I’m not really sure what’s happening in America anymore. With the election, the protests, the riotous echo chamber that is social media, it’s like no one has any interest in getting along anymore.
I’m scrolling through Barstool Sports like I do every morning, and I see this gem courtesy of my boy Riggs (@RiggsBarstool):
VIDEO: Anti-Trump protestor tackled while delivering speech in the Union pic.twitter.com/3ctSlWvgwW
— The Lantern (@TheLantern) November 14, 2016
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Points for the “YOU! IDIOT!” right before the moment of impact. There’s so much to talk about here. I mean, that’s a full head of steam coming down those stairs. On one hand, I’m a huge fan of big hits in football – strong proponent of the notion that grown men should be allowed to turn their brains into soup if that’s what they want to do with their lives. Then, Will Smith comes along, and BOOM – there’s this whole concussion protocol backlash.
On the other hand, this is probably not an acceptable means of resolving conflict in everyday life. So, I don’t really know what I’m feeling. I can appreciate the form and dedication, but it’s honestly a little sad to see this kind of stuff going on.
I planned this long, HYSTERICAL, breakdown of this clip, but as this story continues to develop, I don’t really feel comfortable making fun of it (I know – that’s a new low, even for me, but hey – at least I’m not like Riggs up there referring to this person as “some old guy”). Now, I just want to hammer home the point that we can’t be so reactive as a society that we’re willing to burn someone at the stake over a 20-second clip without any context.
Now, more of the story’s coming out – the protestor wants the charges dropped because our boy Shane (Captain Truck Stick) here is a Hillary supporter who has Asberger Syndrome, and the tackle wasn’t really politically motivated at all. It was most likely an emotional response to the noise of the gathering.
Via The Lantern – “But loud noises and lights can lead to people with Asperger Syndrome acting before thinking about consequences.”
It’s a surprisingly happy ending, but yet, is just another case of people seeing a 20-second clip and creating their own story.
So, in conclusion, Shane – hope you get the support you need, but way to really bring the lumber. Tim (the dude who was tackled) – way to be a class act here. I hope you can get back to your protesting real soon. Just y’know, maybe wear a helmet at the next one just in case. And, social media – go fuck yourselves!
Stoney Keeley is the editor of the SoBros Network, Tennessee Titans Featured Analyst for Pro Football Spot, Contributor to FanSided’s Bama Hammer, and covers the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @PFSpot, @WrestlingNewsCo, @Bama_Hammer
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