Culpepper revisited
by Tom on Feb.08, 2005, under Uncategorized
Followup from two posts ago, re: the quarterback who gave away jewelry and took it back -
http://www.startribune.com/stories/510/5221966.html
An exerpt:
We were standing at Culpepper’s side when the transaction took place. There was no animosity, no hurt feelings and no accusations of impropriety — only thank-yous from Townsend, his parents and a doctor nearby.
The AP version of the story, however, in essence painted Culpepper as a spoiled athlete who “sheepishly” took away a gift from a paralyzed teenager once the cameras stopped shooting. Newspapers and Internet sites picked up the story nationally. One problem: Nothing could have been further from the truth.
Anyone who has met Culpepper knows he wears the necklace every day. He has for years. Garish as it might be — its main ornament is a 6-inch hot pepper — it carries sentimental and personal value. Since when is anyone — athlete, actor, politician or average schmoe — obligated to hand over personal possessions permanently when someone asks? Or should Culpepper have shot down the request and embarrassed Townsend on television?
If that’s your story, then the next time someone asks you for your wedding ring or a sweater your grandmother knitted, you better cough it up. Or else find some real news to write about.
ZING! Who called it, eh? Good job, media!
