Former Cardnial Pat Tillman killed in combat

[Youth N Asia 0]

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/US/Sports/t...an040423-1.html

 

U.S. Army Ranger and Ex-NFL Player Pat Tillman Killed in Afghanistan

 

 

 

April 23 — Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who swapped a glamorous football career to enlist in the U.S. Army, has been killed in action in Afghanistan, ABCNEWS has learned.

 

The 27-year-old former football player was killed in direct action during a firefight in Afghanistan, Pentagon sources told ABCNEWS. But there were no further details available.

 

A former member of the Arizona Cardinals, Tillman, along with his brother Kevin, enrolled with the U.S. Army Rangers after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

 

Last year, the brothers were awarded an Arthur Ashe Courage Award meant for individuals whose contributions transcend sports. The award was accepted by their younger brother, Richard, while the brothers were away.

 

Tillman, an unrestricted free agent, spurned a $9 million, five-year offer sheet from the St. Louis Rams in 2001 to join the Army. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Tillman was an exceptional student with a 3.84 grade point average through college and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in marketing.

 

The Tillman family has been notified, according to a Pentagon source.

[nl5xsk1 0]

I was actually coming here to post this when I saw that it had already been posted. Let me be the first to say how tragic of a loss this is. Tillman gave up a life that 99% of us can only dream about to go and fight and defend the country that he loved.

 

I don't think that I'm even half as brave as Pat Tillman, and consider myself lucky to have been able to see him play. When I have kids, and want to teach them about doing what's right - compared to just doing what's fun - people like Tillman will make that distinction much easier.

[Youth N Asia 0]

While I'm not saying I couldn't have gone over there and fought. I'm sure I wouldn't of had I had $3 million waiting on the table for me to play football that year.

 

Hell of a guy. On Jim Rome and other radio shows people had nothing but great things to say about him. Tillman also turned down many interviews after going into the army cause he didn't want to draw too much attention to his situation. Didn't want to be looked at as a hero or anything like that.

[Guest OctoberBlood]

Complete example of a hero. What a guy.

[2GOLD 0]

I won't call him a hero because he obviously didn't want to be called one and I would never deny the wishes. But his courage, his heart and just the kind of guy he was proves that many great people still exist in this world and when one of them leaves us all then it's truly a sad day for all.

[Guest OctoberBlood]

I think it's more to the fact he didn't want the media to make him out to be a hero, because God knows the media will make anything and everything out to look like something special, when it really isn't. Tillman, either shy, or just thought he was protecting this Country (which he was), deserves to be called a hero, and a guy any kid should look up to, if there ever was one. Rest in Peace Tillman.

[Guest webmasterofwrestlegame]

Tillman gave up a life that 99% of us can only dream about to go and fight and defend the country that he loved.

 

I don't think he defended any country - he was part of a campaign of a 'war on terror' which involved the coalition invading another country. I'm not quite sure that makes him a hero, nor more than any other soldier from any other nation (including Iraqi soldiers) that has died from all this.

[Dr. Tom 0]

Christ, the man died. Can we keep political squabbling out of this?

 

RIP

[Guest webmasterofwrestlegame]

Of course its a pity he died - I didn't want to belittle this tragic fact at all. I just had additional points to make.

[Guest TheCynicalHateMongerFromHell]

Christ, the man died. Can we keep political squabbling out of this?

 

RIP

So has thousands of other people and we aren't all making glorifying their lives? This is propaghanda at its highest. He died, and thats terrible. But just the ridiculous press this has gotten all morning reaks of them glorying their war efforts.

[the max 0]

Because of what he gave up.

 

Making this into a political issue is ignorant. People made this thread because some can place a face with the name, and are still in shock that he gave up all that he did to serve.

[nl5xsk1 0]

If he'd died in Iraq, people would have a legitimate complaint ... that war was, to some people questionable. But he didn't die in Iraq, he died in Afghanistan while going after the people that attack and kill defenseless civilians.

 

If you think that's wrong, then I wonder what, in your mind, is right. He didn't die for oil. Or because some dictator tried to kill the present president's father. He died because some religious zealots hate Americans.

 

Keep the political bullshit in current events, or hardcore discussion.

 

And reading webmasterofwrestlegame's question about what makes Tillman more of a hero than anyone else that died makes me ask the same question that I asked while reading the fark comments: Since when can we only mourn one person? Yes, I find it tragic when anyone dies in a war; even the ones that are fighting for the other team. But this is a name, and a face, that we know. So, it gets more attention. But it doesn't mean that we callously laugh about anyone else passing.

[nl5xsk1 0]

So has thousands of other people and we aren't all making glorifying their lives? This is propaghanda at its highest. He died, and thats terrible. But just the ridiculous press this has gotten all morning reaks of them glorying their war efforts.

How is the media reporting this "glorying" their war efforts? If it was the government reporting this news your argument would almost make sense. But since this report is being passed predominantly by the liberal medie, it's actually the exact opposite of what you're accusing.

[Guest OctoberBlood]

Well, this board has hit an all time low.

[kkktookmybabyaway 0]

Well, this board has hit an all time low.

