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Scott Rees

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REES' PIECE OF MIND
Definition of Tragedy

Derrick Thomas died today. A blood clot caused him to have a heart attack. The sports television media is describing his death as a tragedy. The same as they did Bobby Phills. The wrestling industry has had its share of "tragedies" in the last few years. Bobby Duncum, Jr. died a few weeks ago. Rick Rude died in the middle of last year. Louie Spicolli died in 1998. And society's "tragedies" include JFK Jr. and Princess Diana.

Tragedies? I beg to differ.

A tragedy is Owen Hart's death. A devoted husband, father of two young children, killed doing a "routine" stunt.

A tragedy is Gary Albright's death. Another devoted husband and father, this time dying in the ring from a massive heart attack caused by diabetes.

A tragedy is Walter Payton's death. A man many people consider the nicest person they ever met. He died from a liver and kidney disease.

A tragedy is Brian Hildenbrand dying from cancer.

Tragedy is a word that gets thrown around casually. And I'm disgusted by it.

Derrick Thomas paralyzed himself through his own stupidity. Harsh words, yes. But look what happened. He was speeding on icy roads, weaving in and out of traffic, not wearing a seatbelt, when he crashed. One of his best friends died because of it. And Derrick's heart attack was probably caused by it. Bobby Phills was also driving like a moron, going over 100 mph in a residential area, when he crashed.

Bobby Duncum, Jr., died from taking three times the amount of painkillers he had illegaly obtained. I know his shoulder had been giving him problems. But he took his life in his own hands. Same as Rick Rude and Louie Spicoli.

I feel much more for the wrestlers than I do the other two. They died from painkillers they were taking because of injuries caused by performing for the fans. But millions of people take painkillers every day. Legally obtained painkillers. And they don't mix alcohol with them.

Did they deserve to die? No, of course not. Do I feel bad for their families? Of course I do. Do I call it a tragedy? Hell no.

By calling their deaths a tragedy, you cheapen the word. Don't lump in people who died from their own stupidity and carelessness. Don't lump in people who were lucky they didn't kill innocent bystanders.

Save the word tragedy for a situation that deserves it.

Scott Rees
freelance

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