, he lost and his estrogen was raging… He just had a moment and really couldn’t, like, explain the loss, his tampon was uncomfortable, and he has to go home and face his significant other who is way more of a man than he is… I’m thinking he is nervous about his appointment with the surgeon who is scheduled to remove whatever manhood he has left… If you don’t use it you lose it!
  
  Report this comment
- RabidPatriot
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:24pm
  It’s interesting to see all of these people looking for some attention on the graves of little children. The President has been waiting for a tragedy like this to install his agenda for years. He doesn’t need this dope to cheer him on.
  
  Report this comment
- kenboo1
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 11:29pm
  OK now I’ve had time to think… This Cup cake has not clue what the 2nd Amendment is all about. The real problem is there are way too many Americans that don’t have a clue what responsibility is required for freedom… For every right, there is an equal or greater responsibility that goes along with it…
  
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- encinom
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 1:41am
  Its clear the paranoid cowards of the NRA have no idea what the 2nd Amendment is all about. You have no right ot military styled assualt weapons, unless you are in a well regulated militia, that part the gun nuts leave out.
  
  The coach is being an adult, thinking about others. Unlike idiots that need their guns to make them feel like men.
  
  Austraila gave up their assault rifles, the are not a dictatorship nor is Britian or any othe rmodern democracy. But, the gun nut still srews the propaganda the gun lobby spoon feeds them.
  
  Report this comment
- BrutalTruth
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 9:30am
  Encinom,
  You’ll take any stance as long as it makes you feel good.
  
  Explain this, why do those who have guns and immediate armed protections advocate that others give up their guns? You give yourself an honest answer to this one and you’ll be at the beginning of enlightenment.
  
  I suspect you just don’t want to know anything if it disrupts your “feel good” bubble. Bad stuff happens and always will. Real men are needed to do the dirty work. The others are just the weak who need to be protected by the brave. Your one of the weak and it gnaws at your conscience. And that, my fellow human being is your chosen reality. You can’t stand it and instead of taking the steps to fix yourself, you need to drag others down to weakness to make yourself feel better.
  
  Report this comment
- Fubared
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 9:38am
  Enci-idiot
  “Shall not be infringed” means what again? Come on rocket doc, spell out the meaning. We need people like you unarmed, it’s for the victim stats. Don’t infringe and I will keep paying taxes.
  
  Report this comment
decendentof56
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:41pm
Coach……
You want Obama and his Socialist party to do something? Great!
Tell them to stop welfare entitlements and other “diverse” programs that have ruined the black family, and moralities in general.
It’s been 50 years since the “Great Society”and socialist policies which have attacked our sense of morality, religion, and patriotism.
This has been carefully planned by the Socialists and Communists who knew that if they could corrupt our morality, take control of our schools, and attack any sense of patriotism that America would fold from within. Just check Stalin’s quotes if you don’t believe me.

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john vincent
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:32pm
Coach:
I understand your frustration, but civility cannot be legislated. How about this common sense advice:

Please use caution when using power tools such as- Milwaukee sawzalls; Stihl chain saws; Dremels, Ryobi drills, Beldin grinders; Winchester shotguns; and Dewalt impacts. Do not use while intoxicated, and please read the owners manual before using. Keep saws and guns away from children.

Why would anybody make an issue out of a tool? The chain saw cannot turn itself on, nor can a Walther be fired without a little assistance. Time to step up? I’ll say, be man and learn how to use tools, do not call your friend to hang a picture or install a floor. Did you shoot that deer? Then clean it.

Manhood is being challenged by they who desire to make the sexes equal. Guess what? They are not equal, they are different. The feminization of males (just watch any sitcom) is destructive and the gun thing is proof. For God’s sake, boys with 22′s carried them to school with bullets in their pockets and nobody even winked; it was commonplace. Step up?? Yes, step up and be a man, and do not be ashamed to be masculine. A good woman would agree with me, this takes nothing from them; there are many who are crack shots, but I’m speaking about the push to equalize the genders. Step up men, and young men challenge yourselves to a life of morality, loyalty, and excellence. Hard work has corrected many a wayward weed- doesnt happen overnite, but time and patience are good friends.

