Rare "Air"
A.E Housman's poem "To An Athlete Dying Young" suggests it's better for an athlete to die young so their accomplishments can be immortalized while they're still fresh in the minds of those who witnessed them.
It's a romantic notion, but the sentiment couldn't be more wrong in the case of Steve McNair. The retired quarterback's untimely death has resulted, appropriately, in reflection of a prolific career, including his role in progressing the role of black quarterbacks, from sports analysts and pro football peers. But the initial shock and eulogizing has given way to the darker circumstances surrounding what police have confirmed as a murder.
In life, McNair was known as a classic tough guy, a family man and contributing community member. In death, stories of an affair and a gun-wielding girlfriend are grabbing most of the headlines.
While the circumstances surrounding the murder of a high-profile quarterback are newsworthy, it would be a shame for those details to cast a shadow over McNair's contributions to sport and society. ESPN has been able to strike an appropriate balance of reporting the facts of the case while their NFL writers attempt to encapsulate McNair's playing career and historical significance.
What do you think of the McNair coverage? What will his legacy be?
