The Super Bowl champion’s coach, Tony Dungy, criticized an article in Scientific American on Friday that claimed that NFL violence «disproportionately affected» black men.
The op-ed says that black men are overrepresented on the playing field and underrepresented in positions of power. The article claimed that through the process of «racial stacking,» coaches allegedly racially segregate based on playing position and put black athletes at greater risk.
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The article added that fans who tune in to soccer matches are desensitized to the violence it generates.
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«While this form of entertainment has been normalized, Hamlin’s injury demonstrates that ordinary violence has life-threatening consequences and highlights how the athletic work of black men sustains this brutal system,» the article said.
Dungy shot down the main points of the article.
A sign supporting Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills is attached to a fence outside the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, on January 3, 2023, in Cincinnati.
(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
“As a black man and a former NFL player, I can say that this article is absolutely ridiculous,” he wrote.
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The article and discussion came after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during a Monday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin appeared to make a routine tackle on Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and he collapsed on the field.
Hamlin was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He has been taking baby steps towards his recovery ever since.
On Saturday, the doctors treating Hamlin described his neurological function as «excellent.» The Bills said Hamlin continues to breathe on his own but remains in critical condition. He was removed from a ventilator on Friday and he displayed the ability to speak.
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin warms up before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2, 2023 at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
(Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Hamlin also tweeted Saturday for the first time since the incident.
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«Putting love out into the world comes back 3x…grateful for everyone who reached out and prayed. This will make me stronger on the road to recovery, keep praying for me!» he wrote.