We were at Wilson's football game Thursday night on September 30th. We were all watching the Human Torpedo go at it. Grandma and Grandpa were even there. The other team decided to sweep on Wilson's side of the ball (He plays outside linebacker). Bad choice. The speedy little 90lb boy was trying to run around the end when Wilson's 160lbs hit him. They both spun in the air 360 degrees, and Wilson landed on top of him. It took the breath right out of the boy. His father was two yards from the tackle watching- and went ballistic. He said, "you can't tackle like that, beep, beep, beep, beep." He looked right at Wilson and then looked at the referee. The referee through a flag and said, "you are out of here!" His face turned bright red- and then he was joined by the boy's grandparents - who out of fear for their child - blew up also. The referee through the flag again and kicked the grandpa off the field. Wilson stood there - like he had been beat up. The verbal assault had obviously taken its tole. To Wilson's credit- immediately after he tackled the boy he turned to help him up. The ball had been popped lose- a fumble- but Wilson turned to make sure the boy was OK instead of diving for the fumble-- The ball slowly rolled out of bounds. That is when the onslaught of words began.
Wilson was not quite the same for the rest of the game- although he did make the game saving tackle. Score 26-25. At the end of the game the man stood up and walked toward Wilson's coach. Words were said. The coach then called the team together, and they all knelt down. The man, teary eyed, apologized. He said he was sorry and that what he did was unacceptable. He looked Wilson right in the eye twice as he was saying his apology. As the man walked away Wilson caught up to him, and also apologized. I was so grateful that that man had the strength to swollow his pride. It made a huge impression on the team.
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