Let me start off by saying this, Will Smith is phenomenal. To encompass a man or play a character that movie goers can visualize right before their eyes, is superb. We watched the highs and lows that Dr. Bennet Omalu faced as he discovered the truth.
Dr. Omalu brought forth the truth about football players and the impact of their collisions on the field. The movie is a mixture of mystery, drama and a little romance. I don’t want to tell the story but I’ll just share the enlightenment I received.
After watching this film I asked myself, “Why are we afraid of the truth?” I love football, and when you love something we must accept the good and bad of it all.
It is not to say that we must judge the sport in a way that some may feel is a scare tactic, but in Iyanla Vanzant’s words, “Calling a thing, a thing.”
Being upfront and honest will make us more aware of the consequences of playing football and help us find ways to make it safer if possible.
Often there are times in life when we believe the truth will turn our current state of happiness and bliss to dismay. Therefore we live a life of denial, in order to protect ourselves from an outcome that could potentially make our lives better. Strange, isn’t it?
I realized that it’s not just the game I care about, I also care about the men and young boys or girls that play their hearts out every season. They have a voice, and they deserve to be acknowledged individually for the sacrifices they make on that field when they are hit. Regardless of the wins or losses, it’s life itself that matters most.
This movie brought to light the Odell Beckham hit and why the suspension was necessary. I still love ODB, and pray that he learned a great lesson in refraining from using his helmet as a weapon and not armor.
And yes, we are aware that football isn’t the only sport that players can receive concussions, but it is the sport that became the catalyst to bring this knowledge to the forefront.
Instead of treating this information like a horrific epidemic, we should consider this message a pioneer for the betterment of our future. Money may talk, but it is the heart and love for others that sustains us.
If you haven’t seen the movie, it is informative and thought provoking. You just might enjoy it.
