Victor Cruz Class Act
 

Just officially became my favorite Non-Redskin player.

In my job, athletes are not very good interviews after 34-0 losses. They don't want to talk after 34-0 losses. They will find every excuse not to pick up the phone after 34-0 losses. But Sunday was different. Victor Cruz is different. This weekend was different, around the country and certainly within a short drive from Newtown, Conn., where 20 elementary school children and six women charged with teaching and protecting them were murdered.
"When I heard about the shootings,'' Cruz said from Atlanta, "I was just fighting back tears. I couldn't stop, all [Friday] night. I took my [11-month-old] daughter, grabbed her, and held her, and she slept with me Friday night. I didn't want to let her go. I don't know ... You drop your child off at school. A routine dropoff, parents do it every day. And this happens, and what can you do.''
The Giants and their ace wide receiver, Cruz, went to Atlanta to play a football game. In the hotel Saturday night, Cruz kept noticing messages on his Twitter feed. All were about someone named Jack Pinto. "Fifty, 100 tweets, right in a row, people wanting me to get in touch with the Pinto family,'' Cruz said. He found out young Jack Pinto, 6, was one of those murdered in Newtown, and Jack was a huge Victor Cruz fan, and so he asked his girlfriend and publicist, Elaina Watley, to try to find the Pintos' phone number in Newtown, and she did. At 10 p.m. Saturday, here he was, on the phone with the father, Dean Pinto, and then Jack's brother Benjamin, and then Dean again.
The conversations weren't long, because no one could talk very well.
"The father was taken aback that the message got to me,'' Cruz said. "I told him I was going to do whatever I could to honor Jack. And Jack's brother, he was very emotional, fighting back tears. He barely got any words out.''
On Sunday morning, Cruz wrote on Twitter: "Today's game is for you Jack.''
[IMG]http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/dam/assets/121217085858-victor-cruz-single-image-cut.jpg[/IMG]
Tami Chappell/Reuters

On one shoe, Cruz wrote in black Sharpie: "Jack Pinto My Hero." On the other, "RIP Jack Pinto."
Falcons 34, Giants 0. Cruz wishes he, and the team, could have played better. But when the family says a murdered boy may be buried in his jersey, and all Cruz wants to do is anything to make them feel better, the game is a game. Now Cruz will do something, privately, he hopes, this week for the family.
"I just want to go down there and help any way I can, if I can,'' Cruz said quietly. "It's hard to know what to do. You just have to put your faith in God and pray."
There is no way to segue to football without seeming totally crass, so forgive me. Before I do, praise to the Giants, in Atlanta, and the Jets tonight, in Nashville, for [URL="http://nfl.si.com/2012/12/16/nfl-pays-tribute-to-victims-of-sandy-hook-school-shooting/"]remembering Sandy Hook Elementary School on their helmets[/URL]. And to the Patriots, New England's team, for the Newtown helmet decals (right), and for sending up 26 flares honoring the school victims during a prolonged moment of silence before their game with the 49ers.
It's hard to know what to do.
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Read More: [url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20121217/week-15/#ixzz2FJu6QvNt]Victor Cruz's Sandy Hook tribute, 49ers win, playoff update, more Week 15 thoughts - NFL - Peter King - SI.com[/url]
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Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

As with all things connected to this tragedy, words fail me.

Well done Mr. Cruz. Well done.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;976904]As with all things connected to this tragedy, words fail me.

Well done Mr. Cruz. Well done.[/quote]

Shoe thing was cool but to call the family that close to the tragedy man that takes some courage. I know I would have hard time doing it.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

Good to hear positive stories

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

Always liked Cruz...Always will root for him even though i hate the Giants. He is from Paterson, NJ. I live 5 minutes from where he grew up.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

Yeah, Cruz is one of those players where I will hate his laundry but respect the hell out of the player.. I love his story, his passion and even his lame salsa dance because it is a tribute to his grandmother. This story is just another bump on the class ladder for him. Respect.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

Cruz wasn't the only one. Chris Johnson had all of the kids' names on his shoes, and had a 94-td TD.

[URL="http://www.businessinsider.com/chris-johnson-newtown-victims-shoes-2012-12"]PHOTO: Chris Johnson Wore The Names Of All The Newtown Victims On His Shoes - Business Insider[/URL]


[IMG]http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/50d076d469beddc54400000e-871-480-617-340/capture_20121217_205600.jpg[/IMG]
I expect Goodell to fine these players...it really wouldn't surprise me. There's precedent.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=Monkeydad;977484]Cruz wasn't the only one. Chris Johnson had all of the kids' names on his shoes, and had a 94-td TD.