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Finnyfrock
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:26pm
Some people need to look past partisanship on this speech. Pat is looking after his family. He knows how good he has it and realizes that there are now some people who aren’t as lucky. He is speaking like a down-to-earth, non-political minded individual. Obama (despite your resentments) is supposed to lead. Something does need to happen (most people don’t know what.) But what Pat is focusing on is family and our need to return to traditional values. What’s so wrong with that? I applaud Pat Kelsey for using a platform to give a positive message.

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truthnstuff
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:23pm
Another moron who wanted a headline and a few minutes of fame. Maybe of they stopped getting attention they would stop.

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- GoodStuff
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:53pm
  This coach looks to the federal government to solve problems?
  
  What a moron.
  
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perry1980
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:21pm
America has been asking h im t Step up fo 4 years

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barber2
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:20pm
Too many individuals today have lost their moral compass . That is NOT a topic that the Chicago radicals can solve. They only possess a collective , Big Brother 16 oz. political compass .

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Chromo200
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:19pm
“I didn’t vote for President Obama, but you know what? He’s my president now. He’s my leader. I need him to step up,” he said. “Mr. (John) Boehner, the Speaker of the House … OK, he needs to step up.”

And do what .. Obama just put a buffoon to head the task force. Obama can’t and does not know how to lead .. he bullies people, and goes on vacations and parties.

The basic solution to this gun issue is … you carry an unlicensed gun, or a gun that is registered to someone else, you go to prison. You use a gun to assault someone, you go to prison. To me this is worth a trip to the middle of the pacific ocean without a flotation device. If you can swim back to shore, you most likely will have had along time to think about what you did and if you want to do it again.

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banjarmon
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:13pm
coach …you can start by teaching your players to respect others!!

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- horsehockey
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:26pm
  That’d be a good place for this clown to start. He’s probably speaking now because he’s got some of his thug players carrying and he’s afraid to confront them so he’s asking “the one’ to help him out.
  
  Report this comment
- LoveBringsTruth
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:32pm
  I feel like the blaze is promoting more articles in favor of gun bans then the pro freedom argument.
  
  Where is thomas sowells article on gun control? You can’t blog about that?
  Where did the article on the 2nd amendment go? Buried. Can’t even find it now.
  
  I wrote an open letter to the blaze, hopefully you will read it. And share it with other blaze readers.
  http://lovebringstruth.blogspot.com/2012/12/open-letter-to-theblazecom.html
  
  This is not the Glenn Beck I have come to know over the years. A true leader of inspiration and courage (except the fema camp story). The blaze has lost the Glenn Beck idea.
  
  Report this comment
john vincent
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:12pm
Add your comments

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Clownzilla
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:11pm
If he was proud to be an American he would not be asking the government to take away our Constitutional rights. This guy needs to shut up and coach.

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Tri-ox
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:10pm
“He’s my leader.”

Pat Kelsey is a fool.

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mrunner
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:07pm
Actually sounded like a decent speech. The guy did not vote for the FoodStamp President. Didn’t attack the 2nd amendment. Just shouted out for some leadership. Lord know all of Washington is pretty devoid of leaders right.

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TSUNAMI_22
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:04pm
We need a solution, no doubt. The problem is that we looking to the wrong people to solve it.

America as usual.

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fastgunslinger
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 8:58pm
coach–u made a bad choice 4 leaders…if u follow this traitor u will loose. leaders lead…semper fi

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- truthnstuff
  Posted on December 19, 2012 at 9:24pm
  Exactly!
  
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toiletclogga
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 8:53pm
Don’t go getting all Socialist on us coach!

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ares338
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 8:52pm
He needs to worry about being a better coach.

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PIGSWILLNEVERFLY
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 8:45pm
YOU Dummy!!

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- searching for the Truth
  Posted on December 20, 2012 at 9:33am
  I’ll speak for him – they need to arm schools !
  
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