Dear Monday morning qb. Nice call. We had a co worker die of a heart attack in our break room. Still worked. A guy hung himself in our warehouse over a domestic situation, still worked. NFL takes an hour to cancel a game and your aghast.
I for sure think someone in the NFL HQ told the refs the game would resume. Perhaps this was before knowing it was as serious as it was. This was what the NFL always done. You can't tell me Burrow warming up and Diggs trying to rally his team wasn't because someone told the teams to get ready.
You know how hard it is to coordinate an event that large? They had to get security in place, travel for the team, bunch of stuff in order. They knew they weren’t playing probably immediately and an hour to clean up is amazing.
One of the biggest changes in our American culture from my youth to my old age is the maddening rush to judgement during a crisis. People rush to second guess and pick apart, like vultures. It's not cool. When I was young and instant video communication was almost non existent, we had to patiently wait for information to unfold. In many ways that's how it should still be. During a crisis-a major flood, a plane crash, a building collapse, an explosion, a public figure suddenly dying-, it takes time to first assess and deal with the crisis. First responders are there on a survival mission. The only aspect of time that is important is the time needed to focus on rescuing and saving lives.
Last night was unprecedented. A festive event turned dark and deeply tragic. We all were in some form of shock and worry. I don't think it's fair to second guess any responses until, as you said, Doc, all the colors are filled in. The NFL will hopefully learn from this. The broadcast people will learn. Etc. In the meantime, I hope this young man survives and goes on to live a full life. I think people should back off with the second guessing; it's not time for that yet. Trust the proper authorities to study and analyze the whole event ( and remember, crises are often chaotic, confusing, stunning, and deeply scary) before assigning blame and remedies. Rushing to judgment is part of the American instant gratification addiction. We want perfection instantly. We want a scapegoat. We need to be patient, and assume everyone is trying to figure it out in real time while wading into deeply uncharted waters. It's called healthy compassion and a sane response.
I agree with you that the network coverage should have progressed from grief and shock to journalists covering the what, how, and why the player suffered cardiac arrest. Reporting from the UC Medical Center would have been appropriate.
I know that sports gambling has always been around but maybe the NFL had to clear it first with Vegas or whoever runs the gambling show since it’s been so prominent recently. Pardon my cynicism .
What can be done? Strengthen the concussion protocols. Made medical decisions more narrowly in favor of players. How about shortening the season? It used to be 12 games, then 14, then 16, and now 17. That's a recipe for injuries or worse. The concept of the bye week isn't to help players' health but to extend the season. There are lots of things that could be done. Why isn't the league doing it?
You know the answer. And, the players don't want to do anything to reduce revenues, because they are making waaaay more money than they did back in the "good 'ol days."
I think you're being a little harsh here, Doc. We've seen players carted off fields many times but last night was different. I like the comment from the ex-player on Van Pelt's show who reminded us, this kid was living his dream. He was exactly where he wanted to be. The NFL took too long to announce what all of us watching already knew. Emotionally distraught players are not going to play a game just bc the League tells them to play. Sooner or later, a player is going to die from an incident caused by playing. Then who do we blame?
I am no fan of Skip Bayless - but I think that the unhinged reaction to his tweet last night shows why nobody on ESPN was willing to go beyond expressions of shock and grief. All Bayless did was to note the logistical challenges associated with rescheduling a pivotal game at this point of the NFL season. He then quickly observed that such an issue was irrelevant when compared to a matter of life and death, but he still has people calling for his dismissal.
So, it makes sense why Buck, Aikman, and the ESPN studio hosts played it safe. They had no additional facts to report and anything else they said could come back to haunt them. Indeed, I think that ESPN put all of them in an impossible position by remaining live rather than breaking away to alternate programming with a promise to return live with any updates.
