Sports

Family First: Dad Quits Job So He Can Watch Son Pitch in College World Series

Family First: Dad Quits Job So He Can Watch Son Pitch in College World SeriesGamecock Nation owes some love to David Roth, father of University of South Carolina standout pitcher Michael Roth.  With no sick days left and extenuating circumstances not granted, David decided family comes first and hopped on an Omaha-bound plane to watch his son lead the Gamecocks over Texas A&M in the first game of the College World Series (CWS). But to do that, he had to quit his job in the process.

David regretted missing Michael’s two CWS games last year, and decided he would not make the same mistake again.  Michael showed his gratitude by pitching seven scoreless innings, allowing just four hits.

“That’s really special. My dad has been a huge inspiration for baseball for me. It is definitely nice to have him out here,” said Michael to the Greenville News. Michael also tweeted:

As for the senior Roth’s former employer, Steve White Volkswagen Audi in Greenville, things have not been easy, as Gamecock fans have bashed the auto dealer‘s decision to not grant any extra vacation days for Roth to watch his son pitch in the CWS on Father’s Day. The dealer has released this statement in regards to local complaints:

“‘The decision to terminate employment with our organization was entirely David Roth’s,’ dealership owner Marc White said. ‘Again I cannot make further comment about David Roth’s employment with Steve White VW Audi. He is obviously a great dad, and we are proud to have worked with him. He will be missed. The staff at Steve White Volkswagen Audi is cheering for the South Carolina Gamecocks in their bid for the College World Series Championship. We are especially praying for the success of pitcher Michael Roth.’”

As for the Gamecocks, they pounded the University of Virginia last night 7-1, advancing to the semifinals, and are well on their way in defending last years national championship.

As for David Roth, South Carolina auto dealers, HIRE THIS MAN!

Comments (114)

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  • 2malamutes
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:59pm

    The dad missed his son playing in two CWS games the year before. So he should have known this year he needed to save his vacation time to watch his son pitch. The father was also out of sick leave. I can’t get behind this father for this, he wanted to make his employer responsible for making sure he had enough leave to see his son pitch.

    Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:15pm

      Nail on the head.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • AB5
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 2:58pm

      Exactly. How is he gonna take care of the rest of his family with no income? There‘s no way I’d hire this guy

      Report Post »  
  • ShawnB
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:58pm

    family first but… How can he take care of family with out a job. HMMM????

    Report Post »  
    • Aquatichunter
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:01pm

      Exactly what I was thinking. Family first means you provide for your family, not quit your job.

      Report Post »  
  • Endurance997
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:49pm

    While I’m family first….. Something is missing here…. We don’t have all the info in regards to Dad..
    Normal job you have 5 sick days, 1 week vacation (depending on years service could be more vac days).. maybe 2 personal days…. And its coming to the end of June and he “smoked” thru all his time…. We still have another 6 months to go till the end of the year… Sorry…. I can’t get on band wagon without all the info on daddy….

    Report Post »  
    • Midwest Blonde
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:13pm

      Excuse me but not all jobs offer time off as you described.

      I work 32 hours (which is considered full time) per week – and occasionally more hours. I get NO paid time off at all. NO paid vacation etc. If I take time off, I’m short of money. If I take a week off, it leaves me short of money. I don’t even get an official lunch hour – I eat when ever the job permits. (I get paid for the 8 hours I‘m at work regardless of what I’m doing) Jobs are few and far between where I am, so I stay at this job.

      I’ve taken 1 week (unpaid) off in 3 years. Financially it set me back for 6 months trying to recover. I occasionally take a sick day, and sometimes, depending on the illness, work while I’m sick.

      Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
  • georgeisn6
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:49pm

    Dumb move, organized sports is the most corrupting influnce in this country ranked just behind politics and just in front of the movie industry.

    Report Post »  
  • Midwest Blonde
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:39pm

    I’m sort of torn over this. Yes family comes first, but what about the family at home who now faces a financial hardship until Dad gets another job? (Yes there is the possibility that Mom’s working but…. that’s not my point.)

    The employer COULD HAVE offered unpaid days off, and avoided negative publicity and hard feelings. Then again, maybe this was the employer’s way of cutting their staff??? Maybe Dad wasn’t such a good employee after all? Maybe Dad already had another job offer and decided to emphasize his point by using the game as an excuse?

    There are a lot of things the story doesn’t tell.

    AND if you haven’t ever drawn unemployment, you have to wait a few weeks when you QUIT a job regardless of the reason you quit.

    Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
    • Woman
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:47pm

      Bingo, no details. I wouldn’t have quit in this climate. The dude is a grown man and would already know he has my endless and eternal support.

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:55pm

      Spot on Blonde. Every employer in the world bends over backwards to keep a GOOD employee and uses company policy to rid themselves of poor employees. There is a reason they didn’t cut this guy any slack.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • conservativeagent
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 2:25pm

      Agreed. Going by the employers statement, it sounds as though he could have taken unpaid days. The kids tweet said no vacation days, so unless he doesn’t have any earned days, why use up your days knowing the team is defending champions and there was a chance of them going this far again. Sounds kind of lame to be blaming the employer in this matter.

      Report Post »  
  • maynardb61
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:38pm

    I was fired from a good job many years ago for missing too many days (spent with my dying wife).
    Cancer.
    I don’t miss that company!

    Report Post » maynardb61  
  • Drum Man
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:32pm

    When his phenom son makes the Big Leagues…. he won’t need a job.

    Report Post » Drum Man  
  • oceandove
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:28pm

    Gee, that’s sounds great. Now what happens, if he can’t find a job in this economy and the family loses their home and has nothing to eat? Maybe he had money in savings. I sure hope so. We would all like the option to put family first, but you also need to be real.

    Report Post »  
  • BQI
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:24pm

    Go *****!

    Report Post » BQI  
  • Alvin691
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:20pm

    Someone is missing the point. Employers can provide UNPAID days off. It is done all the time. Quitting your job is kneejerk.

    Report Post »  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:38pm

      “Quitting your job is kneejerk”

      Maybe the employeer was a “jerk”.

      Report Post »  
    • red1
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:59pm

      The employer must have been a jerk. Who wouldn’t have offered him unpaid time off for this rather than have him quit?

      Report Post »  
  • Nigel2
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:19pm

    I look for this salesman to be re-hired as a public relations move by this dealership. Volkswagen is a German brand isn’t it? hmmmmm.

    Report Post » Nigel2  
  • love the kids
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:15pm

    If you live by this dealer, PLEASE refrain from doing business with this dealership. And when they release a statement in the next couple of days saying it was “in error”, and then offer him his job back, resist going to them even more. I wish everyone would refrain from stores that open on holidays, this does nothing except break up families.

    Report Post »  
    • Aquatichunter
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:03pm

      You need to read the whole story. He was not fired, he quit. Not a good dad in my view.

      Report Post »  
    • SICKOFPCNESS
      Posted on June 23, 2011 at 2:22pm

      Our society has raised the last generation or two to believe it’s all about them. That is why unions are taking over the country. When these young adults were kids they all got trophies, win or loose. Quitting your job to watch your son play, is your choice, but once again teaches the son that “dad’s commitments are not as important as I am” reinforcing entitlement. Once in the real world he will expect the same and when he doesn’t get it….demand it from gov’t…..should the dealer found a way? Probably…quitting his job….NO.

      Report Post »  
  • justsayin
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:15pm

    I struggle with this one a bit. It’s great that he wants to support his son in baseball, but will getting another job be that easy, and will the family go through financial hardship with dad not working? Maybe mom has a big job that will pay the bills, in which case, yeah, dad, quit the job. But in this economy, quitting a job? I am speaking from the point of view of a 10 month long member of the 9.1% club.

    Report Post » justsayin  
  • Diablo4965
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:13pm

    You would think that the dealership could have offered him leave without pay and avoid the negative publicity.

    Report Post » Diablo4965  
    • RightInOregon
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 2:50pm

      That’s what I was thinking. If he’s asking for a week off WITHOUT pay, I‘d think that wouldn’t be to much of an issue. Especially since it’s a commission based industry. I think it’s nice that he did that for his son. And I think anyone would look at this story, and wonder what might have caused him to not have any time off left for the year. Was he sick, etc? I’d like to see some follow up.

      Report Post » RightInOregon  
    • JRook
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 4:03pm

      @Diablo4965 only in a world of 50 24/7 pseudo news channels and countless meaningless news & opinion sites and blogs does this get any publicity.

