The Free World received to know Damar Hamlin beneath the worst potential circumstances.
It took an on-field disaster, the Bills security struggling cardiac arrest in the course of a nationally televised sport with the Bengals, to search out out what Hamlin is about.
To discover out he’s a giving particular person, a man who cares in regards to the much less lucky. A younger man who by no means forgot the place he got here from whereas attempting to make it on this planet {of professional} soccer.
Yet as he fought for his life in a Cincinnati hospital room, it was cheap to marvel what number of different good guys, with compelling backstories, are working anonymously within the National Football League, decreased to faceless pawns on a violent chess board?
Will their solely highlight come within the aftermath of a critical harm?
This was not given a lot consideration within the wake of the Hamlin scenario. While it’d attempt, the NFL fails to humanize its gamers. And we imply all season lengthy, not simply the stuff served up round Christmas or Thanksgiving.
The NFL can’t rely on its community TV companions, and even on its owned and operated NFL Network, to search out the Hamlin’s of the league. Instead, the tales these shops trumpet have singular commonality. They are designed to assist gas the NFL’s rankings/cash machine. Or proceed emphasizing and glamorizing the violence, which is used to promote the sport.
Also, week after week all of the billboards, promos and options are in regards to the 5 – 6 elite quarterbacks who drive the league’s Star Making Machinery. The story a couple of backup defensive lineman who goes above and past to serve his neighborhood, is both downplayed or not-even-played.
A consensus has apparently been reached in NFL TV Land that the general public doesn’t — or shouldn’t — care in regards to the forgotten guys: Players whose solely publicity comes from a final identify stenciled on their jersey.
In the minds of NFL entrepreneurs, “obscure” gamers with “feel good” tales, or uncommon back-stories, don’t assist juice the rankings.
Instead, the general public is fed a gradual eating regimen of Aaron Rodgers newest pronouncements (why else are the Packers enjoying the Lions on Sunday Night Football in what might be a meaningless sport?) or one other story about an NFL star who already is overexposed.
Like the viewing public actually wants one other Tom Brady spot, proper?
And permitting a human-interest story to get in the best way of a Fantasy Football report is out of the query. The similar holds true for a pregame present “picks” section, sponsored by a legalized playing operation.
But the general public embraced the story of Damar Hamlin — the entire story. Will that overwhelming optimistic sentiment present a chance to change the best way NFL gamers are lined?
Could it actually encourage change?
SNOW CRITICISM FOR KAYVON
Bad sufficient Kayvon Thibodeaux had no regrets for his snow angel celebration after sacking Colts quarterback Nick Foles late within the second quarter final Sunday on CBS, however neither of the broadcasters — Kevin Harlan/Trent Green — mentioned a phrase in regards to the Giants rookie’s senseless routine.
The “best” Harlan may do was say Thibodeaux “came in like a torpedo” to sack Foles who was left pained and susceptible on the turf earlier than being carted off the sphere. Is it potential Green/Harlan 1) Didn’t see what the 6-5, 258-pound linebacker was doing? 2) Didn’t suppose there was something fallacious with the Goofball’s celebratory routine? 3) Didn’t have the onions to criticize Thibodeaux?
CBS did have an opportunity to rectify the scenario throughout its halftime report when Colts-Giants highlights aired, however didn’t. None of the esteemed panel mentioned a discouraging phrase about Thibodeaux’s cold-hearted show.
Panelist Norman Julius Esiason saved his Thibodeaux spiel for his radio present. How surprising!
REALITY CHECK
While the soccer media had a come-together second within the aftermath of Damar Hamlin’s on-field cardiac arrest, one analyst injected one other type of actuality into the dialog.
In case anybody forgot, Domonique Foxworth reminded them the soccer media isn’t at all times as involved with one of the best curiosity of gamers, together with well being and questions of safety negotiated throughout collective bargaining.
“I also remember people in the media who were outpouring and caring last night,” Foxworth, a former President of the NFL Players Association mentioned on Tuesday’s version of “First Take.” “They were calling us greedy [during negotiations].”
Foxworth mentioned the Hamlin scenario solely bolstered the inequity of the NFL’s monetary system and the cloak of hazard it casts on all gamers.
“… As we were reminded last night, there is no limit on the risk of players,” Foxworth mentioned, “but there’s a salary cap on what they can make.”
SOFT ON SALEH
In the week main as much as Sunday’s sport with Miami, Jets coach Robert Saleh has engaged in some whacked spin.
Like final Tuesday, throughout his paid spot on ESPN-98.7′s “The Michael Kay Show.” Kay requested Saleh if he thought beleaguered QB Zach Wilson is “fragile.” The coach verbally danced earlier than concluding: “He [Wilson] is as tough as nails.” At the least, this contradicts what boss Jets scribes have been reporting on the state of Wilson’s confidence or lack thereof. The reply wanted some follow-up. None was forthcoming.
Yet it’s not like both of Kay’s cohorts didn’t wish to bounce in. On the air Wednesday, Peter Rosenberg claimed he needed to inform Saleh that he was speaking “gobbledygook,” however was too previous to be a “shock jock.” Don La Greca, mentioned he “thought about jumping in too” however didn’t.
The trio then went on to criticize Saleh. There is an answer to this: Take it up with Saleh subsequent week throughout his spot. Don’t hesitate. It’s the fitting factor to do.
AROUND THE DIAL
On his Monday mid-day visitor WFAN spot, Joe Benigno advised Woody Johnson place a name to Sean Payton. Co-host Brandon Tierney responded, saying: “I said that on Dec. 23rd.” Who knew Tierney was conserving rating? … During the identical look, Joe B claimed Rex Ryan is utilizing his ESPN gig to “lobby for the Jets job.” Not that Benigno sees something fallacious with that. With Ryan again on the Jets sideline, JB mentioned: “Immediately, the Jets would have an identity.” And a Dr. Scholl’s sponsorship. … Throughout ESPN’s protection of N.C. State-Maryland within the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, the crew reminded viewers to remain tuned to observe the successful coach get a vat of mayonnaise dumped over his head. Yet when it got here time for Maryland coach Mike Locksley to be doused, viewers had been advised the mayo dump may solely be seen on the ESPN app. Why was such a celebratory second made so difficult? … Responding to a printed report that he’s contemplating retiring from his radio present when his ESPN-98.7 contract expires in September, Michael Kay advised listeners: “When a decision is made, one way or the other, you, the listeners of the show will be the first to know. I can honestly tell you that no decision has been made.” And we will “honestly tell you,” the always-keep-them-guessing assertion sounds prefer it got here straight from Mike (Sports Pope) Francesa’s playbook.
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DUDE OF THE WEEK: SCOTT VAN PELT
Hosting stay, attempting to supply breaking information and perspective to the scary Damar Hamlin story late Monday evening on ESPN, SVP’s efficiency was enhanced. Saying he rose to the event is an understatement. Ryan Clark added tremendously to the proceedings offering a participant’s perception.
DWEEB OF THE WEEK: KAYVON THIBODEAUX
For his lack of sophistication. Not solely did the Giants rookie linebacker mock an injured Nick Foles with a snow angel celebration, however he refused to do the fitting factor (clearly not subscribing to the “Giants Way”). He didn’t present any regret or apologize to the Colts QB. Foles suffered a rib harm whereas being sacked by Thibodeaux.
DOUBLE TALK
What Robert Saleh mentioned: “It starts with knowing one’s self, call it ‘zen-ish’ if you want.”
What Robert Saleh meant to say: “It starts with knowing one’s self, call it ‘same old Jets’ if you want.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com