Watching what when down last nigh re: Jay Cutler was a bit disturbing. We all have our opinions about things. I get that. But none of us REALLY know what is going on behind the scenes. For all those other former and current NFL players to light up Jay Cutler on twitter, etc was not cool.
It just reminds me of how much more we need to exercise careful and thoughtful caution before we express our opinions to our online audiences. The guy got completely destroyed based on questionable information at best. Reminds me of wise counsel that I got from a mentor many years ago, "Always seek to fully understand before you give critique."
Jim Trotter has a good article for SI that defend's Cutler. Don't get me wrong. For some reason Cutler is a guy that is easy to not like but what went down yesterday (and today) is uncharitable to say the least. I could be wrong on this one but shouldn't we give the guy the benefit of the doubt?
5 comments:
If you're that hurt, you shouldn't be on the sidelines or riding a bike. At least go into the locker room, right?
Perhaps, but again, we just don't have all the information. I agree, it looks really bad, but I would still lean towards the benefit of the doubt.
Dear Z,
How dare you ask us to be reasonable.
Sincerely,
Completely Out of Proportion Crazed Sports Fan
I think I'm with @drewfrank33. Cutler didn't appear to be fighting with the medical staff. He then stood, no ice, nothing, watching. He appeared to be apathetic to the whole situation. Perception is the problem. And perception does matter immensely. I hear you on suspending judgment, but Cutler appeared disinterested. Couple this with the playoffs, and Chicago, and people have visions of Butkus, bloodied and bruised or even Rothlesburger playing with banged up hip pointer, a broken foot with a huge special shoe running around back there, or even Kellen Winslow being helped off the field by teammates because of exhaustion. This is football! So, all that to say, I hear you about tweeting about it and not thinking before we speak, but there was information being spilled through the tv cameras, and you don't need a medical report to confirm what you are seeing. A hurt player in most people's mind can't walk, can't get up, and so people respond to that. Sometimes perception is the rule. As a player, just like in any other job, you have to manage perception.
Justin,
Yeah, but you also need manage your assumptions just based on what you see on a television screen. We all know what happens when you make assumptions. I'd say your assumptions have a much greater chance of being incorrect than Cutler being a baby in the biggest game he's ever played in. Even soft guys want to play in NFC championships - and even more, the Super Bowl had they won.
Another point... since when does a guy standing up mean he doesn't have a leg injury? I've had plenty of leg injuries and still been able to stand. A guy sitting over on the bench would have looked more weak and would appear to be faking it more than a guy standing. Standing is sure a lot easier than running for life cause your line cannot block for you.
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