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Whether we like it or not, Damar Hamlin's injury opened the door for a very painful but needed conversation this week.
Buffalo Bills' safety Damar Hamlin rests in a Cincinnati hospital. While his condition, per the last update, is critical, we're keeping a thought for him and his family. Last night, as well saw the events unfold, a chill filled the air. Not only in Cincinnati but in the sports world in general. While many didn't know Damar Hamlin's name entering the game, no one will ever forget it. With that said, the reaction to the injury invokes a myriad of emotions.
McFarland/Clark
Over the past few years, I've used this space to roast ESPN analyst Anthony McFarland for his takes regarding the game. Likewise, Ryan Clark offered little qualitative knowledge of the game. However, last night, on a human level, the two former NFL players commanded the airtime with respect and gravitas. McFarland discussed Hamlin's injury as something that affected the brotherhood, the football fraternity. Long before these players signed contracts and endorsement deals, they perfected their craft in the park/schoolyard/ Those bonds do not break, regardless of NFL employer or jersey worn. Clark articulated how the injury took him back to see a fellow teammate carted off. It's worthwhile and must-see viewing.
Public Reaction
If you perused social media in the last twenty-four hours, an outpouring of sympathy, prayers, and well-wishes flooded timelines. As mentioned, before that fateful tackle, many didn't know Damar Hamlin. Yet, tragedy brings people together, or at least it should. People that never watched football, extended well wishes. Folks that didn't know a fly route from a Fly Girl took time to express positive vibes. In a world that seems more divided by the minute, individuals rallying around an injured player leaves hope that unity could occur.
First Idiotic Reaction
Everyone knows what Skip Bayless brings to the table. A hot take pundit, Bayless cashes checks on deriding athletes for an audience that refuses to think for themselves. The man started an industry of entertainers flushing whatever journalistic integrity they displayed in favor of clicks, views, and attention. Well, last night, Bayless played himself with this tweet. What stunned me was how some people decided to defend his comments. Clowns, clowns everywhere. Apparently, Bayless jumped on air this morning and attempted to backpedal using a non-apology apology. Tommy Lee Jones, in Men in Black, said " A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals" Bayless will wriggle out of this because, in all honesty, people are too stupid to hold him accountable because he utters catchphrases steeped in histrionics.
Second Idiotic Reaction
Jason Whitlock remains a case study in falling status. Making the tumble from the esteemed Sports Reporters to building a condo in relative obscurity, Whitlock fools no one. If he can stir the pot, anger Black people while pandering to his base that thinks anyone with melanin should shut up and dribble. bank on it. Whitlock is the human embodiment of the comments section of any article published. As time passes and the years fade, his messages will continue to fade further from sight. I swore up and down that I would not devote a scintilla of space to that man. Yet, dismissing a visceral reaction to an abhorrent tweet as grift is wild for someone whose stock fell lower than crypto.
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Sportsball
On Mary, Joseph, and the baby, too, the amount of privileged tweets regarding the Hamlin injury boggles the mind. Worse, the number of pseudo-intelligent people wagging their fingers last night makes me absolutely sick. A man lays on the turf, unable to breathe on his own, fighting for his life, and alleged adults look down their noses at anyone that chooses to do anything athletic. The term sportsball is used by those that firmly believe they're better than those that wear cleats and run around because they love the game. In their minds, athletes are mindless brutes, conditioned to absorb and inflict pain. Yet, in reality, these talented citizens push themselves further physically and mentally than those sitting on their backsides, exercising their snark muscles.
Privilege On Display
The embedded screenshot is from Dr. Emily Porter. When confronted with the reality that many use football as a ticket out of harsh backgrounds, this was her reply. Yes, a rich doctor, born into a rich family, de
cided to give career advice, admonishing players for using their talents. Similarly, anger met this comment, as it is pompous and presuming that young athletes can just walk into a school, with a scholarship at the ready. Not to mention, the subtle racism applied to it. Seventy percent of all football players in the United States are Black. Many come from rough circumstances. I mean, if Dr. Porter wants to fork over the millions of dollars needed for athletes to attend school, by all means. Kids in Adamsville (Atlanta) or Sunnyside (Houston) use the game to get out and give their families a better life. Why demean that?
Moving Forward
Today, as the sun rose, Damar Hamlin remains in Cincinnati. While none of us, outside of the family, actually knows what the deal is, we can hope. How can you help? Damar started a GoFundMe to raise money to buy toys for children in his community. Here is the link. Games will go on, but regardless of your fandom, keep the Hamlin family in your thoughts. Football is a violent, dangerous sport. However, instead of chastising the sport, pray for the players. Common decency and acting like a human goes a very long way. We're thinking about you #3.
The Stupidity Keeps Flowing
Right before I was about to publish this article, apparently ESPN analyst Bart Scott decided to say something otherwordly stupid. First, he blamed Tee Higgins, claiming he lowered his helmet. False. In a race to the bottom of obtuse musings, Scott wins the cake. Remember, he also called for a bounty on Joe Burrow last year. Yet, he still gets paid. Common sense isn't common.
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