[URL="http://www.businessinsider.com/chris-johnson-newtown-victims-shoes-2012-12"]PHOTO: Chris Johnson Wore The Names Of All The Newtown Victims On His Shoes - Business Insider[/URL]


[IMG]http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/50d076d469beddc54400000e-871-480-617-340/capture_20121217_205600.jpg[/IMG]
I expect Goodell to fine these players...it really wouldn't surprise me. There's precedent.[/quote]

I highly doubt Goodell or the NFL would do such a thing. These guys are fathers and are paying tribute. Jack Pinto was apparently buried in his Victor Cruz jersey.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=Monkeydad;977484]Cruz wasn't the only one. Chris Johnson had all of the kids' names on his shoes, and had a 94-td TD.

... [B]I expect Goodell to fine these players...it really wouldn't surprise me. There's precedent.[/B][/quote]

I think he certainly [I]could[/I] fine them. I would sure as hell hope he wouldn't. I can't imagine the sh**storm if he did. In a world of rules, it is important for those in authority to know when to flex them. This is one of those times.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

If he does feel the need to fine them I would at least hope that the money goes to some kind of fund for the families or the Newton community. I believe the money from fines typically goes to the retired players' fund, but this is obviously a different situation.

Having said that, I'd be very surprised if the league didn't let these tributes slide.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=Monkeydad;977484]
I expect Goodell to fine these players...it really wouldn't surprise me. There's precedent.[/quote]



...such as?

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=Giantone;977597]...such as?[/quote]brown vs board of education

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=los panda;977599]brown vs board of education[/quote]

What does the decision overturning 'Separate but equal" education have anything to do with what a private club does with its members?

Oh.... you wanted precedent specific to the cited issue. I am guessing lp was just providing a random precedent consistent with his general bent towards randomness.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

That must be it.

Thanks for clarifying my haziness.

While were at it for precedence:

"City of Athens vs Socrates"


might also be a good precedent to cite.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

We should be ashamed of ourselves for turning an act of kindness to kindle differences of opinion. I doubt that Goodell will fine the players for this, but if he does, then deal with it then in its own thread.

There is not much that Victor Cruz really can do in light of last week’s events, but it is such a breath of fresh air to see that he at least wants to and in some regard has tried.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=los panda;977599]brown vs board of education[/quote]A slightly newer and more relevant precedent. :cheeky-sm

[IMG]http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/001/231/496/jim_mcmahon_display_image.jpg?1314324858[/IMG]

But Goodell would have pretty dumb to fine Cruz, as dumb as that guy on some NFL management committee that admitted NFL owner collusion to the world.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=jgalecpa;977600]What does the decision overturning 'Separate but equal" education have anything to do with what a private club does with its members?[/quote]Are you a member of the Augusta National Golf Club? :)

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

I have alot of respect for Cruz for this. It's not an easy thing he's doing.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;977578]I think he certainly [I]could[/I] fine them. I would sure as hell hope he wouldn't. I can't imagine the sh**storm if he did. In a world of rules, it is important for those in authority to know when to flex them. This is one of those times.[/quote]



I don't think Goodell's image needs any more dings at the current moment. He's reached max level for the time being.



Kudos the the NFL players, coaches, and teams that honored these people.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

Cruz is a great role model

[QUOTE=JoeRedskin;977625]Oh.... you wanted precedent specific to the cited issue. I am guessing lp was just providing a random precedent consistent with his general bent towards randomness.[/QUOTE]

That was so well said. Lol. Im a big fan of Pandas random thoughts, and also now a big fan of Cruz. Not because of what he wrote on his shoes, but the look on his face and his words, there was no disguising the genuine care and emotion for this little boy and his family. I would be willing to bet Cruz stays in touch with his folks for a long time - maybe forever. Good for him - seems like he has a heart of gold. Dude is forever solid in my book.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

This was a nice thing for Cruz to do, certainly. Good to know he's a decent human being. I still think his touchdown dance is absurd, and I'm glad no one on the Redskins does anything like it. I'd be humiliated as a fan.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=Coff;977730]This was a nice thing for Cruz to do, certainly. Good to know he's a decent human being. I still think his touchdown dance is absurd, and I'm glad no one on the Redskins does anything like it. I'd be humiliated as a fan.[/quote]

Agreed, it makes me rage when he does it. I'm so sick of it.

