Event Roy Halladay's death, and Michael Felger's rant

[PtldPlatypus]

Just had a really interesting Twitter discussion about a rant that Boston sports radio host had yesterday regarding Roy Halladay's death, and I was curious to hear what some of the Zeros thought about this topic. Here's the link to the audio and some excerpts.

https://deadspin.com/boston-sports-radio-chud-goes-on-long-rant-about-how-ro-1820270092

Basically, the host goes off on the notion that Halladay's death was a "tragedy", because he caused his own death by engaging in risky activities. Called Halladay an idiot, a moron, and a jackass for "getting his rocks off" by putting his life in danger, and disregarding the needs of his family. The most inflammatory statement seems to be the line, "he got what he deserved". And of course, he topped it off by comparing it to NASCAR, and saying that when drivers crash (referencing Dale Earnhardt's death at Daytona) he roots for the wall.

So what do y'all think? When people die during undeniably risky pursuits (like "Grizzly Man" or the Crocodile Hunter), is it still a "tragedy", or did the person just "reap what they sowed"?

 

[riverman]

I think risky hobbies are something one should hold oneself responsible for....reckless high speed driving fits that bill sort of like climbing Everest fits that bill..starving the brain for oxygen is pretty dumb when you think about it...many die trying to cheat death but in the end..they've participated in what I call a death dance....it's ok if you're calling is to be a daredevil but it's not for me....high speed activities have built in risks...spelunking fits this bill too....surf in a typhoon at your own risk

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

There was video of him showboating, basically taking his plane like 5 feet away from the water.

 

[julius]

Call me cold hearted, but I felt the same way when Ryan Dunn died, and Paul Walker.

When you do something stupid and die, Im not that sad.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

http://www.tmz.com/2017/11/08/roy-halladay-plane-crash-video-witnesses-showboating/

Roy Halladay appeared to be hot doggin' it in his plane in the moments before his crash -- making extreme and unusual changes in altitude ... this according to multiple witnesses.

TMZ Sports has obtained footage shot by boaters who say the ex-MLB star's plane was going from 100 feet in the air down to 5 feet and then back up again ... repeatedly.

The boaters were so shocked by the flying pattern, they pulled out their cell phones to capture the bizarre dips and rises.

Moments later, the plane crashed into the Gulf of Mexico -- and the boat full of witnesses raced over to the crash scene to see if they could help. Once they arrived, it was clear the pilot was dead.

The responders called 911 and waited for help to arrive.

We spoke with other boaters in the area who told a similar story -- "dramatically increasing and decreasing in elevation."

Another witness says, "He was flying like that all week. Aggressively."

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash.

Halladay was 40 years old.

 

[tlongII]

Well it's what he wanted to do. It's a tragedy since he died, but it's not too surprising. I wouldn't say he is disregarding the needs of his family though. I'm sure he had enough bank to make sure his family is set for life.

 

[crandc]

Would he say the same about a firefighter, a soldier, a police officer? A long-haul truck driver? A lifeguard? A factory worker in a company cutting costs on safety? Your fault if you're injured/killed?

I don't know this person. How active is he? Is he overweight? Smoke? Eat fast food? Drink to excess at times? Ever engage in unprotected sex? Stretch a yellow light? Exceed the speed limit?

Does he live in an area subject to hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, earthquakes, fires, floods?

Look, some things are riskier than others but we all take risks. Sounds like a jackass to me.

Sounds too much like this Limbaugh types sitting on their fat asses in a cushy studio insulting soldiers who die and women who exercise.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Would he say the same about a firefighter, a soldier, a police officer? A long-haul truck driver? A lifeguard? A factory worker in a company cutting costs on safety? Your fault if you're injured/killed?

I don't know this person. How active is he? Is he overweight? Smoke? Eat fast food? Drink to excess at times? Ever engage in unprotected sex? Stretch a yellow light? Exceed the speed limit?

Does he live in an area subject to hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, earthquakes, fires, floods?

Look, some things are riskier than others but we all take risks. Sounds like a jackass to me.

Sounds too much like this Limbaugh types sitting on their fat asses in a cushy studio insulting soldiers who die and women who exercise.

I know you know that comparing recreational thrill-seeking to dangerous occupations is a ridiculous false equivalency, so I'm not going to address that portion of your post.

Regarding his opinion about general assumption of risk, I don't know if you actually took the time to listen to the rant, but he does mention that at one point in his life, he went helicopter skiing, and said that if he had died doing that, any commenter would have had every right to say the exact same about him that he was about Halladay.

Yes we all take risks, but there is a basic risk-reward analysis that one undergoes (whether consciously or not) to determine the value of said risk. Sounds to me like his basic position is that the reward for life-threatening thrill-seeking is not really worthy of the risk, and that specifically in this case (where Halladay's wife begged him not to buy the plane because of the inherent risks involved), the guy was incredibly selfish by putting his own adrenaline seeking ahead of his family's need for him to be present as a husband and father.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

I know you know that comparing recreational thrill-seeking to dangerous occupations is a ridiculous false equivalency, so I'm not going to address that portion of your post.

