When covering sports, room exists for strong, yet informed opinion/analysis. Regardless of agreement or not, insightful opinion needs room. However, in the modern sports landscape, insight and opinion do not seem to travel the path together. This week, WHB-AM host Kevin Keitzman stepped into the abyss of atrocious sports take. His opinion and handling of the subsequent fallout shows how anyone sitting in front of a microphone should not be considered media.
The Quote
When discussing the tumult surrounding the Chiefs in regards to Tyreek Hill and Kareem Hunt.
“Andy Reid does not have a great record of fixing players. He doesn’t. Discipline is not his thing. It did not work out particularly well in his family life, and that needs to be added to this as we’re talking about the Chiefs. He wasn’t real great at that, either. He’s had a lot of things go bad on him: family and players. He is not good at fixing people.”
The Insinuation
In this quote, Keitzman draws the feeble parallel line of Reid’s failure as a coach/personnel director to his family tragedy. Regardless of what you think of the Chiefs and their atrocious handling of their talented yet out-of-control players, this should sicken you. In the first place, how someone parents and coaching grown athletes should never fail from any media person’s face. These players are not Andy Reid’s children. Again, Keitzman really tried that.
The Tragedy
On August 5, 2012, Eagles team officials found the body of Reid’s son, Garrett. Later, the coroner ruled his death as a heroin overdose. Whether the myopic, hot take merchants want to believe this, addiction is a disease. Andy Reid buried his child. As a parent, I pray that I will never need to do that. During training camp, Andy Reid needed to plan the funeral for his son. Imagine the toll that takes. If you can, you remain better than I, because I can’t.
Keitzman Fallout
First, Keitzman tweeted shock and dismay that anyone could misconstrue his words. In light of his reaction, you must really question the oblivious nature of Keitzman. On the other hand, he received what he initially wanted: attention. For many, sports media ceased caring about the insightful aspect that should remain the cornerstone of integrity. Yet, we’re here. WHB suspended Keitzman indefinitely. If you want to be honest, the man should never appear in front of a microphone for a very long time. Words have consequences.
In an interview, posted below, Keitzman reiterated that he does not intend on resigning. Ladies and gentlemen, that is Grade A nerve. His reservoir of temerity runs deeper than the Marianas Trench. When caught, uttering disrespectful nonsense, doubling down and digging heels in, seems distasteful.
Angry
When I look at Kevin Keitzman and this situation, I peel football away. As a result, I view his comments through the lens of a parent. Parenting remains the toughest yet most rewarding aspect of my life. From birth until forever, the bond between parent and child remains an unbreakable bond.
To this day, my heart bleeds for Andy Reid. Addiction is a foul demon that cares nothing about which lives it ruins or souls it snatches. Instead of sticking strictly to the football aspect of criticism, Kevin Keitzman veered into the canyon of clicks and listens that thirst for attention. While the petty side of me would want to wish nothing but pain, blues, and agony for this man, I won’t. Instead, I wish that he would never endure the pain of losing a child. Despite his inhumane comments, as a society, we need to not wish that on anyone. Media, be better than Kevin Keitzman. In reality, that should stand as the bare minimum approach.