I'd say the same if he were on our team. Santana needs to stop spinning the ball after EVERY catch and get back to the huddle too.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

Speaking of Mr. Victor Cruz, did anyone see that sick hit that Ed Reed put on him yesterday by the sidelines? Good grief.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=REDSKINS4ever;979947]Speaking of Mr. Victor Cruz, did anyone see that sick hit that Ed Reed put on him yesterday by the sidelines? Good grief.[/quote]

For someone who hates the Giants you sure do watch them, alot.

...as Will Shakespeare once said...."The lad doth protest too much, methinks."

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=Giantone;980060]For someone who hates the Giants you sure do watch them, alot.

...as Will Shakespeare once said...."The lad doth protest too much, methinks."[/quote]

I watched that game because I can. It was NFC East related....

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=Monkeydad;977799]Agreed, it makes me rage when he does it. I'm so sick of it.

I'd say the same if he were on our team. Santana needs to stop spinning the ball after EVERY catch and get back to the huddle too.[/quote]

I believe that dance is a tribute to his grandmother who passed on. Doesn't bother me. Lot more things to hate in the NFL besides that dance.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=REDSKINS4ever;980074]I watched that game because I can. It was NFC East related....[/quote]


I thought this thread was about a nice thing a football player had done,I apologize.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=Monkeydad;977799]Agreed, it makes me rage when he does it. I'm so sick of it.

I'd say the same if he were on our team. Santana needs to stop spinning the ball after EVERY catch and get back to the huddle too.[/quote]

Now Garcon spins the ball, I think he got it from Santana. Shannahan defended the ball spinning last week. How do they do that?

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=Giantone;980060]For someone who hates the Giants you sure do watch them, alot.[/quote]

So what...

I hate the Giants more than I hate Dallas yet I watch every Giants game I can. I also try to catch as many Cowboys games as well. But, I don't hang out in their online forums at all. Just sayn...

BTW, I know you will be watching Sunday Night ;)
HTTR!!!

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=Giantone;980060]For someone who hates the Giants you sure do watch them, alot.

...as Will Shakespeare once said...."The lad doth protest too much, methinks."[/quote]Maybe you should read more Shakespeare to better understand it.

And realize/acknowledge that 4ever was certainly rooting for the Ravens that game. :)

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=HailGreen28;980096]

And realize/acknowledge that 4ever was certainly rooting for the Ravens that game. :)[/quote]

I understand Will very well, thanks.I fully understand things but again I thought this was a thread acknowledging a good deed done by a player.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=44ever;980095]So what...

I hate the Giants more than I hate Dallas yet I watch every Giants game I can. I also try to catch as many Cowboys games as well. But, I don't hang out in their online forums at all. Just sayn...

BTW, I know you will be watching Sunday Night ;)
HTTR!!![/quote]

First ,I pretty much don't hate any one team.Would I prefer one to win more then the other or do I like certian things about some teams and not others sure.And as for Sunday night ..I'll be at work,this time of year I miss many a game becuase of my job.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=Giantone;980097]I understand Will very well, thanks.I fully understand things but again I thought this was a thread acknowledging a good deed done by a player.[/quote]You misused the Hamlet quote (like lots of people), and this was what derailed the thread.

[quote=Giantone;980060]For someone who hates the Giants you sure do watch them, alot.[/quote]

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=HailGreen28;980103]You misused the Hamlet quote (like lots of people), and this was what derailed the thread.[/quote]

I apologize I thought it was post #25 that derailed the thread.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

Jack Pinto must be shaking his head in heaven. You guys took a thread about a tribute to his life and turned into a pissing match. Well played, losers.

Guess what there are bigger things in life then the NFL, gasp!

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=Giantone;980104]I apologize I thought it was post #25 that derailed the thread.[/quote]How does one say they apologize, then continue arguing? :doh:

Anyways. Nice what Cruz, Chris Johnson, and others did.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=HailGreen28;980108]

Anyways. Nice what Cruz, Chris Johnson, and others did.[/quote]



I fully agree,well said.

Re: Victor Cruz Class Act
 

[quote=Giantone;980110]I fully agree,well said.[/quote]:food-smil