Sports are a big part of my life. While I probably love sports too much, it doesn't take much to realize they aren't that important in the long run, especially when something like the killing of a University of Miami football player happens.
Twenty-two-year-old Hurricanes lineman Bryan Pata was on his way to being selected in next year's NFL draft, but that dream was quickly and tragically brought to an end Tuesday, as he was found dead at his apartment of an apparent homicide. Pata—a leader of the team—the guy who players went to with their problems—was gone. Suddenly, the images of Miami's brawl with Florida International have faded. All their on and off-the-field problems are now on the backburner.
Perhaps in the end, that's what is best about sports. People get so wrapped up in the competition, but when tragedy occurs, everyone is immediately brought together. We feel so connected to the athletes we root for; it's why the word ""we"" is used whenever sports fans speak of their favorite teams. For some strange reason, we feel like we're part of the team.
Approximately seven years ago, I went to a Timberwolves game that still is one of the best basketball games I've ever attended. After going back-and-forth all game long, we were down two to Indiana with 1.9 seconds left. I don't remember who in-bounded the ball, but the game was put into the hands of Malik Sealy, who somehow banked in a three to win the game. Sealy was never the best player on the team, but was a scrappy outside shooter that was one of the most popular players on the team.
But on May 20, 2000, he was heading home from a birthday party for teammate Kevin Garnett when a drunk driver driving on the wrong side of the road struck Sealy's car, killing him. Much of Minnesota went into a state of shock the next day, wondering how this could happen. Very few of us fans knew Sealy personally, but for some reason, his death hit home.
It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's never forgotten. Reggie Lewis, Roberto Clemente, Derrick Thomas, Cory Lidle: the list is not lengthy, but their images are burned into fans' heads for the rest of their lives. Most sports fans know of Lewis' heart condition, and the unfortunate fact that Clemente ended his career and life with exactly 3,000 hits. Events like these don't fade away.
Misfortunes can even turn hated teams into media darlings, at least for a week or two. On a list of well-liked college teams around the country, Miami would not even place in the top 50 right now. But you cannot help but hope they can put together a decent effort against Maryland Saturday, a mere four days after a teammate and friend was taken from them.
So rest in peace, Bryan Fata, and in the words of Jimmy Eat World, may angels lead you in.
To reminisce with Zach about the days of Malik Sealy, e-mail him at zlkukkonen@dailycardinal.com.
