HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

What happens when he spears the QB after the ball as already been thrown? How many times do they let this happen before he breaks someone's back? If I were on the 'O' line, I would just move out of the way and let him fall on his face every time.

What's next for Charlie? Will he join the military and go to the front lines? Sure, give him a rifle to fire randomly and he might hit an enemy once and awhile, but he's still a liability to his team. I’m sure there are plenty things he can do better than I can, but some things require you to have sight to do them well.

I can understand how he could play in Junior High, but the game gets a little more intense in High School. The guys on the other team might take advantage of him and, most likely, there is another player on the team who'd be better suited for the job. Charlie is in high school now and I hear he has a good sense of humor, so I hope he wouldn't take any offense to my comments. I am only trying to be realistic. I applaud his courage and spirit, but I can't say I wouldn't be upset if I was on his team and he missed a tackle that could have prevented the other team from winning the game.

Some people might think that I’m being insensitive for posting this, but I assure you it’s completely the opposite. I know Charlie is a person same as me and that’s why I’m not sugar-coating it. If I were in his shoes, I would want people to be straight with me and not treat me like a sympathy case. I wish you luck, Charlie. Who knows, maybe vision restoration technology will make some strides in the next 4 years and you’ll be an unstoppable force on the college field. With your ambition, I wouldn’t doubt it one bit.
'enry

November 10, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Hank,

I have realized, through my own experiences, that some postings on here do not need or warrant our pithy and unwelcome comments. This thread is one of those posts you should have passed on. When will you learn, or is it you just don't give a damn?

Charlie Wilks, Enjoy your moment!

November 10, 2009 at 4:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

Steve_Corbin,
Yeah, I'll probably catch some flak for this one... I think this is a case where I was only posting what everyone (at least anyone who played HS football) was thinking. If Charlie is a team player, I think he'd understand my concern.
As a former lineman in high school, maybe I'm just taking offense to the idea that a blind person could excel as a lineman. The boys up front have a tough job and they don't always get credit for bustin' butt on every down. That said, I never played across from Charlie, so he may have ran right over me for all I know... I did play against a kid who only had one arm and he was a beast. Seeing where the ball and your opponents are seems pretty crucial to me though. You’ll never be able to “scoop and score” that fumble you caused if you can’t see where the ball went. My hat is off to Charlie for getting out there and giving it his all. I'm just jealous I was never on ESPN. :(
'enry

November 10, 2009 at 4:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

aftsd (anonymous) says...

Charlie is an inspiration to those with disabilities!

November 10, 2009 at 7:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mamacookie (anonymous) says...

Henry-
You should be ashamed of yourself--
A. Close the yearbook--no one cares about your "glory days."
B. Everyone who has ever played on a team knows that there isn't an individual in the sport--and a team never gets anywhere without it's heart.
C. Think of the lessons Charlie and his teammates and coaches are gaining from this experience. Not only the importance of teamwork and football, but this helps Charlie and those around him realize the importance of dreams.
Get a heart--and even if you do--you'll never have the heart of this high school freshman.

November 10, 2009 at 7:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mamacookie (anonymous) says...

Charlie IS an ispiration to those with or without disabilities! Congrats Charlie! I wish you nothing but the best!

November 10, 2009 at 7:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

chiefsfan (anonymous) says...

Henry: maybe you need to learn some tolerance for someone who is different from you. I commend the team, the coach's, the school, the parents and the other students for supporting Charlie's dream. Maybe they can teach you something, Henry.

November 10, 2009 at 7:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

mamacookie and chiefsfan,
Yes, football is a team sport. Back in my day, we were told that the team was only as strong as our weakest player. Is that no longer true? Anything can happen in the game of football. You need players who can adapt to ANY situation. If you can't see what is going on around you, you can't possibly anticipate and react to everything that could happen. Charlie’s teammates have to help him, so that puts more responsibility on them. This could distract them from their own job and the field. My linebacker should only have to worry about where the ball is, if it’s a run or pass, and who he needs to cover in a pass play. He shouldn’t have to worry about what the D-Line is doing. You need players that can rely on EACH OTHER, not players who are dependent on others.
I'm just trying to be realistic. Stating reality doesn't mean I'm intolerant of people who are different than me. I said many nice things about Charlie in my post, but I guess you chose to ignore those comments. No, I may not have the heart that Charlie has, but I can tell if the guy who recovered the fumble is on my team or not before I tackle him. Look folks, I'm not trying to be mean here. Is it intolerant to say I am better at video games than Charlie because I can see and he can't? What if I say I’m a better driver than Charlie because he is blind? Is that insensitive? No, I'm not being insensitive; I'm being realistic. There are just some things that require you to see for you to be good at them.
I’m not saying Charlie should stop trying, however. As I said, technology may make some strides in the future and perhaps Charlie could become a better driver than me. Who knows? Anything is possible when you have the drive to accomplish it.
Good luck, Charlie. I hope you appreciate my candor and the fact that I treat you like everyone else.
‘enry

November 12, 2009 at 2:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nks (anonymous) says...

