ESPN NFL analyst Bart Scott received heavy criticism for his comments about Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who remains in critical condition after suffering cardiac arrest on the field during “Monday Night Football.”
Hamlin collapsed on the field at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati after he stood up following a routine, legal tackle on Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins in the first quarter of the Week 17 matchup.
While discussing the play and NFL rules during a Tuesday appearance on ESPN’s “First Take,” Scott explained that Higgins lowered his helmet, causing Hamlin’s chest to be exposed during the hit. His comments didn’t go over well on Twitter, with some people accusing him of blaming Higgins for the tragic incident.
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As of Tuesday, there has been no medical confirmation that the hit caused Hamlin to go into cardiac arrest.
Higgins tweeted his support for Hamlin early Tuesday morning, writing, “My prayers and thoughts go out to @HamlinIsland the Hamlin Family. I’m praying that you pull through bro. Love.”
The Bills-Bengals game was postponed after Hamlin collapsed on the field in the first quarter. On Tuesday, the NFL announced that the game will not resume this week.
“The NFL has made no decision regarding the possible resumption of the game at a later date,” the NFL said in a statement. “The league has not made any changes to the Week 18 regular season schedule. We will continue to provide additional information as it becomes available.”
After Hamlin collapsed, an ambulance pulled onto the field, where medical personnel administered CPR on the 24-year-old. His heartbeat was restored on the field before he was transferred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further testing and treatment, the Bills said.
On Tuesday, the Bills tweeted: “Hamlin spent last night in the intensive care unit and remains there today in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. We are grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received thus far.”
Hamlin’s family released a statement Tuesday, thanking those for their support and prayers, including first responders and healthcare professionals.
Jordon Rooney, the CEO of sports marketing agency Jaster Athletes who is Hamlin’s marketing representative and friend, provided an update during a Tuesday appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“They’re still doing a lot of tests,” Rooney said. “… Hour by hour, day by day, just seeing how he recovers. That’s why we haven’t officially posted anything yet.”
Scott, a former Pro Bowl linebacker, played in the NFL for 11 seasons. He spent seven seasons with the Ravens after they signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2002 — and finished his career with the Jets.
This article was originally published at the New York Post and was republished with permission.
