A heartbreaking chapter in a violent sport. I don't watch football for the same reason I don't watch boxing -- I can't support a sport that routinely brutalizes its players. This is one of the more obvious episodes, but I think all the time about the brain trauma inflicted on football players. Via CNN:
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is in critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest and collapsing on the field during the first quarter of Monday night’s game between the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, his team said.
Hamlin fell on his back just moments after getting up from an open field tackle of Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.
“His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the (University of Cincinnati) Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition,” the Bills said in a tweet early Tuesday.
The NFL pushed to immediately resume the game that would shape the playoff picture. The coaches refused, and led their teams back to the locker room. (Good for them!)
The Bills updated with this early-morning statement:
"Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in the Buffalo Bills' game versus the Cincinnati Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition."
And of course, the anti-vax ghouls are out in force, gleefully pushing conspiracy theories. America, I really worry about you.
