Roger Goodell waited for an hour after Damar Hamlin’s on-field collapse on Monday before suspending the game. It was the shameful act of a commissioner who’s always led from behind
It was as chilling a scene as it gets when Hamlin collapsed after a routine tackle during the first quarter of a nationally televised Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and. Millions watched Hamlin’s fall. Cameras captured the aftermath of gut-wrenched Bills teammates attempting to process the scene in front of them.
This was one of those horrifying moments that unifies. The Bills and Bengals were no longer opponents. They were devastated human beings bonded in prayer for Hamlin. The rest of us, whether football fans or not, took to social media searching for answers and comfort and any ounce of positive news. We exchanged emotional texts with our loved ones just as we had after school shootings and George Floyd and other tragedies.
Instead for some reason, it took an hour. It was hour of misery. The hour has turned into many hours, but that first hour came laden with the audacious notion that themight try and play because no leader told us otherwise. It’s hard to imagine what Goodell was waiting for.
The blueprint for Goodell to display leadership was so simple. Immediately announce the game is suspended. Join the Monday Night Football broadcast to offer the Hamlin family support and offer mental health resources to the players. Show that you how you care about player safety and acknowledge that this situation is bigger than football. Feel this tragedy in your heart like the rest of us.
The Goodell Era has been defined by making billions for the owners while hiding under a rock on almost every NFL issue not related to revenue generation. This one didn’t need cover or vacillation. This was an easy opportunity to lead and provide some semblance of comfort. Instead, Goodell’s hesitation was shameful.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin in critical condition after collapsing on fieldBills safety Damar Hamlin was in critical condition after he collapsed on the field Monday night, the NFL said
Read more »
Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin given CPR following on-field collapseThe NFL match between Buffalo and Cincinnati is temporarily suspended after Bills safety Damar Hamlin requires CPR following an on-field collapse.
Read more »
NFL player on 'breathing tube' after on-field collapseNFL star Damar Hamlin remains in a critical condition after collapsing after a big hit during the first quarter of Monday night's game.
Read more »
NFL game suspended after player collapses after tackleBuffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field after tackling an opponent.
Read more »
Collapsed NFL player Damar Hamlin’s friend provides chilling health updateDamar Hamlin’s friend and marketing representative says the collapsed NFL star’s “vitals are back to normal”, but the player is still fighting for life. 7NEWS
Read more »
'It was pretty scary': Well wishes for NFL's Damar Hamlin after cardiac arrest forces suspension of gameThere has been a flurry of messages of support wishing the 24-year-old a speedy recovery.
Read more »