The UCLA Basketball Players and the Code

Three UCLA basketball players were arrested in China for shoplifting.  According to the news, they had shoplifted in three stores.  This is another example of making a mistake that is costly.  Fortunately, the President was in the country and able to extricate the players from certain jail sentences of years.  What are the temptations that you and your teammates face?  Theft, alcohol or drugs, cheating, inappropriate sexual conduct?  We think it is important for each of us to expect that we will face some of these temptations, and to determine ahead of time how we will respond.  This includes talking to ourselves, rehearsing with ourselves, what we will say and how we will handle any possible situation.  Further, we should think of the ways in which we can try to influence those we know who have made, or are about to make, the kind of mistake that they will later regret.   “I will display caring and honorable behavior off the field and be a positive influence in my community and world.”  Can you think of ways to prepare for the temptations you expect to face?