Karon Cook and Dorsey Levens
Photo Credit: Terrence Jennings
As my Delta 757 touched down at La Guardia, I was thinking about the evening ahead. I only had a few hours until a car would be coming to drive me to the screening of the film “Bell Rung.” I had been credentialed to cover the documentary by Executive Producer, Dorsey Levens. Levens played his college ball at Notre Dame and Georgia Tech and spent 10 seasons in the NFL (named All-Pro in ’97). The title “Bell Rung” comes from a term used in football circles to describe the violent, jarring of the brain when hit. I reported on the “Bell Rung” premiere 8/7/12 held at the Plaza Theater in Atlanta.
My car was scheduled to arrive at 6pm for the 30 minute drive to the Schomburg Center in Harlem. He was 20 minutes late, which was unforeseen—I was steamed to say the least—as it had been arranged a week prior. Being a Cali-girl, this was only my second visit to New York. As I sat in the back seat and took in the City, I was concerned that I wouldn’t arrive before the film started. My mind wandered to how many times in life we are presented with the unexpected and at times, life-changing events, which are out of our control. I was pondering these thoughts as I noticed that we had driven past the same fruit stand twice. I asked the driver if we were close and he said, “Yes, 5 minutes away.” Somehow I didn’t believe him. No, we were not close. We were lost! It was like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disney Land. This was not what I had in mind for this evening!
Perhaps that’s the way Ellis Hobbs felt (we meet him in Dorsey’s film) as he ran out onto the field in Philadelphia—he didn’t know that he was playing his last game and this would be his last run-back—not exactly what he had in mind. “It was pretty quiet and I couldn’t hear anything,” Hobbs recalled. “It was a clear night and the stars were out and it was just so quiet. I could hear the wheels on the grass and then I heard the wheels click on the concrete, and then the whistle blew. That’s when I knew the game had moved on without me.” My wild ride through the streets of NYC was an inconvenience. That night, the 21st of November, 2010, was a life-changing event for Mr. Hobbs.
Dorsey will be screening “Bell Rung” in Boston, October 18, 2012 at Northeastern University at 7pm. My hope is that when this film arrives in your city, that you will make the time to see it. Most of us will never play professional football and it’s difficult to understand exactly what these guys are going through. This Documentary gives you an “up close and personal” look at some of the health issues they are currently living with.
In life, we are all faced with certain challenges. It seems that, some days – I’m just “three and out.” The next week, I’m gaining some yardage and all of a sudden something comes off the edge and BAM! You know what I mean? Maybe your new job isn’t turning out the way you were hoping, your son didn’t get accepted to the school of his choice, the marriage you tried very hard to fix, and the friendship you wanted to mend—you get the idea. Then, it may be time to drop back and punt. That’s okay. The game’s not over. And the deal is, you’ll get the ball back. You will. Now—look up and read the defense. What are your options? Is what you’re facing inconvenient or life-changing? You decide and call the right play.
Great article Karon. Your knowledge and research on this is top notch. Keep it up. This is a very top of mind subject these days and the more info like this out there will keep people talking. Well done!!
Thank you for your support Billy. If my schedule permits, I plan to cover the screening next month. I promise to “stay on the case” and will keep everyone updated. I can’t think of a better way to use my time and energy.
Fantastically written – like all of your material. It is actually nice to see something thought out and laid out prior to writing. Plus the backdrop/wallpaper for the story is actually perfect. It is that kind of detail that keeps me coming back. Keep up the good work!
Rick, I appreciate your comment, because I know you’ve been there and you have taken your share of hits. I will continue to follow this Film and put forth any effort to see that these guys get evaluated and receive the care they deserve. Go Steelers!
Nice job, KC. When people complained over the years about what football players made in salary, I used to say, “They deserve whatever they get. They play 5 – 6 years and then don’t walk right, don’t sleep right, and have problems the rest of their lives”. It’s finally coming to light in a bigger way; glad you’re helping to publicize the issues.
Thank you Barry. You had it right all along! When I chatted with Dorsey prior to the Atlanta Premier in August, I told him how I have been traveling the country talking about these issues: kids playing football, safety concerns of parents, concussions and the Former NFL Players Brain Injury Lawsuit. To be honest, very few people hold the same opinion that you do. I even had one guy say “Put ‘em in skirts then if they don’t want to get hit”. Insane. I am committed to staying on top of this. Once again, I appreciate your taking the time to weigh in on this very serious topic!
Karon, wonderful “lead in” to help frame the theme of the article. It’s this type of thought provoking writing that reminds people to life in context.
Rob, thank you for your feedback. Yes…you “got it”. Sometimes people forget to put life in perspective. I will continue to follow this Film and provide updates as they become available.