NFL: Bills' Hamlin in Critical Condition After Collapse

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Facts

  • On Tuesday morning, the US Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin was listed in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center after he collapsed from cardiac arrest during the team's Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
  • Hamlin's collapse occurred following his tackle of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, which saw Hamlin hit in the chest. He stood up for around three seconds before collapsing, with athletic trainers immediately rushing onto the field to administer treatment.
  • According to the Bills, the second-year player's heart had stopped but was restored on the field following treatment by medical personnel. He was then taken by ambulance to the UC Medical Center, where he was sedated and is undergoing "further testing and treatment."
  • Following Hamlin's collapse and treatment, the National Football League (NFL) temporarily suspended before officially postponing the game and released a statement saying, "our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills." It's unclear whether it will be finished at a later date.
  • While Hamlin was being treated on the field, players from both teams appeared distraught. Many players throughout the league, other professional sports, and fans have expressed support for Hamlin by donating more than $3M to his Christmas toy fundraiser.
  • Hamlin was the 212th overall pick of the 2021 draft. In his rookie season, he played 14 games, and so far this season has played in 16 games, producing 91 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Sources: Associated Press, Espn, New York Times, CBS, CNN, and FOX News.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Washington Post. This type of situation is the reason the NFL and NFLPA developed emergency action plans for each city and stadium, including providing an ambulance and a Level 1 trauma center at every game. The league understands serious injuries can occur during the game, and it goes to great measures to ensure players receive the best treatment available.
  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Daily Beast. With incidents like this becoming commonplace in the NFL, this injury serves as another reminder that the league prioritizes monetary gain over the safety of its players. It took the league a staggering hour after CPR was first administered to Hamlin to postpone the game, and the postponement only happened after coaches, captains, and players declared they wouldn’t continue.