04/27/24
September 09, 2004
Ricci To Wear Pat Tillman's #40 For The Coyotes:: In a move that makes more sense as a tribute than many that I've seen, new Phoenix Coyote Mike Ricci decided to change numbers to honor the Cardinals' safety-turned-soldier.
"When I heard his story, it really touched me,'' Ricci said. "This is a way to pay tribute to what he's done.''
posted by chicobangs to hockey at 02:27 PM - 9 comments
Garfield, league-wide tribute is being done in week two. All the players will have #40 on their helmets. Don't know if anything else is planned, though I like the understatedness of the helmet tribute. Better than a garish insincere display many may have been fearing. Not sure why in week two, though. Good on Ricci. Good on the Coyotes too for giving the Tillman Charity a cut on the Ricci #40 jersey sales.
posted by pivo at 01:24 PM on September 10, 2004
I'm sorry. I don't like the tribute (the week two tribute - Ricci can wear #40 all day every day) - it bothers me in a small but significant way. I can appreciate that everyone involved is doing something with the best of intentions, but if I hear 'killed while defending freedom' or some other meaningless crap come out of anyone's mouth then I will weep in Tillman's memory. The constant politicizing of real pain is a terrible trend that needs to end. My bet is that the Prez 'live via satellite' says that very thing.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 01:37 PM on September 10, 2004
All the players will have #40 on their helmets. How will the fit the names of the other 1000+ Americans who also lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan? Perhaps if each player agreed to put 10 or so each on their helmets they could pay tribute to all the men and women who made such a sacrifice? Just a thought. My bet is that the Prez 'live via satellite' says that very thing. Since "the Prez" won't allow for the coffins of Americans killed in Iraq and Afghanistan to even be seen as they arrive home for their burials--nor will he attend any of their funerals--I highly doubt he will make a peep on tee vee... unless, of course, it is to say "Are you ready for some football!"
posted by scully at 02:12 PM on September 10, 2004
At first I thought this post about another Ricci.
posted by scully at 02:13 PM on September 10, 2004
unless, of course, it is to say "Are you ready for some football!" To which the appropriate response is, of course, "Bring it on!"
posted by Ufez Jones at 02:23 PM on September 10, 2004
Or did I just miss it being broadcast? There was a clip of Tillman during one of the video montages that was on during the pre-game show. Shameless....
posted by smithers at 02:27 PM on September 10, 2004
I always try and keep in mind and maintain separately two things: policy and people.
posted by garfield at 03:04 PM on September 10, 2004
unless, of course, it is to say "Are you ready for some football!" To which the appropriate response is, of course, "Bring it on!" Should that be, "Let's roll" ?
posted by grum@work at 03:08 PM on September 10, 2004
I don't criticize the NFL often, but the League should've had a moment of silence or something for Tillman last night during the Opening night thingy. The League is trying to craft this first game on Thursday into a celebration/event like the Superbowl, but something just felt amiss without a tribute of some sort. Or did I just miss it being broadcast? Perhaps Tillman didn't want to singled out as extra special, and wanted to be remembered as just a Ranger, but I think all of us fans hold him in higher esteem, despite his possible protestations. . Kudos to Ricci for displaying how alot of us feel.