Henry,
You are not just being insensitve, you are pathetic. I do not know how you can sit there and logically type what you just did. I am sure you would be ashamed to let your family see your work of art that you posted.

Here is a young man stircken with the loss of his vision who has done the best he can to overcome the loss of such a vital part of our day that we take for granted.

To lose your vision, especially at such a young age would be terrifying, yet he has chosen not to let it hold him back. You state that players must "adapt" to the situation. I think Charlie has done more than this in life, and not just on your almighty playing field.

All you are worried about is how it could possibly hold his teammates back, how this could distract them, how it could cost a game, etc... The family is more than understanding about the limits of his play and do not want him put out there because of his disability or for a publicity stunt.

Let me guess, you are one of the people on the sidelines of the 5-6 yr old rec soccer games screaming and yelling because of a bad call, or yell at the coach of a t-ball game for not running up the score?

November 12, 2009 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

nks,
You don’t understand where I'm coming from at all... Steve was right; I should have kept quiet. Why do I even bother with you people?

You said, "I think Charlie has done more than this in life, and not just on your almighty playing field."
I agree. This young man has accomplished more in life than I ever could have. I just don't think being a "football star" is a realistic goal at this time for a blind person.

You said, "All you are worried about is how it could possibly hold his teammates back, how this could distract them, how it could cost a game, etc"
No, I am also worried that his family is setting unrealistic goals for Charlie. I fear they are saying, "You're the best football player ever!" simply out of pity. Getting by in life as a "charity case" is not a good way to grow as a person. If we really want to help Charlie achieve all he can, we shouldn't patronize him.

You said, "you are one of the people on the sidelines of the 5-6 yr old rec soccer games"
Soccer? T-ball? No, I only watch real sports. ;-)

I suppose I should go watch Charlie play before I pass judgment. Can anyone point me to where I can find his stats compared to those of an average D-lineman his age?
'enry

November 12, 2009 at 3:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nks (anonymous) says...

Why are you worried about stats? Maybe you should start a petition to get him benched.

You probably have no idea what it is like or how good it feels to see young kids out there playing any sport and having a good time. Who cares if they avg .350 and steal 20 bases, or have 15 tackles a game.

I was as competive as anyone and was a college athlete but sometimes you have to step back and think about life and what is important, not about worrying about embarassing Emporia High.

November 12, 2009 at 3:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

nks,
Yeah, you're right. Let's just let him play even if there are other kids who are better than him. What kind of message does that send to the other kids? If kids want to be rewarded (with playing time), they need to know they have to work hard and do well. You’re suggesting it doesn’t matter how well you do as long as you’re blind, right? Is that the message you want kids to take away from this? Maybe I’ll start a NFL team with all blind players and guilt the other teams into letting us win every game!

Is this what the coach tells the other kids on the bench?
"Sorry, Billy, I know you're a better player than Charlie, but he's blind so we have to let him play or people will call us intolerant."
Basically, you're telling me I should pretend Charlie is as capable at football as everyone else because it more politically correct, right? Fine, you win. I bet Charlie will get a full-ride scholarship to play football in college and then he'll go on to play in the NFL. He'll be the leading tackler, he'll have the most sacks, and he'll have the most fumbles recovered for touchdowns of all time! He is truly an inspiration! Get out there and drive cars, blind folks! You can achieve anything, after all! Anything is possible if you try! I know this because nks said so! If anyone tells you different, just call them intolerant! There, is that better?

Living in such a dreamland may be nicer and more fun, but it probably is not healthy for Charlie.
'enry

November 12, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nks (anonymous) says...

Keep digging you a bigger hole. Your true colors are showing.

Now you are calling out the EHS coaches and saying Charlie is only playing for political reasons.

You can get a petition to bench Charlie and now a petition for those incompetant coaches at the high school.

November 12, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

nks,
True colors? You must be crazy… I don't even know if he is getting any real game time. I have no idea how much this kids play or even how well he plays! Matter o' fact, I've never even been to an EHS game of any kind!
All I know is that this story is being celebrated like he's some kind of miracle blind football player. The concept is touching, but the reality is that he probably ain't very good. That's why I asked for stats, because I might be wrong. All your petition nonsense is just silly. I don’t really care if he plays or not. I just don’t think we should build up his hopes just to get them knocked down. I would certainly not want to see him get hurt by some kid on the other team. In my high school days, we were pretty nasty to the opposing teams so I hope the other team realizes he is blind so they can “go easy on him” before he gets hurt. What happens when he doesn’t get blocked and is left just standing there? Then, the big-ol’ fullback runs up and cleans his clock? That’s how people are hurt most often; when they don’t see it coming. I sure hope I never have to say “I told you so”.
I'm think I'm done posting 'bout this...you're just looking for a fight and I won’t indulge you.
'enry

November 12, 2009 at 5:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jc1000 (anonymous) says...

I was not going to give you the time of day until you started making ridiculous comments about my son and blind people in general. Do you know any blind people? Do you know my son?

Who are you to say what is healthy for my son? Neither he nor I live in dreamland we deal with what blindness is every day. He will carry the expierence of being on a TEAM and being allowed to live his dream, for however long that may be, for the rest of his life.

