I don't know how many of you heard of the story about the high school football coach from Iowa that was murdered by a former player. Well his family received the Arthur Ashe award, also referred to as the Arthur Ashe courage award, it goes to someone who transcends sports. Well, this family most certainly deserved it. It seems like Coach Thomas was truly an amazing individual to hear his son speak of him last night...but what struck me most is the way his family handled the murder and handled the family of the murderer. From the beginning the Thomas family asked for support and prayers for the Becker (family of murderer) family as well, The Becker's were even with them last night to accept the award. Read more here: via the examiner:
here was an emotional moment at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles Wednesday night as the family of murdered Iowa football coach Ed Thomas accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
In June 2009, Ed Thomas was shot to death by a former student, Mark Becker. Becker was hospitalized in a mental health unit and then released several days before the shooting. He currently is serving his sentence for life in prison.
The Arthur Ashe award was given to Ed Thomas family because of the forgiveness shown to the family of Mark Becker. ESPN honors those individuals who transcend sports each year with this award.
A video tribute about Ed Thomas was shown prior to his son, Aaron Thomas, taking to the stage and speaking to the audience about his father:
When you look at former winners and the company we’ve joined ... and to think that our dad and the example he set at doing what’s right has led us into the category ... We went through many tough times, but we had a great example from my father in how to handle adversity.'
I would think that one of the hardest things to do in this type of situation is to make peace with the family who "was responsible" for the reason the murder took place anyways. Not saying that the parents were responsible for a 24 year olds actions, but you know what I am saying...to be the parents of this person. I can't imagine the feeling of the Becker family either, and for them to realize that they had the support of the one family who they would have never expected to receive it from was truly amazing. Courage is indeed what the Thomas family showed throughout this ordeal. What a fitting tribute to a wonderful man.
Look at this hot mama! Congrats to Lindsey Vonn, BEST FEMALE ATHLETE AND BEST FEMALE OLYMPIAN. She's pretty bad ass and I am so glad to see her win both of these awards!!!
Comments
Post a Comment