ESPN slammed for cutting to Damar Hamlin after death comment at ESPYs

ESPN raised eyebrows during Thursday's ESPY Award broadcast by cutting to a shot of cardiac-arrest survivor as former safety Steve Gleason discussed his life-and-death battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Hamlin, a 26-year-old safety, famously collapsed on the field in Cincinnati after tackling Bengals safety Tee Higgins on January 3, 2023. Higgins required immediate treatment on the turf, where paramedics were able to restore his heartbeat before rushing him to a nearby hospital. Doctors ultimately determined that Hamlin fell victim to commotio cordis – a rare condition in which cardiac rhythm is disrupted by a blow to the chest.

Hamlin has since returned to the field, but to many, remains a symbol of the dangers of tackle football.

ESPN slammed for cutting to Damar Hamlin after death comment at ESPYs

ESPN raised eyebrows during Thursday's ESPY Award broadcast by cutting to a shot of cardiac-arrest survivor Damar Hamlin as ex-Saints safety Steve Gleason discussed his own life-and-death battle.