Should Jack Tatum apologize to the family of Darryl Stingley after Stingley's death?

Question

If you're reading this, then you more than likely know the circumstances surrounding Darryl Stingley's paralyzation and subsequent death.

Jack Tatum, the football player who's hit paralyzed Stingley, has never apologized. Stingley said it was because Tatum was writing books, and using the hit on Stingley as a selling point. Tatum has denied this charge, yet refused to apologize to Stingley even after his death.

What is the right thing to do? Is it "just football", and Darryl Stingley was in the wrong place at the wrong time? Or should Tatum apologize to the family of Stingley, and let them know it was an accident, and that he wasn't "head-hunting", even though it was a pre-season game?

Answer 1

The time for apologies, if there were any, long passed before Stingley's death.

"I'm not going to beg forgiveness," Tatum said during a 2003 interview. "That's what people say: You never apologized. I didn't apologize for the play; that was football. I was sorry that he got hurt."

Bottom line: Tatum was doing what he was supposed to do- Hit.

You can feel sorry for the injury while not apologizing for doing what everyone in the game knows they're supposed to do on the field... which is play the game where you may get hurt.

Answer 2

My thoughts then as now are: At that time... that is the way football was played. Eye for an eye. Apologize for the crushing hit? No... for what happened afterward... maybe. If you've ever seen footage of football played in the early 70's and the Oakland Raiders at that time (Madden teams). This is just the way the game was played. If the NFL, you, or anyone who would have made Tatum apologize for that hit or the way he played the game, then there is no way Jack Tatum would have laid that "CRUSHING" hit on Earl Campbell going for a endzone years later. That type of hit "describes" football. Huge Earl Campbell running full speed, turning the corner 1 yard away from the endzone, head down, shoulders parallel to the ground ready to bulldoze anyone in his way. Just to run full speed into another player running full speed in the opposite direction named Jack Tatum. The ultimate collision results in Tatum crushing and smothering his shoulder pads and helmet into Campbell's face and upper body standing Campbell straight up and falling on his back back 2 yards in the opposite direction and out of bounds. Both players lie on the ground unconcious... the referees come out to the field having witnessing a classic hit and spot the ball... "4th and goal." During that era there is no one criticizing Mel Blount, Larry Wilson, Cliff Harris, for hitting players the way they did. Only Tatum. That type of play was acceptable and cheered. It was certainly a bad situation for Stingley. I thought Darryl Stingley was a good player if not better. However Tatum did what he was trained and taught to do. Protect the middle from the passing game.

Answer 3

He tried but it was turned into a media circus. All he should apologize for is what happened to Stingley. Tatum didn't break any rules hitting him the way he did.

Answer 4

Are u serious? It was clean hit and legal hit. Football is a collision sport things happen. Tatum done nothing wrong.

Answer 5

I don't believe the hit was intended to paralze. Therefore I don't believe Tatum should be required to apoligize for it. It would be a nice gesture though...

Answer 6

apologize for doing what he was paid to do? People get hurt in football all the time.

Answer 7

all he has to do is apologize you feel no pain when you apologize so yes he should

Answer 8

Simply: No

Answer 9

No.