Negotiating!

Name- Deshon Lawrence     Title- Graduate Assistant Clark Atlanta Football

Deshon Lawrence played college football as a Corner Back at Western Michigan University. 

 As a freshman in 2007 he redshirted. In the 2008 season he played 11 games, had his first career reception (8 yards), and played in the Texas Bowl. The first game of the 2009 season was against the University of Michigan in the "Big House". Lawrence got his first interception which gave the team a lot of momentum. (Michigan won the game in the end) He played all 12 games with 3 starts. 

In the Spring of 2010 trainers discovered a neck injury that ended his playing career. Hearing that news was devastating for him and everyone involved. Instead of giving up, Lawrence negotiated with himself and came to the conclusion that although he will not be able to play again, his passion for football was still there. He began helping the coaching staff for the 2010 season. Now he is the Graduate Assistant for the Clark Atlanta University Football Team. 

     

   How does negotiating help with Coaching at the college level?

        Even though the students and coaches are older and more experienced, they still want things to go their way. With the players, it gives them a sense of "ownership" over their body, and the plays. When people think things are their idea they tend to execute better. On the other hand with coaching, its do what I say!

What do you do when the negotiations seem to go bad?

      Ha! When negotiations seem to go bad, people start running. Seriously, I try to motivate my players and get them to realize, I only want what is best for them and the team. We all have to put our individual thoughts aside and think about the TEAM.

What is your favorite part of negotiations?

      My favorite part of negotiating is coming up with new ideas collectively. Since we are all on the same side, the same common goal, WINNING the game. It is a lot different coming from the player aspect to the coaching aspect. As a player my favorite part was ending the negotiating!! 

Any negotiation advice for rookie coaches or players?

      Do not be afraid to make suggestions, stand your ground, and be open and willing to listen. A great player listens to his coach and a great coach listens to his players. We all have to be able to work together.

  

       As a friend, the 2010 season was VERY difficult to sit through. Knowing how bad he wanted to be on the field killed me inside. I am very proud of him for deciding to go the coaching route and cannot wait to see everything he will accomplish!! GO BRONCOS!!! And now GO PANTHERS!!