"The violent rhetoric over a surf event is mind blowingly stupid… and no one is doing anything to address the seriousness of the situation."
Ain’t it a crazy ol’ world when a man’s is threatened with extinction for winning a surfing contest?
Yeah, yeah, I know, sportsmen, and gals, have been getting hit with death threats for years, some of it even getting played out on soccer players, boxers and so on, but our pretty little sport? The dance of kings and queens?
A little recap.
Brazilian surf fans have gone nuts following Griffin Colapinto’s win over Filipe Toledo at the Surf City El Salvador Pro claiming the fix was in for the gringo, a white conspiracy and so on, the hashtag, #worldshameleague a viral hit.
Even Filipe Toledo’s daddy is in the mix, “We really hope that something will be done, and that this will change, as it is becoming unbearable to see and hear the things we are hearing. during the events, I am embarrassed for the others.”
And, yesterday, after watching the pile-on, Griff’s mama, Camille, pleaded with Latin surf fans to find a little perspective.
“It’s a surf contest. It’s meant to entertain. But the threats to the judges’ well being, to you, to other members of @wsl that shou2bld not be tolerated. And for others in top positions to post and add fuel to the fire, well that’s just irresponsible. Can we remember how blessed these surfers are please? Look around. There is a war, homelessness, people:children starving, and your win is motivating people to take to the streets? Are we living in the same universe? Wow! Unbelievable.”
Now, in the under-the-line comments, Camille Colapinto has put a little meat on the bone, so to speak, detailing just how wild the threats are getting.
“Something tells me that I shouldn’t come here and comment and add to the mess I probably made worse. But, my comment was not meant to defend Griffin’s win. I don’t care if people think he wasn’t deserving; but not in a “let them eat cake” kind of way. What I meant to convey was that the violent rhetoric over a surf event is mind blowingly stupid.
“What I meant to convey is that the win doesn’t matter, it shouldn’t matter, at least not matter so much people want to turn violent. BTW Griffin is receiving violent, gruesome threats to his life and no one is doing anything to address the seriousness of the situation.
“Am I hysterical? Am I unhinged? Yeah, probably, but I am not going to apologize for raising hell. If I embarrass Griffin it certainly isn’t the first time, I assumed he got used to it. As most will now know, he got none of his chill from my DNA. I am not chill, have never been chill and don’t mind letting people know if I not happy with something.
“If people still think the comment to his post was motivated by ego, take a look at his stuff…did anyone even know Griffin and Crosby had a mom? I am busy with my own work/life. My comment was motivated by a mix of intense fear and anger.
“Unfortunately, I wish I was as afraid yesterday as I am today because I would have never commented. I hope you will never have to know what it is like to fear for your child’s safety so much you have to throw up.”
The Oi Rio Pro starts in two days.
Y’think security gonna be tight?