I sometimes wonder about the affect that sports and fandom have on human beings. I mean I know that Eagles fans could not possibly be so horrible to root for a man to have a broken neck. It was just that the man happened to be wearing a Dallas Cowboys uniform and they simply got caught up in the hysteria of being rid of a dangerous opponent who had in the past and might yet again lead to them losing. Clearly its about sport and not about a mans broken neck right?
I bring this up because it is relevant to this weekends tragedy on two fronts. The first I am going to barely touch on because I hope folks will understand the context I am touching on it and wont spend time in this thread attacking me or hijacking the thread. Simply put, I dont understand how Jerry Jones decisions about HIS football team led some of our esteemed peers here on the cowboyszone, as well as fans of other teams on other sites, to lose sight of the reality of Saturdays scary collapse of the practice facility. For fans of the other teams see my Eagles example above as to how I see this breaking down. For the Zoners who dont like the makeup of the team, the head coach, or some other facet of what Jerry has done I have a question or two.
I know you are good people, and most of you would have reacted the way the men and women did if you and your colleagues were put in a difficult situation like the one just passed helpping fallen comrades, so why the venom in the comments about "Jerry Deserving this", jokes directed at the demise of a team, and worse attacks directed at writers, players (including wishing other players harm who were not in attendance)? Does your being a fan of a team really get so far into your life that it alters the good person that I know you are? Has jerry personally wronged you in another way?
As a sports fan the hardest lesson for me to learn was that sometimes the reality of the man surpasses his affect on my favorite team. In a sense, I learned that great men can do stupid things to my favorite team, but to always remember that when the time comes greatness will prevail. Listen I dont know if the cowboys will ever win another super bowl under Jerry. (Though looking at the direction of the team I think its likely) What I do know is as a man concerned about those affected by Saturdays tragedy I can WITHOUT A DOUBT rest assured that anything that is needed by anyone affected will be provided.
Trust in the fact that for Rich Behm, his family, Joe D and his family, Greg Gaither and family, Chris Hall and family, and any of the 70 or so people who were in that practice facility, even the ones such as Todd Archer who often times write pieces that are not so flattering about Jerry and his beloved cowboys, anything they may need will be taken care of. If they needed some counseling to move forward Jerry would provide it, at no cost. In the case of those who needed medical work done, the best will be provided at jerrys expense. For those whose care will be a longer term affair, Jerry will handle it. More than the money Jerry will provide comfort by way of the knowledge that any cost that he can remove from those involved he will. That means the obvious medical bills, compensation, in the case of the most severely hurt, job security, as well as, any special equipment, adjustments to home for living ease, vehicles with proper equipment for ease of movement and the continuation of a normal life. Jerry will also make sure that the dreams Rich Behm has for his children are met through any means necessary.
I guess what Im saying is that whether Jerry Jones can be considered a great owner in terms of player acquisition, coaches hired, or wins and losses MUST be tempered against the type of human being he is. See some will argue that the legal process will make him liable for these things. Maybe so, but what makes Jerry a great human being is that hes not going to make Rich Behm, Joe Decamillis, Greg Gaither, Chris Hall or anyone of the 70 or so affected by this scrape and claw for what is just. He will provide first, then he will proceed with investigations into what caused the collapse. So while months and years pass and fingers are pointed at the company who built the structure and the weather men who didnt warn of the impending storms, and the possibility that putting a new roof on caused it, and lawyers banty this blame back and forth in court all affected parties can relax in the knowledge that they will be taken care of.
Integrity, Loyalty, Leadership in hard time. Thats what makes the salt of a man, and Jerry Jones is one Helluva man! I know the "Fans" will continue to bash him for not drafting their favorite college player or signing their favorite free agent, or not firing a coach they don't like. I was just hoping to give pause to them by pointing out what we saw this weekend, and what we wont see because in a week the collapse will be forgotten and as those who need time continue their recovery Jerry will work just as hard to make sure all their needs are met. Just remember while you may think this team would be better off with a different owner, just ask Rich Behm and his family and the others affected by this horrible tragedy.
Thanks Jerry for taking care of your family, and in some strange fandom way, ours too!
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