I guess I'm just cold-hearted but the logistical concerns are valid. Yes, they seem insignificant in light of the circumstances. But the fact is that the world continues to spin, and it will continue to do so long after you and I are gone. Honestly, if I played football, I wouldn't want the league to stop, because football would be something I love, my teammates love, and America loves. All of these players have given their all to be in this situation, and unfortunately for the NFL, this game has an impact on the seedings. Don't even tell me the playoffs don't matter. I call B.S. Look at the turmoil we just went through because of Covid. Nobody wants to go through anything resembling that again. The league needs to do something to be fair to all teams. I would say perhaps call it a tie, but is that fair to the Ravens? Not really, as that would hand the division to the Bengals. But at the same time, it would mean the Bengals would have no chance at the #1 seed, and less likely to gain the #2 seed (I think, although not sure). Regardless, I'm glad I'm not the guy who has to try to figure this out, because whatever is done, it's not going to be completely fair. Even if they delay the playoffs a week, that gives other teams an extra week to heal before they play. Ugh! (Pray for this poor soul, I do think his life is the most important thing).
It would have been cold-hearted for anyone who looked at the players' faces last night to insist that they play on under the circumstances - and I was particularly impressed by how Zac Taylor took the initiative to run across the field and consult with Sean McDermott, who immediately motioned his team off the field after their discussion. The NFL should have publicly followed their lead right then.
That said, it is most assuredly NOT cold-hearted to acknowledge the impact of last night's decision on the rest of the season and discuss how the NFL might most effectively minimize the impact of that decision on the rest of the league. A lot of people have livelihoods that depend on the NFL and they're not all millionaires. I don't think for a minute that these considerations should have delayed the NFL's decision last night (as they possibly did) - but in order to ultimately do right by everybody someone has to think ahead.
I think that the solution is surprisingly simple. Play the normal league schedule this weekend and see how the results impact the standings - and if this game could have any impact on either team's seeding, then finish it the following weekend and move the playoffs back a week, so that the conference championship games take place one week before the Super Bowl (I have never liked the two weeks of "SuperHype" anyway).
That's sort of what I was thinking. Also, because they may want to consider playing any potential Bengals-Bills playoff game at a neutral site if they just outright cancel. No matter what it will never be fair to everyone. Because if they play a week from this Sunday, all those other teams will get an extra week to lick their wounds. On the other hand, the Bengals were fortunate not to sustain any injuries of their own and played less than a quarter. So maybe it balances out. Good idea though.
Paul…So you started the ‘65 min’ clock the exact time the i jury happened at 8:55 and the NFL postponed game at 10:01??? Why not start your ‘clock’ when the ambulance left the field at 9:25? That is only 30 min and not excessive at all. Kinda sounds like you just want to throw out blame, when that should be the least of everyone’s worries.
Doc, I also noted the grief and anguish ESPN commentators shared for the time they were on air. While their grief was palpable, I also wondered why these folks kept expressing the emotions we all were feeling. If there’s nothing to share (the what/why/how) then end the program and come back with updates as they are available. Is ESPN as culpable as The NFL? Fill time, run commercials and generate revenue?!? They added nothing to a horrible event. It’s a sad day. God be with Damar.
The NFL behaves like the corporate entity it is. Twitter is the go to at times like last night. That is where I learned at some point that Bengals players left their locker room and went to the Bills locker room.
Humans acting like humans. Nobody was going to be playing any more football last night.
Once the ambulance was gone it became time to figure out how to empty the stadium. I wasn't watching anymore. Hamlin was in good hands at UC trauma center. His mother rode with him in the ambulance. Not a public space anymore. Loved ones were in charge of comforting their young men. And they are young. Professional athletes are all young.
PD I agree with you to a degree. There should have been a doctor to give his medical experience as to what may have occurred rather than the mumbo jumbo from $2 million/ year Booger! They had to get agreement with the union and Big Rog because of all of the lawyers waiting to feed on this ! It should have been called immediately when the player received CPR, but you have to grow some to make that call without a note from up above!
Dear Monday morning qb. Nice call. We had a co worker die of a heart attack in our break room. Still worked. A guy hung himself in our warehouse over a domestic situation, still worked. NFL takes an hour to cancel a game and your aghast.
