Calling It Like I See It
/I was invited to participate in a radio broadcast yesterday on KQED, San Francisco's NPR affiliate. I admit, that I was honored to participate, especially in the wake of our defeat of the misguided AB2108 ban of youth tackle football in California. I wondered if I wad being set up by the invitation, and I decided to proceed with the best intentions for myself and from the Producers. Regrettably, my suspicions came true.
While the people at KQED were professional and accommodating, their undisclosed agenda, as it is so often the case with undisclosed agendas, is revealing itself with the benefit of just 24 hours:
I overheard a producer telling the host that Kimberly Archie would be a participant on the show, as I sat down in my seat in the booth. All other elements of the show were disclosed to me ahead of time, and surprisingly this part was not. Coincidence? I think not.
Not a single caller in opposition to banning youth tackle football was allowed to participate in the on-air portion, in-spite of multiple callers from the other side being allowed to speak. To those of you who were on the line waiting to share your comments, I thank you for your patience and persistence. I also appreciate you letting me know that you were held at bay by producers screening calls in support of our side of the story.
Unfortunately, this mode of operating appears to be the norm for the proponents of banning youth tackle football. There is a continued vilification of those of us who support our freedom of choice and are demanding more consistency, alignment, and consensus from the medical community. I get it. The bullying will continue until youth tackle football is banned.
Nevertheless, I continue to be proud to speak for the 130,000 youth tackle and cheer student-athletes in CA.