I am going to be perfectly honest.
I am not a very sensitive guy. I am practical and logical. Common sense tells me that you shouldn’t care so much about a sporting event that you are sending a player death threats.
It also tells me that it is human nature to make mistakes, especially in emotional pressure packed situations. More often that not is the team that makes the most mistakes that end up losing the game.
Without a doubt, Kyle Williams was the main reason the 49ers lost. I think people feel sympathy for him now because of the venom that came out on Twitter, but you can’t ignore he was the principle reason they lost the game.
Children take the lead of their parents, so if their parents have hate in their heart it is a good possibly the child will as well.
This story you are about to read isn’t about young Owen or Kyle, it is about Owen’s dad who just taught his son a valuable lesson.
Owen inherited his love of the 49ers from his dad, Michael Shure, a political contributor to The Young Turks on Current TV. Michael is my friend and Owen, I should point out, is my godson. Sundays during the season, Owen races around the house in his Frank Gore jersey, cheering every Patrick Willis tackle (“P-Willie” to Owen) and referring to Alex Smith as “Alex.” He’s not just the quarterback. He’s a friend.
So Sunday, as the Niners lost in memorably disheartening fashion, Owen became inconsolable. He was crying, saying of Kyle Williams, with the distinct sobs of a seven-year-old between each word, “But… why… did he… have to… fumble?”
Which is why, I imagine, it was easy for Owen to pivot from the agony of defeat to the thrill of loyalty. Trying to get his son to stop crying, Michael asked him, “If you feel this way, how sad do you think Kyle Williams is?”
Owen paused a second, then asked his dad, “Can I write him a letter to make him feel better?” And from that, an old-fashioned letter — the ultimate anti-Twitter, the un-social media — was born.
Here’s the letter (how does Owen even know what a letter is?). I will leave his beautiful seven-year old grammar uncorrected.
Dear Mr. Williams:
We just watched the Playoff game. I feel really bad for you but I wanted to tell you that you had a great season. you sould be very proud, so I wanted to say thank you.
I am your #1 FAN!
Owen Shure
Los Angeles, CAp.s. your awsome
Cute letter and it let’s us know everyone isn’t a jerk in the world. I believe that little things like this shape your future as an adult.
One small thing though for Owen’s teacher.
Please teach the boy how to write inside of the lines, he is in 2nd grade, get it together.