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Morrison in the News – Anguish?
I’m not a sports fan. Not even a little. But I do have HUGE respect for anyone who can excel in athletics despite what would or could have been a debilitating disease. Think Lance Armstrong. You don’t necessarily have to like the person.
Such seems to be the case with Adam Morrison, the trash-talking Gonzaga (WA) university
basketball star making headlines with his Type 1 diabetes. Even his coach calls him “relentless” and “nasty.” Young as he is, he’s known for “chest-to-chest exchanges, errant elbows, temper tantrums and unconventional politics.” The guy apparently rubs people the wrong way, even while he’s flabbergasting them with his basketball prowess. He NCAA Division I — the “major leagues” of college basketball — with 28 points per game. (Even I get what that means.)
All this talent, and rebelliousness too, with Type 1 diabetes! Go Adam!
Now what bugs me about the coverage of Morrison over at dLife is the way the reporter handled the “lead” to the story, i.e. that catchy first sentence or two. Reporter Howie Stalwick writes: “it’s hard to tell what causes Morrison more anguish: The insulin shots he takes during games for type 1 diabetes, or the verbal shots he takes from coaches and teammates…”
The story goes on to quote Morrison about how he normally wears a pump, and usually takes just one extra injection for games. He says diabetes “is just something I have to deal with.” Like the rest of us, only Bigger Than Life. So is this a story of ANGUISH OVER INJECTIONS? Or even ANGUISH OVER HAVING DIABETES? I think not. I think it was supposed to be an upper, save for that poor choice of words.
I’m glad the people who reported on the two American Idol contestants with diabetes — Elliott Yamin and Kevin Covais — didn’t use the word “anguish” (which one should never use unless the person with diabetes does themself, btw.) ‘Cause I found it very heartening that not one of these guys is letting diabetes stand in his way.
Explore posts in the same categories: D-News Examined
Good point. The lead wasn’t supported by the story.
Also, after having read about this over at Sandra’s blog, Gongaza is my new favorite team!
Posted by: Johnboy | March 21st, 2006 at 6:48 amI agree. Type 1 Diabetes is rough: We all want a cure and better treatment, but we also want to demonstrate that we can live “normal” lives even with the treatments that are available today. If I were speaking to medical professionals, I would want to create a sense of urgency for getting a cure. When you are trying to inspire people with diabetes, however, it may not be wise to engender negative feelings.
Posted by: Tyler Wolf | March 21st, 2006 at 8:01 amOrnery diabetic!!
)
i just came across another person on Flickr with diabetes*
she posted some cool shots of her supplies*
i saw on the news recently that they are making some good headway in Edmonton with islet cell transplants*
)
Posted by: BillyWarhol | March 21st, 2006 at 8:10 pmWhy is he injecting insulin during games? Surely he needs to keep blood sugar up whilst doing physical exercise?
Posted by: John | March 22nd, 2006 at 4:37 amHi Johnboy:
It wasn’t just that the lead didn’t fit the story. It was more that the tone panders to the “feel sorry for the diabetic kid” mentality.
And John: The stress of competitive sports can make your BG levels soar. Have a look at my interview with Dr. Peters on Diabetes Health this month for more info.
Thanks all!
Posted by: AmyT | March 22nd, 2006 at 7:00 ami have a 7 year old grandson with type 1 dibetes..he was diganosed with the disease when he was 18 mo. old..wish adam morrison would write a book telling how he has dealt with his disease..as i sure do admire a person like him and all he has acomplished.he could be an inspiration to many children with the disease ..i have been telling Drake (my grandson) to look at what adam has acomplished…thanks kenneth
Posted by: kenneth easter | April 9th, 2006 at 6:46 amI am looking for information on exercise for type I diabetic, on an insulin pump.
Posted by: Bonnie Thoen | April 12th, 2006 at 7:05 pmThanks and great site
i love adam morrison.
Posted by: a'sha | April 18th, 2006 at 9:10 amhe’s so hott.
and im glad he can come pass in his d.1
i love adam morrison.
Posted by: a'sha | April 18th, 2006 at 9:10 amhe’s so hott.
and im glad he can come pass in his d.1
i love adam morrison.
Posted by: a'sha | April 18th, 2006 at 9:10 amhe’s so hott.
and im glad he can come pass in his d.1
Because I have been a Type 1 Diabetic for 25 years and I’ve had over 18,000 insulin shots so far I can say Howie Stalwick doesn’t know what he is talking about when it comes to diabetes. He must have flunked Diabetes 101. I’m not an Adam Morrison, but I found out early in my diabetic career that diabetes could control me, or I could control it. I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve been in control most of the time. I believe the writers of some of the stories about Adam taking insulin shots during games need to be educated on what insulin does to your body. Insulin causes your blood sugar levels to drop. It is very important to an athlete like Adam to keep his blood level sugar in line to stay in the best physical health possible, but believe me Adam does not need additional insulin injections to keep his blood sugar level down during a game if he has it under control to start with. The problem he more likely would have is just the opposite in that his sugar level gets too low because of the energy he burns. Don’t feel sorry for Adam Morrison because like me, he is probably in better health because of his diabetes than if he didn’t have it. I was about Adam’s age when I was diagnosed. Like most young people his age I wasn’t too concerned about losing my carefree good health until it happened. Because of the diabetes Adam must constantly monitor and take care of himself better than if he didn’t have the disease. I consider diabetes a two shot per day inconvenience, not a disease.
Posted by: Larry | May 10th, 2006 at 10:41 amBEEN THERE AND STILL DOING IT!