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:06pm

    So if this guy’s son was in the national marching band competition, would everyone feel the same way about it? I doubt it. If dad was so dedicated to making sure he didn’t miss his son in the C.W.S., why didn’t he save his vacation days for that purpose? He used up all his sick days and vacation days. How long does the C.W.S. last Three weeks? Oh well, Obama will pay him for the next 99 weeks.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • letsbefrank
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:06pm

      I totally agree! Maybe a little planning ahead would have been wise. It’s only June, how do you use up all your vacation time already? Plus, he was NOT fired, he quit on his own. He probably was going to quit anyways.
      I live in South Carolina and a Gamecock fan and I hold no grudges towards the dealership.

      Report Post »  
    • beckbotsrlame
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:55pm

      Boy your a genius. You do not get unemployment insurance if you quit your job. It’s amazing how stupid many of you BecKBots pea brains are. Your blind dogma makes u a foolish lemming. Shalom

      Report Post » beckbotsrlame  
    • apollo18
      Posted on June 23, 2011 at 11:48am

      Did you miss the comment from his sales manager, “The decision to leave was entirely Mr Roth’s”. That comes from the need to avoid unemployment compensation. If your mind isn’t owned by the government, you don’t look to “them” to solve your problems. I think you need to look up some terms like “freedom”, “moral courage”, “integrity” and “pride”. Never saw a grave marker (tombstone) that said “I wish I would’ve worked more”. But I’ve seen plenty that said “Loving Husband and father”. What are you going to say for yourself when you are standing at the Pearly Gates, and they ask, “So, how was it?”

      Report Post »  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:04pm

    Dad was a car salesman. Since Barry weeded out all the Republican owned auto dealers, it was left to eliminate individual Conservative , White , Christian, Male, salesmen.
    First they came for the Republican Auto Dealers
    I said nothing
    Then they came for the Republican Salesmen
    I said Nothin……….

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • VISITORNUMBER3
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:02pm

    That’s very noble of the dad, but I wonder why he didn‘t just call in sick since he knew he didn’t have any days left. Then he could have just taken leave without pay, right?

    Report Post » VISITORNUMBER3  
    • jedi.kep
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:07pm

      Because that’s a lie. Content of character visitornumber3. Some people have more content than others.

      Report Post » jedi.kep  
    • Woman
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:50pm

      Dear me, Jedi (in the dark) Kep. Are you often embarassed because you don’t get a joke? Remember Wisconson?

      Report Post »  
  • geonj
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:01pm

    VW dealer should be in obama administration. spinning the father quitting in a positive light to get car buyers on the dealers side. takes a big set of ba**s.

    Report Post » geonj  
  • jdog777
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:00pm

    Any company that would not give this man a leave of absence to go to this…. is a POS IMHO.

    Report Post »  
    • bkfirvine
      Posted on June 23, 2011 at 6:53pm

      The employer should’ve let the father take an unpaid leave of absence. It makes the employer look petty and selfish (which they are).

      Report Post » bkfirvine  
  • sooner12
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:00pm

    We need such dedication to children like this dad in all families.

    Report Post »  
  • nomercy63
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:56am

    I had to leave my job to take care of my son!!! There are always ways to make money! Family first!

    Report Post »  
  • drattastic
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:54am

    With son headed to the Majors I don’t think dad will have to worry about that job too much.

    Report Post » drattastic  
  • MonIIIcine
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:53am

    This father does not have his 7 year old driving the roads to find HIM.

    Report Post » MONICNE  
  • TexasCommonSense
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:53am

    Inspiring story, but go Texas A&M.

    Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:09pm

      .
      Well at least someone Sawed the Horns off that silly cow!!! Geaux Tigers……….

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • dealer@678
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:13pm

      I know a little about the car business. This man will get a job anywhere and i think he knew it

      Report Post »  
  • HorseCrazy
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:51am

    family first, always. good for him

    Report Post »  
    • JP4JOY
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:59am

      I did something similar in‘91 when my dad needed an operation and the boss wouldn’t give me time off. Family First.

      Report Post » JP4JOY  
    • mcfinch
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:03pm

      Glad to see a dedicated dad.

      http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos

      Report Post » mcfinch  
    • Aaron in Polk County
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:06pm

      Maybe if more people did this, I could get a job! (i joke, i am done working)

      Report Post » Aaron in Polk County  
    • cessna152
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:10pm

      God, Family… then everything else!

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • NJD
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:10pm

      Good for him. My dad would have done the same.

      I bet he finds a job soon if his previous employer doesn’t call crying first.

      Report Post » NJD  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:17pm

      .
      South Carolina auto dealers, HIRE THIS MAN! They will have to ask Eric Holder, who‘ll need Obama’s permision so they can hire him. Fat chance of that, I mean Family First what was this guy thinking. The Obama & Holder look at him as another RWF = Rich White Fool. Quit your tax paying job, oh you will pay.

