I've been meaning to thank you for standing up for us over the weekend. Like everybody else, I went to bed Saturday, savoring an outstanding win and secure in the "knowledge" that Jesse wasn't seriously hurt. When I got online Sunday I was stunned, dismayed and shocked at the nature of his injury and the potential it might have to seriously impact the rest of his life.
Then I wandered over to the DU/UND thread and was stunned, dismayed and shocked all over again at the general tenor of the Sioux fans' postings (right up front, I understand those folks don't necessarily represent the main body of their fans). There was a lot of blaming the victim: "he should have had his head up" There was a lot discussion about how Malone had been hosed by the call. Some wondering whether, because of the call, he'd be unavailable to them this weekend (I thought that was particularly insensitive). And, of course, the "Does DU even know how to play hockey" comment. Well, I was so angry I probably broke loose about 5 pounds of plaque from my arteries.
And I endeavored to chastise them about their evident lack of empathy and misplaced priorities. I suggested they think back to when Genoway was hurt or even Bina, and they might have some idea of how we were feeling. This was met with suggestions that the incidents were different, the guy went out of his way to hit Genoway, etc. etc. Thus completely missing the point I was trying to make. I think it was SJ Hovey who finally pointed out the "shoe was on the other foot," and maybe they could put down their green pom pons just for a second.
But I'll tell you this, I didn't see a single post from anyone suggesting Malone acted deliberately or that anything should happen to him as a result of this incident. Most DU posters seemed to understand (including me) that there were issues here far more important than what the referees did, or whether the boy will be permitted to play against UMD. By contrast, after the Bina incident, we were subjected to weeks (months?) of "Punkovich" references, assertions that he acted deliberately and suggestions that something bad SHOULD happen to him.
So even though some of my fellow DU posters politely but firmly suggested I shut up, I still think, collectively, we handled this situation pretty well. No raving, no ranting, no threats (although some of my language harkened back to my days in the AF). And when we learned of Jesse's incredibly generous gesture, well, we were amazed. Sometimes adversity DOES bring out the best in people. And I want to emphasize again I'm sure vast majority of Sioux fans were shocked by what heppened and want only the best for Jesse.
The focus here should be on that excellent young man, suffering pain and discomfort, wearing that medievel torture device to stabalize his head and neck, facing possible delicate surgery and wondering and worrying what the future will bring. So thanks for helping out. I was filled with righteous anger but it was misplaced, I see that now.
You were understandably agitated and upset. That idiot purposely made it worse.
