NFL Commissioners Shocking Delay in Moments of Tragedy: We Remember Damar Hamlin

The cover image of this article is from cnn.com.

Damar Hamlin lay motionless on the ground for nine excruciating minutes, as paramedics carried out CPR on him. Family members were present, watching with an ever-growing sense of dread. Hamlin had been critically injured during a tackle in the middle of a nationally televised Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals. Millions watched in horror as the scene unfolded and the Bills' teammates desperately tried to deal with the shock, their tears shed in parallel with viewers from all around the world, hoping and praying for the best.

The Entire Stadium Unites in Prayer

The teams momentarily ceased to be opponents, as they united in prayer for Damar Hamlin and his family. Social media erupted with questions, comfort, and a desire for some good news, while people sent emotional messages to their loved ones, feeling all too familiar with the same pain that had been felt after school shootings and the death of George Floyd. Whether at the stadium in Cincinnati or thousands of miles away, people everywhere were calling out for the same thing - for Damar to make it through.

But in the midst of their grief, a decision had to be made - should they pause the game, or should they continue?

NFL's Hesitant Response

ESPN announcer Joe Buck reported that according to NFL sources, the teams had been given five minutes to warm up before the game continued. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and Bills coach Sean McDermott however, allegedly refused to continue and instead, orchestrated a pause in the game. The NFL denied this report from Buck, leaving the truth of the matter a mystery.

It wasn't until nearly an hour later, that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell officially suspended the game. It was a shock that the man in charge of such an influential and powerful organisation had taken this long to make such an obvious decision. It put into perspective his often slow and reactive approach to major dilemmas, such as the personal conduct policy, or his failure to adequately apologise and compensate Colin Kaepernick.

In this case however, there was no need for excessive consideration. It was clear that they needed to cease the game. Nobody was in the right state of mind to return to the field; not a single individual in the stadium was thinking about football. All they were concerned about was Damar's survival.

What Goodell should have done was to immediately declare that the game was to be suspended, broadcast a show of support for the Hamlin family, and provide mental health resources for the players. He should have displayed empathy for the players, and for Damar and his loved ones, to demonstrate that human lives are worth much more than a football game. Unfortunately, he failed to do so, leaving everyone to wait in agony for his decision.

Conclusion

Heading into the Goodell era, there were high expectations of the NFL. Unfortunately, it is most renowned for its focus on generating revenue, rather than taking leadership during tough times. What was needed in this particular situation was a simple, but powerful display of leadership, one that would show that human life is more important than a football game. Goodell's response was an hour too late, and his hesitation was shameful.