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Editor, News-Register:
I'm guessing before Jan. 2nd of this year very few of even the most ardent NFL fans knew who Damar Hamlin was. Even Buffalo Bills and Pitt Panther fans would have a tough time knowing him, or say "Oh yeah, that guy, number 3." Now everyone knows him, or at least they say, "The player from Buffalo." On the other side, a fellow Pittsburgher, Justin McIntire, had far worse misfortune while doing his job for far less money, recognition, and admiration just the day before.
Unfortunately, a small town police chief pursuing a career criminal doesn't make national headlines, nor do the donations come pouring in even when the end result was his death. No one is searching the internet for Justin McIntire's jersey or going to their local sports card shop or Ebay to pick up his rookie card. Donations aren't boosting Go Fund Me's bottom line at a record pace for Chief Justin.
In a world where protesters like to chant "Say His Name" after one of the statistical few killings by law enforcement or "Pigs in a blanket, fry them like bacon," maybe names like Justin McIntire should be repeated as much as Damar Hamlin's. The "Defund the Police" crowd, and those politicians who remained silent on the subject until it was politically to their advantage to do otherwise, claimed another victim. Let's face it -- no one involved with a police matter is pleased no matter what side of the law they are on. You want out of a speeding ticket. You want the guy shot for stealing your porch furniture.
Hopefully, Damar will recover to the extent he is able to play football again if he so chooses. Sadly, Justin McIntire and other law enforcement members like him are just a statistic outside of the small community in which they live.
One also has to wonder why all of a sudden it's OK to pray on the football field again. Haven't numerous high school coaches throughout the country been reprimanded or even fired for it? Should we go to Tim Tebow or Colin Kaepernick for comment?
At times I think prayer is used by many like asking for something from Santa Claus, but does ESPN and others sthink it's only acceptable when someone's life is on the line, and not just to be thankful?
Jay Knapp
Moundsville