Regarding his opinion about general assumption of risk, I don't know if you actually took the time to listen to the rant, but he does mention that at one point in his life, he went helicopter skiing, and said that if he had died doing that, any commenter would have had every right to say the exact same about him that he was about Halladay.

Yes we all take risks, but there is a basic risk-reward analysis that one undergoes (whether consciously or not) to determine the value of said risk. Sounds to me like his basic position is that the reward for life-threatening thrill-seeking is not really worthy of the risk, and that specifically in this case (where Halladay's wife begged him not to buy the plane because of the inherent risks involved), the guy was incredibly selfish by putting his own adrenaline seeking ahead of his family's need for him to be present as a husband and father.

I need help. This is exactly how I feel. But when I type an answer like that it becomes incredibly sarcastic.

You ever run for office?

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

One question. If Halladay killed an innocent person fucking around in his plane would it be acceptable to say mean things about him?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I need help. This is exactly how I feel. But when I type an answer like that it becomes incredibly sarcastic.

You ever run for office?

Despite my disdain for politicians, I'm taking this as a compliment. I do strive for tact, so thank you.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

Despite my disdain for politicians, I'm taking this as a compliment. I do strive for tact, so thank you.

We need people who can speak like them but still hate them.

 

[dviss1]

I used to want to climb Mt Hood. Even after I saw the helicopter crash "Sheeeat... I'll go up in the Summer", I said.

I used to want to skydive. Even after my buddy went up and had to correct a parachute malfunction on the way down. "You only live once", I said.

After my kid was born in 06'.

Every bit of that went out the window.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I used to want to climb Mt Hood. Even after I saw the helicopter crash "Sheeeat... I'll go up in the Summer", I said.

I used to want to skydive. Even after my buddy went up and had to correct a parachute malfunction on the way down. "You only live once", I said.

After my kid was born in 06'.

Every bit of that went out the window.

I personally see nothing wrong with seeking unique life experiences, but it's only reasonable to try to eliminate as much risk as possible from the pursuit, and to consider the opinions of loved ones ahead of your own interests.

For example, I have gone skydiving, even after my kids were born. One time--with the encouragement of my wife and kids--in tandem, attached to a highly experienced instructor, with a company with a flawless record. Higher likelihood of dying in an accident en route to work than in that scenario.

 

[dviss1]

I personally see nothing wrong with seeking unique life experiences, but it's only reasonable to try to eliminate as much risk as possible from the pursuit, and to consider the opinions of loved ones ahead of your own interests.

For example, I have gone skydiving, even after my kids were born. One time--with the encouragement of my wife and kids--in tandem, attached to a highly experienced instructor, with a company with a flawless record. Higher likelihood of dying in an accident en route to work than in that scenario.

I never said nor do I believe there was anything wrong with it. I just said it was something I changed my mind about once my boy came into the picture. The latter is certainly true, but the intent is completely different.

When you jump out of a plane you are attempting to get to a level of exhilaration that can only be achieved by skydiving. Any risk there is literally your fault.

When you drive to work you're doing what you're supposed to do. Risk there isn't really based upon your intentions.

What am I gonna do for excitement today? I'm gonna try driving to work and not get pulled over and shot. I get enough "excitement" just being black.

 

[UncleCliffy'sDaddy]

Whenever I need a thrill and a serious shot of adrenaline, I just make the drive from Wilsonville into Portland and back. Satisfies the the urge every single time........

 

[crandc]

Whoa, Platypus. His wife pleading with him, rightly as it turned out, not to take this risk is one thing. A stranger calling him names over the radio is another; and yes, I think he's being a jerk.

I know too many people who are the opposite. Gotten so fearful they won't do anything. Someone I used to go to SF Ballet with won't go anymore due to their light security. A friend of mine won't go to baseball games, would not come with me to women's march, she lives her life in terror of a terrorist attack. When I tried to point out she's more likely to be killed by a drunk driver going home from Coliseum (won't use BART because there may be a terrorist attack) than to be killed by a terrorist, well, you just can't reason with this.

And yes, I have run for office. Not for many years. As a socialist.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

Whoa, Platypus. His wife pleading with him, rightly as it turned out, not to take this risk is one thing. A stranger calling him names over the radio is another; and yes, I think he's being a jerk.

I know too many people who are the opposite. Gotten so fearful they won't do anything. Someone I used to go to SF Ballet with won't go anymore due to their light security. A friend of mine won't go to baseball games, would not come with me to women's march, she lives her life in terror of a terrorist attack. When I tried to point out she's more likely to be killed by a drunk driver going home from Coliseum (won't use BART because there may be a terrorist attack) than to be killed by a terrorist, well, you just can't reason with this.

And yes, I have run for office. Not for many years. As a socialist.

So to recap...... doesn't care about the point, just the guy being a dick about it.