Interesting that Joe Buck pushed back on the
5 minute NFL cya narrative...
I for sure think someone in the NFL HQ told the refs the game would resume. Perhaps this was before knowing it was as serious as it was. This was what the NFL always done. You can't tell me Burrow warming up and Diggs trying to rally his team wasn't because someone told the teams to get ready.
You know how hard it is to coordinate an event that large? They had to get security in place, travel for the team, bunch of stuff in order. They knew they weren’t playing probably immediately and an hour to clean up is amazing.
One of the biggest changes in our American culture from my youth to my old age is the maddening rush to judgement during a crisis. People rush to second guess and pick apart, like vultures. It's not cool. When I was young and instant video communication was almost non existent, we had to patiently wait for information to unfold. In many ways that's how it should still be. During a crisis-a major flood, a plane crash, a building collapse, an explosion, a public figure suddenly dying-, it takes time to first assess and deal with the crisis. First responders are there on a survival mission. The only aspect of time that is important is the time needed to focus on rescuing and saving lives.
Last night was unprecedented. A festive event turned dark and deeply tragic. We all were in some form of shock and worry. I don't think it's fair to second guess any responses until, as you said, Doc, all the colors are filled in. The NFL will hopefully learn from this. The broadcast people will learn. Etc. In the meantime, I hope this young man survives and goes on to live a full life. I think people should back off with the second guessing; it's not time for that yet. Trust the proper authorities to study and analyze the whole event ( and remember, crises are often chaotic, confusing, stunning, and deeply scary) before assigning blame and remedies. Rushing to judgment is part of the American instant gratification addiction. We want perfection instantly. We want a scapegoat. We need to be patient, and assume everyone is trying to figure it out in real time while wading into deeply uncharted waters. It's called healthy compassion and a sane response.
I agree with you that the network coverage should have progressed from grief and shock to journalists covering the what, how, and why the player suffered cardiac arrest. Reporting from the UC Medical Center would have been appropriate.
The game was no longer the story.
It was refreshing to see the players praying.
I know that sports gambling has always been around but maybe the NFL had to clear it first with Vegas or whoever runs the gambling show since it’s been so prominent recently. Pardon my cynicism .
Zero compassion to the NFL brain trust for not calling the game sooner. Dollar signs only in their heads. Bravo Joe D on Fox 19.
What can be done? Strengthen the concussion protocols. Made medical decisions more narrowly in favor of players. How about shortening the season? It used to be 12 games, then 14, then 16, and now 17. That's a recipe for injuries or worse. The concept of the bye week isn't to help players' health but to extend the season. There are lots of things that could be done. Why isn't the league doing it?
You know the answer. And, the players don't want to do anything to reduce revenues, because they are making waaaay more money than they did back in the "good 'ol days."
It took 65 minutes for you and I to find out. The teams knew long before that. The NFL didn’t do anything wrong.
I think you're being a little harsh here, Doc. We've seen players carted off fields many times but last night was different. I like the comment from the ex-player on Van Pelt's show who reminded us, this kid was living his dream. He was exactly where he wanted to be. The NFL took too long to announce what all of us watching already knew. Emotionally distraught players are not going to play a game just bc the League tells them to play. Sooner or later, a player is going to die from an incident caused by playing. Then who do we blame?
I am no fan of Skip Bayless - but I think that the unhinged reaction to his tweet last night shows why nobody on ESPN was willing to go beyond expressions of shock and grief. All Bayless did was to note the logistical challenges associated with rescheduling a pivotal game at this point of the NFL season. He then quickly observed that such an issue was irrelevant when compared to a matter of life and death, but he still has people calling for his dismissal.
So, it makes sense why Buck, Aikman, and the ESPN studio hosts played it safe. They had no additional facts to report and anything else they said could come back to haunt them. Indeed, I think that ESPN put all of them in an impossible position by remaining live rather than breaking away to alternate programming with a promise to return live with any updates.
