I’ve seen parents lose their cool at school games, and they never think about how it would affect the kid. One Arkansas father, Vercett S. Randolph, posted a very real, emotional account on Facebook of a night that had gone completely wrong at his daughter’s basketball game. An evening that began with anger toward a match ended with his daughter missing her Christmas dance while suffering from a panic attack. No drama, just real-life mistakes and regret.
What Happened at the Basketball Game
Vercett had no time to make excuses. He said he had made a mistake. During his daughter’s basketball game, he grew furious and stood to confront the coach, even as the game was still in progress. That decision alone changed everything. Security intervened, and he was escorted out of the gym even before the game ended.
I have been to school games where emotions run high, and parents forget where they are. It happens fast. One second you are cheering, and the next second you are reacting without thinking.
How It Affected His Daughter
The hardest part hit his child, Mar’Cayla. Vercett acknowledged he was thinking only of himself, not of what those decisions would elicit in her. That night was significant to her. After the basketball game, she had a Christmas dance performance lined up.
He was to help her prepare her hair. Makeup. Sitting front row, cheering her on. Instead, she saw her dad being escorted out of the gym. Her team lost the game, and just after that, she had to rush to get ready for the dance.
It all came down at once.
Panic Attack Before the Christmas Dance
Too many emotions are inundated. Losing the match. Seeing dear old dad walk out. Lack of time. All of it came down in a single moment. Mar’Cayla had a meltdown, a full-blown panic attack. This, too, prevented her from performing at the Christmas dance.
Being someone who once froze before a school stage because I was feeling overwhelmed, I can tell you that panic attacks do not need a big reason. Sometimes, it just is too much happening at once.
He broke his heart knowing how it played a part in what she was going through. He even wrote that it really hurt him to think about it.
It does define his daughter’s moment.
Proud Words From a Father
Even as he owned his mistake, Vercett spoke proudly of Mar’Cayla. He said she has earned all As in school, respects others, and is a fantastic athlete. He expects that she will continue to do great things and that one night doesn’t change that.
Kids need to hear that bad days do not wipe out how wonderful they are. This matters. Many parents pledged always to be there, come what may, and that the bad moment would in no way overshadow the bright future.
Support from Friends and Family
In reply to that post, friends and family began loving on each other.
Caleigh Parker reminded him that the moment does not define either of them and said they are both loved.
Nikki Thomas shared that parental instincts can take over, and sometimes you do not see clearly in the moment. She appreciated his admission of the mistake and reminded him it would pass.
Tonya Clifford Benefield said that when parents realize it was out of protection, they will see that a better way of doing things could have been available. She said that the post itself showed his heart.
Others kept it simple, saying they love both of them and that this behavior does not reflect who he usually is. Some parents even admitted they have lost control during their kids’ sports before and understand how fast emotions can flip.
This Arkansas basketball game incident is a reminder that kids feel everything. Parents’ emotions matter more than we think. Vercett owning his mistake publicly does not make him a bad parent. It makes him a real one. I honestly wish more parents would stop and think before reacting, especially during school sports.
One bad moment can ruin a big night, but telling the truth and holding oneself accountable can still teach something worthwhile. You may also be interested in: CB South High School Football Player Tim Goldberg’s Brother Andy Goldberg Dies at 20
