True hero athlete. Day's theme: Challenge yourself [Pat Tillman]

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | May 3 2004 | Gwen Knapp

[Soundman4x4]

Tillman's youngest brother, Rich, wore a rumpled white T-shirt, no jacket, no tie, no collar, and immediately swore into the microphone. He hadn't written anything, he said, and with the starkest honesty, he asked mourners to hold their spiritual bromides.

"Pat isn't with God,'' he said. "He's f -- ing dead. He wasn't religious. So thank you for your thoughts, but he's f -- ing dead.''

What? This didn't happen for God, as well as country? A professional athlete turned soldier, and we're supposed to believe that he'd have no use for piety? Robbed of a cliche, where does that leave us?

[familyofman]

"...here's what Pat would say about his brother right now:"

And just how do you know this? Did Pat confide in you at some time, or are you just trying to speak for him? If you dont't know - don't make it up. YOU might say that - but yoy don't speak for Pat (as far as I know).

[swarthyguy]

My apologies for misunderstanding you.

I would not criticise his brother.

Whatever he chooses to say is OK.

Regardless of how many feathers he ruffles.

[Salgak]

. . . and let's remember the name. Tillman. Irish, I believe. Pat Tillman DESERVED a proper Irish wake. . .

[Robert Drobot]

Please read my Post # 56. It did happen. Two thousand mouths dropped in unison.

[The G Man]

Did you watch the entire service? It was over 2 hours long and this family was in extreme pain"

Nope.

I don't doubt they were in pain. And I can certainly understand this kid having alot of emotions. I can also understand him "drowning his sorrows". But I'm just imagining grandparents, aunts, uncles, clergy, various officials, etc., being in attendance, and, well, I guess I'd have shown a little more respect for them than he did.

[Stone Mountain]

Not exactly surprising that hit-piece on Tillman came from the SF Chronicle, nor is it surprising that the author attempts to portray him as "homophobic."

They didn't attempt to portray him as homophobic - if anything, the article makes it seem as is he was homo-friendly - concerned enought to ask a coach about the issue. I don't see this as a hit-piece - it all seems quite complimentary. Not in the way that other articles about Tillman have been, but complinmentary nonetheless.

[Petronski]

All we are is shooting stars -Bad Co I thought that "All we are is dust in the wind". -Kansas

Wait a minute. Wait just a minute. "We are stardust. We are golden." CSN(Y)

[American_Centurion]

One's character is the primary criteria in which to context their comments.

Would you take religious advice from a flaming marcher at a gay pride parade?

The character of the speaker is the real message in any comment.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Yes he did say it. The sound cut out before that part ( censors ) but that comment did come out over the air.

[RightWhale]

Shooting stars burn to dust. Depends on the viewpoint.

[eyespysomething]

It is a pity it is spread out for all to see. It is really not our business.

I'm a little embarrassed by the media attention to this. I say, leave them alone. Let them grieve. I think I would cuss also at some point if one of my older brothers was killed in a war. But I sure wouldn't want it televised.

Poor kid, never see his brother again. Probably was one of his biggest followers. I just feel sad for him, and all the other little brothers/sisters that are going through the same pain he is. Leave them alone already.

[E Rocc]

Huh? I don't think YOU stepped over the line. I think his brother stepped over the line. I think the kid should've left his F Bomb arsenal at home myself

I think we can all agree on that part. The Guiness probably should have waited until after the formal service as well.

But I can speak from experience that when hearing people pontificate about "God's will" at a funeral or wake for someone who is non-religious, there's a temptation to retort rather roughly.

-Eric

[Khurkris]

In certain circles it is customary to spill a bit of your 1st pint in honour of those who have passed.

The comments of Ranger Tillmans brothers are his to make. He tarnishes no memory, he lessens no honour. Garwoods words are well spoken.

Its a hard game. Ranger Tillman knew the odds.

[The G Man]

Wrong. The glass was for Pat's brother-in-law - the big guy - who spoke with respect for Pat and the assemblage. It was the scrawny kid that blew the lid on an otherwise moving memorial.

Actually, I'm right:

"By the time the ceremony ended, after his brother and brother-in-law sipped the Guinness that Garwood poured in Tillman's honor..."

[ambrose]

Who would?

Still, one's pain isn't an excuse to engage in this kind of public display. Suck it up, then go behind closed doors and scream your head off or whatever you need to do.

It was a selfish display, not a tribute to a fallen brother.

[threat matrix]

I'd say that was one heck of a 2 1/2 hour Guiness swilling prime time Irish wake on national television!

[Bella_Bru]

I sure wouldn't want to share my grief on national TV.

Neither would I, but the media is obsessed with forcing people to grieve in "live action reports".

[Howlin]

True.

[E Rocc]

. . . and let's remember the name. Tillman. Irish, I believe. Pat Tillman DESERVED a proper Irish wake. .

Most wakes today are at funeral homes and most funeral homes won't allow liquor. The "parking lot" has become a tradition in my family, and a friend's father left specific instructions that he was to be laid out in their living room, so he (and by example everyone else) could dress casually and people could drink.

-Eric

[The G Man]

"In certain circles it is customary to spill a bit of your 1st pint in honour of those who have passed."

I'm 100% Irish so I can't relate. :>)

As for the brother, reasonable people can disagree I guess whether it's appropriate to drop the F Bomb at a funeral. I'll probably refrain from that myself.