I guess I'm just cold-hearted but the logistical concerns are valid. Yes, they seem insignificant in light of the circumstances. But the fact is that the world continues to spin, and it will continue to do so long after you and I are gone. Honestly, if I played football, I wouldn't want the league to stop, because football would be something I love, my teammates love, and America loves. All of these players have given their all to be in this situation, and unfortunately for the NFL, this game has an impact on the seedings. Don't even tell me the playoffs don't matter. I call B.S. Look at the turmoil we just went through because of Covid. Nobody wants to go through anything resembling that again. The league needs to do something to be fair to all teams. I would say perhaps call it a tie, but is that fair to the Ravens? Not really, as that would hand the division to the Bengals. But at the same time, it would mean the Bengals would have no chance at the #1 seed, and less likely to gain the #2 seed (I think, although not sure). Regardless, I'm glad I'm not the guy who has to try to figure this out, because whatever is done, it's not going to be completely fair. Even if they delay the playoffs a week, that gives other teams an extra week to heal before they play. Ugh! (Pray for this poor soul, I do think his life is the most important thing).
It would have been cold-hearted for anyone who looked at the players' faces last night to insist that they play on under the circumstances - and I was particularly impressed by how Zac Taylor took the initiative to run across the field and consult with Sean McDermott, who immediately motioned his team off the field after their discussion. The NFL should have publicly followed their lead right then.
That said, it is most assuredly NOT cold-hearted to acknowledge the impact of last night's decision on the rest of the season and discuss how the NFL might most effectively minimize the impact of that decision on the rest of the league. A lot of people have livelihoods that depend on the NFL and they're not all millionaires. I don't think for a minute that these considerations should have delayed the NFL's decision last night (as they possibly did) - but in order to ultimately do right by everybody someone has to think ahead.
I think that the solution is surprisingly simple. Play the normal league schedule this weekend and see how the results impact the standings - and if this game could have any impact on either team's seeding, then finish it the following weekend and move the playoffs back a week, so that the conference championship games take place one week before the Super Bowl (I have never liked the two weeks of "SuperHype" anyway).
That's sort of what I was thinking. Also, because they may want to consider playing any potential Bengals-Bills playoff game at a neutral site if they just outright cancel. No matter what it will never be fair to everyone. Because if they play a week from this Sunday, all those other teams will get an extra week to lick their wounds. On the other hand, the Bengals were fortunate not to sustain any injuries of their own and played less than a quarter. So maybe it balances out. Good idea though.
Paul…So you started the ‘65 min’ clock the exact time the i jury happened at 8:55 and the NFL postponed game at 10:01??? Why not start your ‘clock’ when the ambulance left the field at 9:25? That is only 30 min and not excessive at all. Kinda sounds like you just want to throw out blame, when that should be the least of everyone’s worries.
Doc, I also noted the grief and anguish ESPN commentators shared for the time they were on air. While their grief was palpable, I also wondered why these folks kept expressing the emotions we all were feeling. If there’s nothing to share (the what/why/how) then end the program and come back with updates as they are available. Is ESPN as culpable as The NFL? Fill time, run commercials and generate revenue?!? They added nothing to a horrible event. It’s a sad day. God be with Damar.
The NFL behaves like the corporate entity it is. Twitter is the go to at times like last night. That is where I learned at some point that Bengals players left their locker room and went to the Bills locker room.
Humans acting like humans. Nobody was going to be playing any more football last night.
Once the ambulance was gone it became time to figure out how to empty the stadium. I wasn't watching anymore. Hamlin was in good hands at UC trauma center. His mother rode with him in the ambulance. Not a public space anymore. Loved ones were in charge of comforting their young men. And they are young. Professional athletes are all young.
PD I agree with you to a degree. There should have been a doctor to give his medical experience as to what may have occurred rather than the mumbo jumbo from $2 million/ year Booger! They had to get agreement with the union and Big Rog because of all of the lawyers waiting to feed on this ! It should have been called immediately when the player received CPR, but you have to grow some to make that call without a note from up above!