Damar Hamlin's family wants any criticism against Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins to stop.
Buffalo Bills reporter Rachel Hopmayer spoke with Jordon Rooney, Hamlin's marketing representative and longtime friend, outside the University of Cincinnati Medical Center on Wednesday. Rooney said Hamlin's family is "frustrated" and "mad" about the accusatory social media comments made toward Higgins from some users since their son's cardiac arrest at Paycor Stadium on Monday night.
Higgins was involved in the play that happened immediately before Hamlin's on-field collapse. The Buffalo Bills safety tackled Higgins in the first quarter of the game.
Damar Hamlin's family:Damar Hamlin's family releases statement: 'Please keep Damar in your prayers'
Hamlin stood up after the play, but fell straight back seconds later. Medical personnel had to administer CPR, and an automated external defibrillator, or AED, was used. The 24-year-old's heartbeat was restored on the field before he was transferred to the hospital by ambulance.
"This isn't supporting Damar," Rooney said about the online backlash. "If you think you're supporting Damar by bashing Tee, you're not supporting Damar."
Doctors weigh in on Hamlin:Here's what doctors had to say about Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest
On Twitter, ESPN reporter Coley Harvey also said he interviewed Rooney, who told him Hamlin's father, Mario, is among those calling for the criticism against Higgins to stop.
Tee Higgins has been in contact with Damar Hamlin's family
Rooney told Hopmayer that Higgins has been in contact with Hamlin's family multiple times since his hospitalization. He said Higgins has reached out and gone above and beyond.
"All signs point to him being a great human being who genuinely cares and feels bad, and the family feels bad that Tee would have any guilt towards the situation."
Source link