Indiana Hoosiers Athletic Director Scott Dolson is reportedly furious with football head coach Curt Cignetti over his irresponsible smoking habits, particularly during practice. This isn’t just a matter of personal preference; it’s a failure in leadership, professionalism, and respect for the players. Smoking in front of the team, especially during practice, is an unacceptable behavior that sets the wrong example and sends a message of indifference to the athletes who look up to him for guidance.
Cignetti, who holds a position of power and influence, has a responsibility to foster a culture of discipline, health, and hard work. By choosing to smoke openly in front of his players, he undermines the very principles that should be upheld in the program. His actions aren’t just a personal flaw, but a glaring leadership failure that compromises the integrity of the team and the athletic department as a whole. Indiana Hoosiers athletes should be focusing on maintaining peak physical condition, not observing their coach indulging in habits that are known to damage the body.
Dolson’s frustration is understandable. As an athletic director, it’s his job to ensure that all aspects of the team — from coaching to player development — align with the high standards expected from a prestigious program like Indiana’s. For a coach to openly engage in behavior that contradicts the values of discipline, health, and team cohesion is irresponsible, to say the least. Cignetti’s actions are not just a bad look, they are a blatant example of disregard for the well-being of the players and the reputation of the program.
Imagine the message it sends to young athletes: smoking is somehow acceptable in an environment where conditioning, mental fortitude, and perseverance are paramount. In the modern world, where sports science and performance training have reached new heights, it’s unforgivable for a coach to indulge in habits that can hinder his own performance, let alone his players’.
Cignetti’s position as a coach demands that he not only be a leader but also a role model. Smoking in front of the team is the opposite of setting a positive example. It’s contradictory to the values of athletic excellence and professional conduct. By doing this, Cignetti is showing a lack of respect for the program, its players, and the fans who expect more from the leaders guiding their team.
Dolson’s anger is justified — this is a matter of accountability. If Cignetti can’t take responsibility for his own behavior, how can he expect his players to do the same? How can anyone take him seriously as a coach if he cannot control his own actions, let alone manage a football program? Leadership starts with personal responsibility, and Cignetti’s reckless smoking habits put the entire team at risk. Dolson should take immediate action to address this issue, whether that means a stern reprimand, reevaluation of Cignetti’s position, or something even more severe. The Hoosiers deserve better, and the athletic department cannot afford to let this behavior slide.