Being Australian and a fan of the true football (Aussie Rules Football, of course), I am not very familar with the NFL or its players. Sure, I have heard of some player called Frogger Jones (or is that Pacman?). Then there’s that player who abused some dogs. And OJ, of course. Beyond that, I am really out of my element.
Here’s a story on some player named Tony Romo, who seems to be a nice guy.
A homeless man who goes by Doc was cashing in change at a Cinemark theater in Dallas when a guy walked up and offered to pay his way into the movie. Doc, who planned to spend his day passing out flyers for a few bucks, accepted a rain check before realizing that he recognized the generous gentleman.
“Was that Tony Romo?” Doc asked the kid behind the counter.
It sure was. Doc hustled across the street to the consignment store that paid him to occasionally pass out flyers and requested the day off. By the time he got back to the theater, “Role Model” had already started.
Romo, who confirmed the story but didn’t want to elaborate, waved Doc over to sit by him and his buddy. Doc sheepishly mentioned that he hadn’t showered in a few days.
“Don’t worry about that,” Romo said. “I’m used to locker rooms.”
And so the $67 million quarterback and a man who doesn’t have $6.70 to his name sat next to each other and shared laughs for 90 minutes or so.
For Romo, who made news by changing a couple’s tire on the side of the road on the way home the night of the season opener, it was just another kind gesture to a random stranger. It meant the world to Doc.
“For me, it was a blessing,” Doc said. “It came at just the right time. It gave me some encouragement and faith in mankind. I just wanted to say thank you.”
I said nice, not smart, because I am left wondering whether taking Doc, the homeless man, to the movies was the best he could do. I mean, sure, it was a nice gesture, and appreciated by Doc. But it is not exactly like the thing Doc is really missing in his life is cinema.
Not only that, but Doc actually took the day off, meaning the movie actually ended up costing him a few dollars in lost income anyway.
Am I being harsh here? I mean, at least give this man a meal!
