Is there ever really a “timely” death? Not really, not if you have a heart.
There is a trend in sports writing which is getting (or has gotten?) out of hand. With the advent of Twitter, Facebook and other tools we rely so heavily on, there is an increase demand for sharing information at break-neck speeds. For the record, I find myself guilty of wanting, and wanting to give, information quickly. Speed matters in the industry. However, there needs to be established a set of unwritten, or perhaps written, rules.
Last night another athlete passed away far too young. Within a short time Twitter, Facebook, and every other social media platform was flooded wtih simple messages such as, “RIP Wade Belak”. Why the short message? Maybe it is the fact that the author did not know Wade personally. Perhaps they were too lost for words to properly pay respects to him? But I feel it is something else.
We are so programmed to believe bigger is better and fastest is best. But when it comes to a human life, this just can’t be the way. What if one of Wade’s family members learned of his passing based on a tweet? Or maybe they read a Facebook status update about how yet another NHL enforcer passed away?
I guess I’m saying there needs to exist a certain amount of privacy and respect amongst the journalist/blogging community. It’s not happening now, and I’m not sure it can happen in the future – I hate starting the day as a pessimist!
Anyway, my thoughts go out to the Belak family. I have never met Wade, but I know he didn’t deserve this.
And that is the last word.
