Friday, November 25, 2005
Georgie R.I.P.
Well, I suppose we all expected it to happen. But now that it
has, and George Best is no longer with us, perhaps he will be
remembered for all the right reasons. Of course, Best's name was
made before mass pop culture really came into force and before
television induced and produced mega stars like a production
line. Best was part of an era where football was played in shirts
minus sponsors logos, on muddy pitches in an uncompromising fashion
during a time of relative innocence and naivety. A far cry from
the cynicism and commercialism of present-day football.
Best was a true genius when it came to the playing of the game of the
football. Greats like Pele thought so, as did many other luminaries
from the beautiful game. Admired and respected and feared by his
fellow professionals and honoured by them, Best truly was the first
sporting superstar.
Let's hope that the partisan and cynical nature of football gives
way to a genuine appreciation of a footballing legend. It's time
to appreciate the joys and triumphs that Georgie Best provided rather
than chart the decline of his career and his becoming a casualty
of fame. ...
Addendum:
It's upsetting to see some reactions to news of George Best's passing.
In particular, in mentioning George Best's death to several people
today and reading some internet postings I have come across judgements
about how his transplant was wasted on him or how he should not have
been allowed the chance to live. It's easy to judge such a person
((unknown and unconnected to us as they are) and cast a negative
opinion, especially when tabloid newspapers are inclined to feed that
very viewpoint. I would just say in response, if it was your
father, your brother or your son would you be the one to tell them that
you were going to deprive them of the opportunity of life? Would
you be the person to tell a doctor not to undertake that chance?
If one were to extend that further surely someone involved in a
drink-driving incident would be deprived of treatment, someone who took
part in dangerous sports would be left uncared for, and those who
through any of their life choices put themselves ar risk would be
untreated. I don't think that is feasible. In George Best's
case his alcoholism was an illness and a disease in itself. No
amount of pathetic jokes about it can deny that George Best's
alcoholism was part of his ill-health, physical or mental and therefore
he deserved treatment. . .
Posted by Jon at 2:12:45 PM in Musing (23) | Comments (0)