AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2005 > October > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCollier tributes appreciated
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As should be expected, the Hawks are struggling to cope with the death of Jason Collier.
Perspective is what’s often gained during trying times such as these, and the Hawks are no different. The players and coaches are relying on each other right now to make sense of it all. But I suspect they’ll have a tough time Wednesday at the funeral service. I appreciate all the written tributes posted on the blog in the days since Collier’s passing, and have heard from the Hawks that members of his family appreciate the supportive words as well.
This morning’s game was strange mostly because there were 15,000 screaming kids in the stands, most of them without a hint of who Jason Collier the basketball player was. They were thrilled to get a day off for the game, so it made for a rather peculiar environment. As Rasheed Wallace likes to say, “Both teams played hard, my man.” But the Hawks were simply too error prone to overcome a scrappy Bobcats team. We’ll see how they handle the Hornets Tuesday night.
Comments
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By HB Ando
October 17, 2005 05:18 PM | Link to this
Coming together as a team and improving their performance won’t really change the nature of the Collier families’ loss (and winning one for the Gipper seems kind of trite). However, I’ve already heard a Hawk or two mention that Jason Collier’s tragic and untimely loss was a reminder of just how fortunate these guys are to play basketball, and make tremendous amounts of money in the process, for a living.
If, from that perspective, these guys can come together, and truly give their all to their vocation, and to life in general, then Jason Collier, as a member of the Atlanta Hawks, will have contributed mightily to this years’ team, even in his absence. His family can take solace in how important he was to the people around him.
And that theme is not limited to the players on the Hawks. Jason Collier’s unexpected passing is a reminder to all of us that a long, full life is not guaranteed, and that we all have an opportunity to get as much out of life as we can. To live today as if there is no tomorrow.
I saw that another reader highlighted, while in no way minimizing Collier’s death, that over 35,000 people has just perished during the earthquake in Afganhistan and Pakistan. I think there is validity to his point. We are inundated by death on a daily basis, typically from afar. Each one of those individuals was a unique human being, their deaths no less tragic. But when someone passes that any of us feel some type of connection or bond to, it tends to hit much closer to home.
Because of their size and athleticism, we tend to attribute super-human status to our athletes. When they fall without warning or obvious cause, it’s often a stark reminder of our own perilous mortality.
I’ve never forgotten the passings of Thurman Munson, Lyman Bostock, Hank Gathers, Reggie Lewis or Len Bias (to name just a few). I won’t forget Jason Collier, either. My continued prayers for his family in their time of loss.
By Astro Joe
October 17, 2005 09:31 PM | Link to this
et’s hope that players take the time to visit a doctor for a thorough examination. Maybe it’s my imagination, but it feels like more athletes have died in the past 5 years than before. While some assume illegal drugs/enhancers are the cause, I also believe that it is often just an undetected flaw. Let’s hope that Jason’s untimely death motivates someone to visit a doctor.
RIP Mr. Collier.
By GT
October 18, 2005 09:48 AM | Link to this
I remember as a Georgia Tech fan, Collier missing a game because of asthma. His father said he never had breathing problems which is not exactly true if my menory serves me.
By cbarker
October 18, 2005 10:02 AM | Link to this
As a staff member for Catholic Central High School ( Where Jason Graduated) we are just numb. The response from the community and Alumni is greatly appriciated.
As we walk through our hall and see Jason’s picture, we relize Jason will live forever in the hearts and minds of the people who love and miss him. Rest In Peace our GENTLE GIANT!!!
By Michael Ward
October 18, 2005 03:00 PM | Link to this
What a shame it is that we lose such a fine man. Not as a basketball player but as an all around good guy. I had the privilege of knowing Jason for the last few years. He always had a smile and nice things to say. A 1st class act that will be missed as a basketball player but more as a husband, father and friend. I am gonna miss you big guy!
My thoughts and prayers are with Katie and Ella and all family and friends. We have all suffered a “BIG” loss.
By HoopsFan
October 19, 2005 03:08 PM | Link to this
When i was a SR in high school, I played in the same traveling AAU league and got to know him a little. He was a very nice kid who was very humble about his abilities as a basketball player. I am happy to say I had the chance to know him for a short time. My heart goes out to his wife, daughter, parents and close friends at this time. It is sad to see such a young, talent guy leave us so early. May God Bless You Jason!