T.J. Simers: Getting to know the boys of spring

As a general rule, athletes probably should be seen displaying their God-given talents, and not heard. Like so many other athletes, Broxton will just disappear someday, maybe some recalling how hard he threw or a game he saved.

But then there’s someone like Hunter, and almost anyone who gets the chance to meet him is better off for it.

He’s more than baseball, he’s inspirational and community-minded with so many examples off the field where he has already left his mark.

Hunter is more gold than Gold Glove. He has a lifetime of experiences to offer, is willing to do so and excludes no one.

Now I’ve read what he was quoted as saying in USA Today, disappointed only that he said he had nothing to apologize for, but then indicated he had used the wrong word. It was a contradictory message.

He says now he’s going to watch what he says to reporters, but if he said nothing wrong, it’s another contradictory message.

There’s probably more there between the spoken word and how it was presented, but that’s the problem when it comes to discussing race — there can be no discussion.

When the most important element in such a discussion is the emphasis placed on being politically correct, then it becomes more about nailing someone for saying something wrong or outrageous than an exchange of ideas or opinions.

If Hunter says something wrong, and you can count on it because he doesn’t always agree with Page 2, it should only invite a good argument or further discussion.

Anything more than that does a great disservice to someone who has already spent his fair share of time in the service of others. I’d hate it if he just became another athlete.