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.
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1. I Am Not a Number Posted: March 14, 2010 at 03:19 PM (#3478896)And its not as if Hunter is a 'community-minded racist', its the fact that he felt passionate and comfortable enough to voice such opinions out loud that Simers finds refreshing. He's worried that the current controversy of what he said will force Hunter to shut up, and that's what Simers is worried about. A guy who he thinks can be more than just a 'game highlight' becoming just another athlete that says cliches to not have to speak to the media about what he really thinks.
No. You underastand neither Hunter's statements nor Simers' piece.
That's an interesting position.
But ultimately, the actions you take in the world greatly outweigh the words you speak or write.
Considering how much I value words, and how often my actions fall short of my heart's intent, I'm out on a limb here.
I love what is implied in this.
Ray endorses the idea, with one notable exception.
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