One more time for everyone, would it be ok to be a dick about this if he killed a bystander?

 

[SlyPokerDog]

I used to want to climb Mt Hood. Even after I saw the helicopter crash "Sheeeat... I'll go up in the Summer", I said.

I used to want to skydive. Even after my buddy went up and had to correct a parachute malfunction on the way down. "You only live once", I said.

After my kid was born in 06'.

Every bit of that went out the window.

I climbed Mt Hood. A hell of a lot of work to get up there only not to be able to see much because of clouds.

My favorite climb is Mt St Helens. Beautiful and shocking! A must do if you live in the PNW. Can't believe more people don't to want to hike to the edge of an active volcano.

...

I also skydived about 10 years back at Skydive Oregon.

IT WAS AWESOME!

Did the all day class with a friend where you learn body positioning and study the aerial maps of the surrounding countryside. Before you open your chute you are a giant wing. You don't hold your arms and legs correctly and you will spin and tumble so fast you won't be able to open your chute. The aerial maps are because you have to know where the landing zone is. It was so intense and so much fun.

These days your first jump has to be while a certified skydive instructor is strapped to your back and you do it tandem. That was an option but if I was going to skydive I was going to do it all myself.

My friend I went with froze up and the guy filming it had to glide over to him and release his chute for him. I guess that isn't uncommon.

You have a walkie talkie thing in your helmet so you can hear commands from the spotter on the ground. I remember getting turned towards the landing zone and hearing the girl on the walkie talkie say, "Okay purple kite, looking good. You're perfect to land." (My chute was purple) For some reason that just stuck in my head.

The adrenaline rush is insane!

 

[Chris Craig]

Thats fucked up man. Yeah if he was doubg crazy tricks and getting that close to the water it wasn't very smart on his part, but dude died, have sone respect.

 

[barfo]

I climbed Mt Hood. A hell of a lot of work to get up there only not to be able to see much because of clouds.

My favorite climb is Mt St Helens. Beautiful and shocking! A must do if you live in the PNW. Can't believe more people don't to want to hike to the edge of an active volcano.

...

I also skydived about 10 years back at Skydive Oregon.

IT WAS AWESOME!

Did the all day class with a friend where you learn body positioning and study the aerial maps of the surrounding countryside. Before you open your chute you are a giant wing. You don't hold your arms and legs correctly and you will spin and tumble so fast you won't be able to open your chute. The aerial maps are because you have to know where the landing zone is. It was so intense and so much fun.

These days your first jump has to be while a certified skydive instructor is strapped to your back and you do it tandem. That was an option but if I was going to skydive I was going to do it all myself.

My friend I went with froze up and the guy filming it had to glide over to him and release his chute for him. I guess that isn't uncommon.

You have a walkie talkie thing in your helmet so you can hear commands from the spotter on the ground. I remember getting turned towards the landing zone and hearing the girl on the walkie talkie say, "Okay purple kite, looking good. You're perfect to land." (My chute was purple) For some reason that just stuck in my head.

The adrenaline rush is insane!

My experience was a bit more rustic, let's say, out at the Sheridan drop zone back in the day. Round chutes, static line, no walkie talkies. Climb out on the wing of the plane and let go.

barfo

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

My co-worker recently lost his brother doing some risky maneuvers while flying a small plane in Santa Barbara County.

Apparently, people are bigger morons than I thought. It's one thing, and still stupid, to do some crazy maneuvers in your Honda Civic. It's another to do them in your air-born plane.

People seem to have no ultimate concept....

 

[SlyPokerDog]

My experience was a bit more rustic, let's say, out at the Sheridan drop zone back in the day. Round chutes, static line, no walkie talkies. Climb out on the wing of the plane and let go.

barfo

That's cool! Couldn't imagine a round chute. Steering to the landing zone and flaring at the end were fun at as hell.

Roll up door on the side of the plane? The noise when that opened was scary as hell.

 

[barfo]

That's cool! Couldn't imagine a round chute. Steering to the landing zone and flaring at the end were fun at as hell.

Roll up door on the side of the plane? The noise when that opened was scary as hell.

Door on the side of the plane? We didn't have anything that fancy. Just a hole where the door once was.

barfo

 

[theprunetang]

I think risky hobbies are something one should hold oneself responsible for....reckless high speed driving fits that bill sort of like climbing Everest fits that bill..starving the brain for oxygen is pretty dumb when you think about it...many die trying to cheat death but in the end..they've participated in what I call a death dance....it's ok if you're calling is to be a daredevil but it's not for me....high speed activities have built in risks...spelunking fits this bill too....surf in a typhoon at your own risk

I love the term "death dance". Here's a shitty live video of my old band singing a song about a death dance about 10 years ago:

 

[ehizzy3]

Even if this guy is right, I don't see the point of him ranting like that. Just let it be, and let the family mourn. At this point nothing he can say helps the situation, it only helps him for gaining attention that he normally wouldn't get.