Not until I have my say, then it will hit an all-time low.

 

Actually, I'm already sick of hearing about this story. KDKA Radio mentioned this as a lead story at its top-of-the-hour newscast AND a few minutes later in the "sports" segment. Jesus Christ, the man wanted to do his duty without the spotlight on him, so let his death get the same treatment...

[Steve J. Rogers 0]

Wonder if anyone spoke to Simmeon (sp) Rice yet? He made comments about how it wasn't a big deal that Tillman did this, that he wasn't that great of a player so why is everyone making a big deal, ect

 

I think he made in on the Jim Rome show, not quite sure about that though

 

To me the comments sounded more like a different topic for a different thread, about how white skill players (WR, safteies, Corner Backs, ect) are treated in the NFL as overrated "Great White Hypes" more than disrespecting Tillman's decision to serve but I can see how the media could take it to be disrespectfull, especially in light of what would eventually happen and all

 

Steve

[Guest The Winter Of My Discontent]

So has thousands of other people and we aren't all making glorifying their lives? This is propaghanda at its highest.  He died, and thats terrible.  But just the ridiculous press this has gotten all morning reaks of them glorying their war efforts.

How is the media reporting this "glorying" their war efforts? If it was the government reporting this news your argument would almost make sense. But since this report is being passed predominantly by the liberal medie, it's actually the exact opposite of what you're accusing.

Its all about their war effort. Its a glorious sacrifice for one's country. How grand!

 

Thats the way it is protrayed.

 

And honestly, everyone who is calling me ignorant, who is ignorant? Do you only get moved when someone "famous" dies? Who cares what he gave up. Every single person who died gave up their family...some their wives...some their children. I'd say passing up a life with one's family is just as bold as giving up a lucratice NFL contract. Money doesn't buy you happiness, in most cases, its the other things you can't buy...like a loving wife and children.

 

Its terrible that Tillman has died, it just sickens me that he has been transformed into a tool by the government/media of almighty sacrifice for one's country. Its kick to the nuts and a spit on the face of all of the other nameless sodliers who died. You only get complimented and martyred if your famous and the Americans can make a campaign around your death.

[2GOLD 0]

Fuck that noise. If you want to go talk about the war, head your ass to Current Events folder and bitch about it.

 

Some of us knew this guy as a player and he was generally one of the good guys. That's ALL we cared about. He was a good guy who gave up a life no one would have gave up to do something he thought was right.

 

I don't give a damn about the political side of this story. I don't care about it. He was a good man and he died. That is the end of it.

[Steve J. Rogers 0]

So has thousands of other people and we aren't all making glorifying their lives? This is propaghanda at its highest.  He died, and thats terrible.  But just the ridiculous press this has gotten all morning reaks of them glorying their war efforts.

How is the media reporting this "glorying" their war efforts? If it was the government reporting this news your argument would almost make sense. But since this report is being passed predominantly by the liberal medie, it's actually the exact opposite of what you're accusing.

Its all about their war effort. Its a glorious sacrifice for one's country. How grand!

 

Thats the way it is protrayed.

 

And honestly, everyone who is calling me ignorant, who is ignorant? Do you only get moved when someone "famous" dies? Who cares what he gave up. Every single person who died gave up their family...some their wives...some their children. I'd say passing up a life with one's family is just as bold as giving up a lucratice NFL contract. Money doesn't buy you happiness, in most cases, its the other things you can't buy...like a loving wife and children.

 

Its terrible that Tillman has died, it just sickens me that he has been transformed into a tool by the government/media of almighty sacrifice for one's country. Its kick to the nuts and a spit on the face of all of the other nameless sodliers who died. You only get complimented and martyred if your famous and the Americans can make a campaign around your death.

I don't know which media in particular, but sports radio in NYC is treating it as "Putting a face on the annoyomus listing of the daily death total"

 

I'm pretty sure the NFL will be doing something though, especially tommorow at the draft, probably set up a courage/humanitarian award in his honor or something

 

No doubt Arizona State will set up a scholarship/award or something as well

 

I do agree that since he didn't want to be glorified about it that the media shouldn't go out of their way to overglorify it (TV movie of the week, documentaries, ect) anymore than any other annoyomus soilder's passing in battle

 

But thats where sports radio in New York is putting out the story, kind of saying that it puts a face on the war

 

Steve

[nl5xsk1 0]

Since this thread is going to devolve into a political debate, it really should be moved to the Current Events folder ...

 

And the reason that his death gets more media coverage than other soldiers is because he was a nationally known name. I'm living in Northern Massachusetts, and when one of the local soldiers gets killed, it's huge news up here. Moreso than if someone from Virginia, or California, or Alaska, or wherever, dies. And I'm sure it's the same way every where else. Tillman was the first nationally known name to perish, and thus it's national news. Not because he's a football player.

 

To focus on the sports aspect of it, 220+ tackles in one season is pretty amazing. The guy was a very good player, and it's a shame that the Cardnals had to lose him from the lineup when he chose to enlist. Here's hoping the Cards do the right thing and retire his number.

