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I think the negative is part of the story of your life. Most fans only get to know the athlete on the field, which means we really don't know them at all. This is why we love stories that personalize the athletes and coaches, like the one with Charlie Weis and the dying boy last year. But death is quite possibly the most personal thing. I see no reason to simply focus on the accomplishments on the field, and ignore everything off it when a sports hero dies.
The life of Kirby-post-baseball is a sad story and I don't blame ESPN for telling it. His untimely death is just the culmination of that heartbreak.
I concur with others here that everyone should be an organ donor.
I really agree with you and Thump here...I also put domestic violence way, way up there on the chart...completely unforgivable, and in the end, anyone telling the story of the legacy of Kirby Puckett needs to include that with all of the accolades from teammates and Minnesota. I just think one day for the family not to be reminded of it while making funeral arrangements is not too much to ask. For the record, in no way am I saying you are wrong or crass...just a difference of opinion.
BL, I agree, I think it would be considerate to wait a day before rehashing the negative aspects of a person's life. But the competitive nature of the news and/or sports news industry, combined with the short attention span of the public these days, makes it difficult for media outlets to show respect for the deceased. And that's unfortunate.
How is telling the truth not showing respect?
How is telling the truth not showing respect?
Just stating that I would prefer a brief delay before the media go through the laundry list of somebody's indiscretions. I would prefer it, but at this point I no longer expect it.
For instance...Pete Rose. Of course the main story following his death will recount the gambling. However, some people only know him by that story.
I...I really dislike the "gotcha" journalism. It's like people almost can't wait to rip you off your pedestal, and that's fine if you are around to defend yourself, but out of place in my opinion when your family is grieving your loss a couple hours after you die. I don't have any problem at all calling Puckett what he is, good and bad. It just seems like allowing the family a day without a journalistic hit piece is appropriate in my opinion.
..but how far does that extend? Kirby was known by most as a great ballplayer with a charismatic smile. So is this objection based on that perception? Is it based on the personal feelings towards the indiscretions? For instance...Pete Rose. Of course the main story following his death will recount the gambling. However, some people only know him by that story. I just don't see that as disrespectful when it is a real perception.
I don't see that as ridiculous at all. Its not a celebration of death, but it is also not immortalizing men that were certainly not deserving of their lofty pedestals that were given to them because of their athletic ability.Cowherd made a ridiculous statement that reacting to Puckett's death is no different to what we should do and say the day after OJ Simpson dies. We should get into the nitty gritty of both. You'll have to excuse me for not understanding where there kind of exuberance comes from.
I agree, but that is part of my point. The average fans, and especially the non-fans, do not know the whole story. The media would certainly discuss his playing days and his reputation for hits and hustle...but the gambling would come up. OJ's career on the field and screen would be discussed...but the murder is a major portion. In my opinion, it is all pertinent info and essential to the whole truth.IMHO that statement demonstrates my problem with some of the coverage exactly. As to Pete Rose, my first thoughts would not be the gambling at all. That is because I know both sides of the story. If the media only talks about ones indiscretions, both sides aren't told and the whole truth isn't out there for people to see.