‘Toughen up’: Social media critics defend Del Oro for football practice in 115-degree heat
The news this week that a Del Oro High School football player collapsed twice and was sent to a hospital after his team practiced in 115-degree weather set off a firestorm of social media commentary.
While most people questioned why any team would practice in that kind of weather, an ardent few defended the Del Oro program and coach. Zeke Johnston called California public schools and policies are for “sissies.” He also tweeted his support for the coaching staff and said, “I went to Del Oro, my son is on the Varsity football team there! If our boys couldnt hack it, they wouldnt be out there! Practice was easy and there was plenty of water and plenty of breaks ... Toughin up ya sissies!”
Those messages were roundly met with criticism from other Twitter users.
The thoughts were not isolated to one Twitter account. Facebook user Doreen Drake said in response to a post from The Sacramento Bee, “Why were the landscapers, USPS, FedX, COPS, Firemen, construction crews, all working yesterday? Hope all those young men get into college.”
Facebook user Rustin Hungate suggested parents were at fault for allowing their kids to practice in the heat.
“Then pull your kid. So ridiculous for a parent to complain about the kid practicing when he allowed it. Real simple text the coach and say sorry it’s to hot for my kid to practice,” he said.
Parents have frequently said they didn’t know the football team was practicing outdoors.
Facebook user Joni Anderson’s comment on a post from The Sacramento Bee was more indicative of how most people seem to feel about the issue.
“Coaches are responsible. This is ridiculous. Sac State had their first game this past Saturday. They moved it from 6:30 to 7:30 for the safety of all. Maybe these coaches need to suit up and practice with their players and see how they handle that kind of heat. If communities are opening cooling centers, that should give you a clue,” Anderson said.
This story was originally published September 8, 2022 at 1:17 PM.