It is often easy to look to our favorite athletes and just see them as stars and icons apart from the rest of the world. We watch their games, support their teams with fanaticism and get lost in the revelry and competition of sports.
It is easy to forget that our favorite athletes are humans just like us, that they, too, have feelings and are affected by the world and people around them. Then, on occasion, there comes a time when we see their empathy for others, their compassion and grief, and, suddenly, they’re just like us.
Recent events have brought a few such occurrences to light.
First, there is John Wall, who is grieving the loss of Miyah Telemaque-Nelson, a six-year-old girl who recently lost her battle with lymphoma. He had spent considerable time with her, having become her friend in March of last year. He even went to great effort to ensure that her wish [to meet rapper Nicki Minaj] was accomplished, working with Minaj and her manager to orchestrate a meeting in New York.
Last night, after a hard-fought double-overtime win against the Boston Celtics in which Wall scored his team’s final 10 points (26 total in the game) and had a career-high 17 assists, he broke down during the post-game interview and later shared about her on Twitter.
If you were blessed to meet and get to know Miyah you know how special of a little gir… http://t.co/FjGYmt9oZR pic.twitter.com/twA7IjMI4k
— John Wall (@JohnWall) December 9, 2014
He echoed those sentiments again this afternoon, responding to an Instagram by Minaj (quoted below).
I can’t believe this little angel is gone. When I met her she was recovering. Sending love to her mother and family and John. This is heartbreaking. She was so full of life. #RIPMiyah”
Happy she got her wish to meet u…RIP Miyah RT @NICKIMINAJ: I can’t believe this little angel is … http://t.co/1u0IyWVQCW — John Wall (@JohnWall) December 9, 2014
Even Ted Leonsis, CEO of Monumental Sports and Entertainment and majority owner of the Washington Wizards, shared his sentiments, sharing a blog post about Miyah, Wall and the incredible game that he played in her honor.
Rest in Peace Miyah http://t.co/dv49znUytw
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) December 9, 2014
Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford is offering prayer in support of his friend and world champ boxer Floyd Mayweather, who was a witness to a horrific loss of life.
Strong prayers up for my brother @floydmayweather… — Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) December 9, 2014
According to reports, Mayweather was talking with friend and rapper Earl Hayes, 34, via FaceTime. Hayes, who was signed to Floyd’s Money Team record label, was upset, having found out his wife, VH1 star Stephanie Moseley, 30, had been unfaithful.
TMZ is reporting that Hayes was threatening to kill Moseley and Mayweather was trying, desperately, to talk him down. Then, tragically, the rapper took the life of his wife as well as his own.
Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Thomas, who was friends with Hayes, offered a tweet in memory of his friend.
#RIPEarlHayes #TMT pic.twitter.com/rZxYlejm0L
— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) December 9, 2014
Thomas’ tweet, while getting quite a few “retweets” and “favorites” is not without detractors, upset that he would show sympathy for someone who reportedly killed his wife before taking his own life. Whether their reaction is justified or not is not up for debate here. Thomas is human, and part of the human experience mourning the loss of friends and loved ones, despite the circumstances in which they left us.
Rapper 50 Cent, who is close friends with Mayweather, offered his support, recalling a time that the boxer had advised him to refrain from ever taking such extremes himself.
RIP Hayes, @floydmayweather you are my little brother. All can think about is what you said to me up… http://t.co/qcOiURpaNm — 50cent (@50cent) December 8, 2014
RIP Hayes, @floydmayweather you are my little brother. All can think about is what you said to me up stairs. Don’t you ever do nothing to your self no matter what champ. We can fall out and fight or what ever,but I don’t want to see you go out like that.”
What more can be said of these situations other than to acknowledge that life, whether rich and famous or young and innocent, is fragile and terribly short.
We ought to treasure life, making the most of it, and cherish those around us, because we never know how long we will have to enjoy their company.
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Michael Brumagin writes the Tweet of the Day for SheridanHoops.com and is also a correspondent for BleacherReport.com. Follow @mbrumagin