      Go *****……SEC RULES…..Geaux Tigers…..

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • MontanaRob
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:24pm

      JP4JOY
      Posted: I did something similar in‘91 when my dad needed an operation and the boss wouldn’t give me time off. Family First.
      ——————————————————————————————-
      Yup, I gave up living in Honolulu to take care of my dad when he had cancer. I have never regretted it.

      Report Post » MontanaRob  
    • DogTags
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:43pm

      I agree “family first” but expect to face the consequences for your actions. Not saving any vactation or sick days is the fault of the father. I hope he doesn’t insist on getting his job back. A company cannot operate when employees show up for work only when they feel like it.

      Report Post »  
    • MonIIIIcne
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:59pm

      how “sincere” the VW Audi dealer seemed to be – when they were just using it as another advertisement!

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • gramma b
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:02pm

      A good dad provides for his family. I hope he has figured out a way to do that going forward.

      Report Post »  
    • sWampy
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:16pm

      He will soon have a son worth many millions, what‘s a job as a car salesman compared to living off your son’s wealth. If he had say sorry son, have to work, son would have later said, sorry dad, you can’t have half my signing bonus.

      Report Post »  
    • HUGGINGMYBABIES
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:22pm

      Good for him…..there has to be more to that story….no more vacation time and its only June? No sick days or time off without pay granted? Come on……I applaud the father and the very gracious nature of the company that sent him off without a grudge!

      Report Post » HUGGINGMYBABIES  
    • JRook
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 2:09pm

      Hmmm no vacation days left, no sick days and one of several games to be played. A human interest story perhaps, but not a reason to bash the employer. As noted here there are many people who sacrifice for their family in countless ways and don’t pass ill will over the company trying to run a business. Would be interested in hearing the dads take on the situation more so than an slanted bad guy…good guy report.

      Report Post »  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 4:13pm

      Anyone living within 100 miles of Greenville needs to boycott this dealership. Yes, it was Roth’s decision but only because the dealership gave him no choice. I bet other dealerships will be lined up to hire Mr Roth and I applaud them. However, if SC ends up playing U of FL, all bets are off where the game is concerned. Go Gators!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • billv
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 5:33pm

      His son will be able to buy him his own car dealership in a couple of years.

      Report Post »  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 8:06pm

      Hmmm…

      Seems like the time that I, as his employer, would have used some common sense.

      Time off without pay.

      This can only make for bad PR for this car dealer – in an already weak/dismal economy.

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on June 23, 2011 at 1:16am

      Ummmm….. part of the “family first” mantra for a man includes PROVIDING for your family. How do you do that when you quit your job to watch your kid play baseball for a week in Nebraska. A bit short sighted if you ask me.
      Yeah—-it’s cool for about 2 seconds, but then what happens when the games are done? There are alot of ways you can be a great dad. Quitting your job to watch a baseball game is not at the top of the list.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on June 23, 2011 at 1:22am

      Besides that, it’s the college world series… which means he’s in college, which means he’s probably 19 or 20 years old. The child rearing days of that kid are done. Did dad miss out on the first 18 years worth of opportunities and now he has to make up for it with a drastic move like, I don’t know—quitting a career job??

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • the_ancient
      Posted on June 23, 2011 at 1:50am

      IF “Family is First” he should have thought of that BEFORE using up all Vacation and Sick Days. The fact that he even had Vacation and Sick Days, which many many many employers are eliminating should have been a blessing to him,

      He had a commitment to his employer as well, and if every employer granted every employee time of to attend every sporting event of every child there would be not business as everyone would be off all of the time.

      I side with the dealership and would have canned his butt as well.

      Report Post » the_ancient  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on June 23, 2011 at 4:01pm

      I used to have an “Unbreakable” appointment every day my sons were playing ball. GEE WHIZ AUTO DEALER: YOU spend, no doubt, thousands and thousands of dollars advertising and you foolishly passed up this GOLDEN Opportunity for Massive amounts of FREE PUBLICITY!!! AND PUBLIC RELATIONS…where ever this Father goes…he’ll have a ton of supporters following him.

      FAMILY FIRST!!!!!!! GO GAMECOCKS!!!! Sorry loser STEVE WHITE VW Auto Dealer… This doesn’t just hurt you…it might sink you.

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
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