Rick Barnes, the basketball head coach at the University of Tennessee, is in the news for good reasons. He recently went on a heartfelt journey to honor a past connection and support a family. His trip to support the family of Carolyn Marsh, his former office assistant, and his speech there have been regarded by fans as clear examples of loyalty and respect.
Class Act and Gesture From Rick Barnes
Fans are impressed with the level of sacrifice and support shown by Barnes. For many, sending a note or calling the family would have been enough to show their support. But Barnes values relationships and goes a step further by being present.
Commenting on his speech and appearance at the funeral, Bill Rohland, a sports broadcaster, praised the Tennessee coach on social media.
I don’t care if Rick Barnes ever wins another CBB game. Dude came all the way to central Va to speak at the funeral of his office assistant that he hasn’t worked with in *37* years. Class act. Great speaker. I’ll never say a bad word about that man. 💯
— Bill Rohland (@BillRohland) May 23, 2025
“I don’t care if Rick Barnes ever wins another CBB game. Dude came all the way to central Va to speak at the funeral of his office assistant that he hasn’t worked with in 37 years. Class act. Great speaker; I will never say a bad word about that man,” Rohland said on his X account.
Another fan said, “We have to appreciate the quality of what we have in Rick Barnes.”
Such comments from fans show how much value they place on this kind gesture.
Why Fans Are Impressed With This Act
Marsh and Barnes crossed paths at George Mason University. Barnes had two stints at the university, first as an assistant coach and subsequently as the head coach from 1987 to 1988. At that time, he had the opportunity to work with Marsh, his office assistant.
After leaving George Mason University in 1988, about 37 years ago, they had not worked together since. Barnes has worked with several other support staff over the years. Surprisingly, he still remembers and values the opportunity to work with Marsh.
Fans are impressed that he remembers his support worker from 37 years ago and took time to pay his last respects.
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Speaking about her, Barnes said, “Carolyn was one of the most wonderful people I have ever met in my life. She had an incredible spirit and made everyone who came in contact with her a better person.”
This remarkable gesture by Barnes and his tribute prove that we need to pay more attention to the human side of sports. Such a fantastic gesture sets an excellent example of what a working relationship should be about: supporting each other.
While fans will continue to praise this classy act, it is clear that Barnes’s influence goes beyond the court.
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