MidValleySports.Com

Robin Renay and her husband “That 49er Fan”.

By Robin Renay

Recently, a lot of controversial and interesting news has come about concerning football. I found myself not only watching the games with my husband, but also discussing events that were in the spot light. It was good to be able to have in depth conversations together about more then just the recent weather reports, or whether or not our teenage son had turned in all of his homework for the week.

For the last week or so, we all have been hearing reports on Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Richie Incognito and his bullying behavior to his teammate, Jonathan Martin. I’m sure everyone has his or her opinion on the incident, and admittedly, I am part of that group.

When I first came across this incident, I was watching none other then the ESPN channel with my hubby. Once the story was over we both instantly came alive with our thoughts as to what happened. Of course, I instantly exclaimed it was terribly wrong of Incognito to treat a teammate that way, and felt no one should have to come to a job and put up with any hazing, or racial and hurtful comments of any kind.

My ever so calm and patient husband, was quick to agree with me, but made a point to inform me that I should realize, like it or not, there is always 3 sides to every story.

“What do you mean,” I said back to him. “It seems pretty straight forward to me. It never should have happened in the first place. Martin never should have had to put up with the bullying just because he is a rookie.”

A smile crept up on my hubby’s face as he started to tell me I need to remember that there is Incognito’s side, Martin’s side, and than there is the truth, which lies somewhere in the middle, because everybody will see things differently. This was coming to me from a man who negotiates for a living, so it was very hard to do anything other then agree with him. After all, it did make a lot of sense to me, once you stop and consider the whole situation.

What did ring out to me though, was the fact these grown men who now are claiming, like it or not, the culture in the locker room is filled with colorful language and behavior the majority of us would not approve of, is the way of the NFL. My opinion concerning this realization made to the public is that the grown men who are paid millions of dollars to play a sport professionally, like it or not, are in the public eye, and I feel, need to conduct themselves as professionals on and off the field.

I have yet to hear a discussion as to how these paid professional football players are looked upon by the youth of our country, and are now hearing it is common for bullying to take place in the NFL. Bullying is a growing problem within our schools and the social media, and it has many times, very sadly been the cause of a young one choosing to end a young life. It is a very serious problem, and should in no way be seen by our youth as acceptable.

I’m happy to hear the NFL and the Dolphins organization are conducting an investigation on the matter. I am hoping as a result, the hazing and the bullying will stop in the NFL. I get it that these guys are fired up and full of manly behavior, but acting like a 300-pound bully, is not necessary to go out and play a game they are paid to do. Man up and act like the professional you are supposed to be. Most importantly, act like the role model you are to the many young ones who follow their favorite NFL team and players.

Finally, last week, my day was made when I was able to sit down after making dinner, and catch the national news. I had just turned up the volume to be able to hear a story on a Middle School football team, who went above and beyond for a fellow classmate, who is a special needs child. Before I knew it the tears were falling as I listened and watched the footage of the Olivet Middle School football team, located in Olivet, Michigan, run a play that was not known to their coach.

The team had planned for weeks to give their friend, Keith Orris, a chance to see what it felt like to score a touchdown and truly be a part of the team. The Olivet player took a dive on the 1-yard line and the “Keith Special” play was commenced as the ball was handed to Orris and with the protection of his team, was able to score his very first touchdown!

The interviews of the players on the team were the most heartwarming I had heard in a long time, as they explained that they wanted their friend to not only feel what it was like to make a touchdown, but to know what it felt like to be a part of the team and to not worry about feeling excluded. They wanted to not only make his day, his week, but also make him happy.

This story was what I needed after constantly hearing about the bullying incident in the NFL. This story was one that made me think, “Maybe there is a chance for our society to start putting others first and to not think only of themselves.” This story was one in which there was not 3 sides to it, only one side, full of compassion and friendship.

If only there were more young individuals like the ones at Olivet Middle School, our world would be a much better place to live in. It is never too late to start; try doing something special for someone you know or love. Not only will you make their day special, but you just might find that you like how you feel as a result too!

Man up (or Woman up) and make a difference in someone’s life. #Stop Bullying

Robin Renay is a freelance writer living in Michigan, a life long San Francisco Giants fan, and a firm believer in all things Tim Lincecum (even when he’s being paid 35-million over the next two years).