Whatever happens will be between Charlie, the coaches and the team.

I find your comments vulgar and your candor ignorant and by the way there will be a car that blind people can drive someday they are working on it now.

November 12, 2009 at 5:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nks (anonymous) says...

jc2000,

Dont let people like Harry the Dunce, deter you from allowing your son to enjoy all the experiences he can of being a teenager.

I am sure he is not exceling to Harry's standards, but who could. I am sure the majority are like you and I; they just enjoy him being given the opportunity. It is just too bad " Billy" isnt getting to play because he doesnt have a disability per Harry's baffling posts.

Keep doing what you are doing. I am sure the trauma you dealt with when he was diagnosed is being slowly replaced by what he is currenly accomlishing.

November 12, 2009 at 6:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

jc1000:

during these hard times, it seems like all we hear on the news is "BAD NEWS"

Even though I don't personally know your family or your son. after watching the ESPN story I was so proud to be an Emporia citizen. proud of the coach, the players, the students and most of all, proud of your son, proud because of his attitude and that of his team-mates. You have done so well in raising this young man, and I have no doubt that he will be able to accomplish anything he sets out to do in life.

November 12, 2009 at 7:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

Although I do not agree with Henry, I will say one thing. I admire the courage and determination of this individual but there are a few things that did stick out to me. I will quote the article:
-----------------------------------------------
"How do you know who to tackle?

I don't. Basically the center is just pretty much in front of me, and there have been times when I've tackled my own teammates on accident. The center pretty much, his position is right across from me, so I run forward or I can run to the right or the left to try and bust through. And just wreck the play as much as I can."

"Describe what you hear on the football field.

Well, I'm listening to the quarterback say the down, set, hike and then the middle linebacker, which he's like lined up right behind me, and he'll yell "Go" when the ball is snapped."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now given what was said this young man is basically pointed in a direction and told "go". Football is a contact sport, and anyone that has ever spent a good amount of time playing will tell you that what this kid is doing could be dangerous, in fact if someone else's kid was hurt because this young man was told "go" and injured somone severly there could be some serious negligence issues involved. The point I try to make is that this young man could inadvertently hit people in ways that others get flagged or kicked out for, and that he could really hurt someone. It only takes one nasty blow to end a career, or in most cases, cut short one's playing days.

I do think there are some ethical issues to address here, I do find it inspirational that this young man has accomplished what he did, and that is admirable in my eyes as long as it is not detrimental to others which in this instance it very well could tread down that path. I realize people here will get emotional, but before you do, please stop and read what I said and realize that I am only looking at this from a logical perspective and that only reason I bring this up is because I can see a gray area here others could be in jeopardy.

November 12, 2009 at 10:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

And judging by the rhetoric here I will probably get some nasty responses, which I hope is not the case but here is the scenario I will put forth since I spent a good amount of time playing football:

The ball is snapped, to which one of this young man's teamate gets a good jump on, he is told go, and precedes to spear his teamate in the back, causing a spinal injury, a completely avoidable one.

The point is there are countless scenarios where I could see someone getting hurt and hurt badly and it could be completely avoidable, and for this young man's sake I hope it never happens. The question does sometimes need to be raised though, just because you can do something, does not necessarily mean you should.

November 12, 2009 at 10:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

On a lighter note I have been reading about stem cells used to regrow nerves in rats, paralyzed rats being reversed, I hope this young man lives to see a day where the technology is there for him to regain his eyesight.

November 12, 2009 at 11:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mslater (anonymous) says...

goodoleboy,

I hope he does have his eyesight fixed, that would be miraculous! Unfortunately, for Henry, you can't fix stupid...

November 13, 2009 at 6:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

THANK YOU, goodoleboy! It sounds like you understand where I'm coming from. It would have been easier for you to jump on the hate bandwagon and grill me for stating my mind, but you had the guts to go against the "politically correct police".

mslater,
I stated a couple of times above that technology may enable Charlie to compete at the same level as the other kids. Unfortunately, we just aren't there yet. If being realistic is stupid, then I guess I'm stupid.
'enry

November 13, 2009 at 9 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kcfan (anonymous) says...

Was I the only one who watched the piece that Charlie put together? Not going to comment about the fact that he could be a liability on the field, as I don't know much about football from anything but a spectators point of view...HOWEVER -

I don't think any of his friends, family, teammates are sugar coating his future career as a football player. His Grandfather stated that he thought it woudl be a miracle to get past playing in a few games in High School. Hes enjoying the moment and we, as a community, should be embracing all of our kids dreams.

A few have commented on their hopes that in the future his sight will be restored so he can play and be "even" ..HELLO? He said that was his biggest fear. why are you all wishing something on him, he might not even want? I say let Charlie and his family enjoy his moments in the spotlight and quit pissing on his parade!!

For lacking his sight he is insightful - especially while being a teenage boy!

November 13, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

I find that very hard to believe that he would not want his sight back, I saw some replies by the family here, please correct me if I wrong but I would hedge any number of bets that if given the chance to regain his vision, he would take it.

November 14, 2009 at 8:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )