In an era of back-pedaling and whining about being “taken out of context,” Chicago White Sox hurler Mark Buehrle is taking a different approach to spin control after making comments that caused a stir last week.
Buehrle’s being honest and taking ownership of his opinion. Even if it’s not the popular opinion.
How refreshing.
A story on MLB.com last week featured the following quote by Buehrle, who was speaking about NFL quarterback and this season’s Comeback Player of the Year:
“He had a great year and a great comeback, but there were times where we watched the game, and I know it’s bad to say, but there were times where we hope he gets hurt. Everything you’ve done to these dogs, something bad needs to happen to these guys.”
Buehrle was asked about the comment by ESPN.com’s Doug Padilla today. His response?
“No, I said it,” Buehrle said when asked if he regretted making the statement. “It’s an old story. Again, we are not bringing drama inside and past history stuff. So, I said it, meant it. It’s over, and we’ll move on.”
No PR spin doctor with an apology or excuse.
No blaming the media for blowing his statements out of proportion.
No denials. No waffling. No false remorse.
Buehrle once again said exactly what he felt. The rest of the world can take it or leave it.
I’m not offering an opinion on what he said last week. That’s not the point. What is unique about Buehrle’s stance is that he has conviction enough to stand by what he feels. He was honest. He said what he felt. Period.
In an age where athletes spout off about any number of topics and condemn their own opinions later that afternoon, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing for a person to voice the same opinion on one day as he does the next. You may agree with what Buehrle said. You may disagree. You may still be weighing his opinions in your mind.
One thing is clear: Buehrle deserves a tip of the cap for his resolve to stand by his words.
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