Weis Puts People Above Football

As head coach of the 13th ranked team in the nation, Charlie Weis is under more than a little bit of pressure. In fact, the pressure put to a the coach of a big-time college program like Notre Dame has caused many, if not most, coaches to bend or even break the rules. Winning is the highest priority. My own favorite team, the Iowa State Cyclones, are allowing an ex-convict, fresh out of prison, to start on their defensive line. Many programs, like Miami and Florida State, are known for as much action on the police blotter as the football field. But no one cares, because winning is what matters. There is way too much money involved to risk winning for anything else, no matter how noble the cause. In this day and age, there is always a job on the line. You never know when you're one loss away from being fired.

Problem is, someone forgot to tell Charlie Weis.

While visiting a terminally ill, 10-year-old boy named Montana, Weis promised to let the boy call the Irish's first play from scrimmage against Washington. Montana called for a "pass right."

Forget the touching display of compassion Weis showed Montana during his visit (for more, see the article on ESPN.com), the true test of character came during the first series of the Washington game.

Under any circumstances, if Weis had called a pass to the right as the first play from scrimmage, it would be telling of his personal make-up. But when the Irish found themselves on their own 1-yard-line, I don't believe there are more than a handful of people who would do what Weis did.

The smart play was to run between the tackles. Get a few yards of breathing room. The last thing you do is roll right and throw a pass. Weis knew it. Quarterback Brady Quinn knew it. But when Quinn asked Weis what to do, there was no hesitation.

"We have no choice. We're throwing it to the right."

In a fitting reward, Quinn completed the pass to his tight end for a 13-yard gain. Montana had called the right play. And Weis was compassionate enough to listen. Not many others would have.