[Your Paragon of Virtue 0]

So has thousands of other people and we aren't all making glorifying their lives? This is propaghanda at its highest.  He died, and thats terrible.  But just the ridiculous press this has gotten all morning reaks of them glorying their war efforts.

How is the media reporting this "glorying" their war efforts? If it was the government reporting this news your argument would almost make sense. But since this report is being passed predominantly by the liberal medie, it's actually the exact opposite of what you're accusing.

Its all about their war effort. Its a glorious sacrifice for one's country. How grand!

 

Thats the way it is protrayed.

 

And honestly, everyone who is calling me ignorant, who is ignorant? Do you only get moved when someone "famous" dies? Who cares what he gave up. Every single person who died gave up their family...some their wives...some their children. I'd say passing up a life with one's family is just as bold as giving up a lucratice NFL contract. Money doesn't buy you happiness, in most cases, its the other things you can't buy...like a loving wife and children.

 

Its terrible that Tillman has died, it just sickens me that he has been transformed into a tool by the government/media of almighty sacrifice for one's country. Its kick to the nuts and a spit on the face of all of the other nameless sodliers who died. You only get complimented and martyred if your famous and the Americans can make a campaign around your death.

It's about the fact that people have connections to him. Sure, many others have died, but we didn't know those people. Technically we don't know him either, but still, many have watched him play and he's a public figure. It's only natural that when someone everyone knows dies will they get more attention than someone whom everyone did not know, unless there was some oddly ridiculous circumstance surrounding it.

[Jobber of the Week 0]

By the reports I've heard about how AZ has been playing, dying in the desert isn't a bad alternative.

 

Folks, do try the veal and be sure to tip your waitress.

 

 

 

 

I wouldn't go into the military myself, but mad props to this guy for leaving millions behind and a career most people would consider a dream to go do that.

[Youth N Asia 0]

Could the people who just want to argue start another thread in another forum

[snuffbox 0]

Whether he wanted to be known as such or not....Pat Tillman is the absolute epitome of a hero.

[Guest Vitamin X]

So what are we going to make this, a mourning thread?

 

Tillman only played like 4 years in the NFL, and he had one great season and left after that season to go join the Army. It wasn't as if Brett Favre or Ray Lewis or otherwise a real huge star on par with being a celebrity went. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the honorable thing to do would have been to either have enlisted in the Army to BEGIN WITH before committing himself to the NFL, or to have at least finished his commitment to a team that did and still does suck.

 

If he'd died in Iraq, people would have a legitimate complaint ... that war was, to some people questionable. But he didn't die in Iraq, he died in Afghanistan while going after the people that attack and kill defenseless civilians.

 

Took the words right out of my mouth when it came to the issue of dehonorizing (is that a word?!) his death.

This is a great article regaring the Tillman issue.

[Sass 0]

I remember when this story came out and I thought he was both kooky and brave.

 

RIP Pat Tillman.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Watching PTI. Fuck Mariotti for taking an opportunity to bash Iverson and others because of this.

[Guest Crazy Dan]

Definately a sad day in Sports. Even though I really never knew who Tillman was, I still admired this guy for his selflessness. I don't think I could ever give up a good life playing football, to go fight for my country. But Pat Tillman was inspired by 9-11 and decided he wanted to make the sacrafice and fight for his country. And since he didn't want to be considered a hero, I will instead command him on his bravery, heart, dedication, and love for his country.

 

Sport talk radio was running tribute shows in his honor all day and I heard nothing but praise for him. He had great heart on the field, a undersized white player who worked his tail off to start in the NFL. He also was a good student as well. Always refreshing hearing about the athletes who actually graduate, and as an Academic All American. And listening to an old interview he had with Jim Rome, he appeared to be very likeable and intelligent.

 

I know I could never join the armed forces, just not in my nature. But Tillman did it even though it would me he would have to give up 3 million a year. He gave up everything, to fight for something he believed in. Not many could say they would do this, especially most of the Pro athletes that play today who seem to only care about two things: how much his paycheck is and themselves. But here was an athlete who broke that stereotype. An athlete who thought that there was more important things in this world, than money.

 

So I hope Pat Tillman will rest in peace. You will be greatly missed, not only because of your contributions you made to the NFL, but to life in general. You were a player who had great character. And I am sad that you will never again get the opportunity to suit up again. I am sad that we will never get to see what good things he might have accomplished. I am sad that his life was shot down before it trully was begining.

 

I am not the most religious person, but my prayers and best wishes goes out to his family and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. And yes it is always sad when any soldier is killed in battle. And by no means do I consider Pat Tillman's death more tragic than any other soldier who has died on the battlefield. Its just that when you hear all the stories and praise, I know what type of man he was. And he was great human being. And I hope that everyone can learn something from who he was and the sacrafice he made. That is why he is a hero. And unfortunately we lost a great man, but his memory I hope will live on.

[Guest jpclemmons]

The guy had a lot of integrity to give up a million dollar contract and fight for his country after the terrible events in 9/11 . I call it crazy to leave a life of luxury in the NFL to fight in Afghanistan. But to other people it's heroric to give up everything to fight for our freedoms.