George Best

[Strong in Him]

Why is it that people go so mad over someone they have never met, even if they were a soccer legend or a Royal. I just don't understand it at all?

I suppose it's because we all like to have our heroes. Some would say that we all need to have someone we can worship - admire, respect, give worth to and put our hope in.
St Augustine said "in everyone there is a God shaped hole which only he can fill." Some people don't wish to fill this hole with God, so look to people or things to fill it instead.

Maybe someone like George Best represents people's dreams - young, successful, famous sports star? Or at least he was before it all went wrong.

 

[Tangnefedd]

Maybe there is something lacking in me but I never needed to look up to anyone, I don't have heroes. I love my family they are enough for me!

 

[Paul_Norn_Iron]

unfortunately im too young to remember hes glory days on the football field but i have seen plenty of them on old news reports and realise how impressive he really was

he wanted us to remember the football and i shall as best i can but what i will remember most is his remarkable courage humour and intelligence that he showed on question of sport a couple of years ago, he was obviously very ill then but hes personality shone through and its a shame he let his many talents go to waste in such a sad way

rip bestie !

Our papers have been filled with stories about Geordie. One favourite of mine was when Eamonn Dunphy were out they called into a shop, and Geordie bought a Mastermind book with quiz questions. They went on to dinner (in a pub!) and Geordie threw the book at Dunphy and said "ask me any question in that" There wasn't a question Dunphy asked that he couln't answer.

 

[Paul_Norn_Iron]

I always felt that most of George Best's rebellious behaviour was caused by him being Irish and therefore not able to take part in big international games. If he'd been able to play in international games like Beckham does, he might not have been so frustrated.

a) he was Northern Irish.
b) he was only sent off once for u, for throwing muck at a referee. Frustration once in 37 games. He took part in plently of big games, and Bingham tried to get him to come to the WC FInals, but he ruined it for himself.

It's also a shame that he couldn't stop abusing his transplanted liver. Life just ain't good to some people.

Valid point but two counter arguements.

The new liver gave Geordie how much extra time alive? Surely more than enough for people to stop drinking as much and as such through this one liver he used how many have been saved? We'll never know.

That liver gave his born again sister ample time to bring Geordie to the Lord.

 

[Paul_Norn_Iron]

Best was a good football player, but as with everything I think the adulation is slightly OTT. I believe they are predicting his funeral will be as big as that of Diana!! Why is it that people go so mad over someone they have never met, even if they were a soccer legend or a Royal. I just don't understand it at all?

Footballer one of the world's most followed games ifnot the biggest + the greatest player of all time, bar none+ his death= Huge funeral.

Geordie was famous for the amount of time he spent with people, and as such he met a lot of people. They reckon there'll be 500,000 take to the streets of Belfast on Friday. I'll be one of them.

 

[theFijian]

There wasn't a question Dunphy asked that he couln't answer.

Yes but how many did he actually answer correctly?

 

[theFijian]

Why is it that people go so mad over someone they have never met, even if they were a soccer legend or a Royal.

Perhaps they don't appreciate what they have and are reduced to living their lives through the (mis)fortunes of the rich and famous. I don't understand it either.

 

[Tangnefedd]

Perhaps they don't appreciate what they have and are reduced to living their lives through the (mis)fortunes of the rich and famous. I don't understand it either.

That could be it, how sad!

 

[Illenius]

Such a waste...

 

[london boy]

George Best was an awesome player - The Independent said today that back in the day, the status that Best achieved was akin to the whole Beckham thing - with one major difference - Best had the charm - People liked him so much because he was in touch with the people - It is a great shame that his life was ultimately destroyed by an illness - His death goes to show that without the right guidance, your life can fall apart. I remember him for his punditry on Sky. I was too young to ever see him play, but his abilities inspired many. RIP George. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

 

[Paul_Norn_Iron]

George Best was an awesome player - The Independent said today that back in the day, the status that Best achieved was akin to the whole Beckham thing - with one major difference - Best had the charm - People liked him so much because he was in touch with the people - It is a great shame that his life was ultimately destroyed by an illness - His death goes to show that without the right guidance, your life can fall apart. I remember him for his punditry on Sky. I was too young to ever see him play, but his abilities inspired many. RIP George. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Beckham couldn't lace Best's boots. An opinion which is universally accepted.

 

[Tangnefedd]

Beckham was never that good imo. I doubt that he would have made much impression if he hadn't married a Spice Girl!

 

[theFijian]

Personally I find this fawning over a alcoholic womaniser who squandered a gift many thousands could only dream about, a little OTT. What I find more distasteful however is that even though Best's problems with addiction were regularly national news some pubs and off-licences were still quite willing to sell him the alcohol which eventually killed him. It boggles the mind.

 

[Martin^^]

Personally I find this fawning over a alcoholic womaniser who squandered a gift many thousands could only dream about, a little OTT. What I find more distasteful however is that even though Best's problems with addiction were regularly national news some pubs and off-licences were still quite willing to sell him the alcohol which eventually killed him. It boggles the mind.

Pubs are in the business of selling alcohol. They have a legal responsibility not to sell to people who are drunk or underage, but not to decide if their customers are abusing the product. There are many agencies to help people with alcohol problems, but it is not the business of alcohol retailers - people with addictions have to take responsibility for their own actions.

George Best behaved badly in ways common to many alcoholics. The story of his alcohol abuse is no different to many others. As a drunk, he was a pretty ordinary drunk. But he is memorable as a footballer who had an extraordinary talent which delighted millions. It is one of the contradictions of his life that he was adored by people who never met him, yet he deeply wounded those closest to him.
However badly he treated others, he was still the chief victim of his addiction and it has finally cost him his life.
Any of us who drink alcohol could easily cross the line into addiction, and I am sure many people in this forum know decent people who have fallen into that trap. George Best was a complex character, displaying some of the best and worst human qualities. He was no saint, but that is why people relate to him.
Maybe his life demonstrates how even the greatest human beings are still fundamentally frail and vulnerable.

 

[theFijian]

They have a legal responsibility not to sell to people who are drunk or underage, but not to decide if their customers are abusing the product.

There is no moral responsibility? Would you sell a gun to someone who was clearly suicidal and wash your hands of the consequences?

 

[Paul_Norn_Iron]

Personally I find this fawning over a alcoholic womaniser who squandered a gift many thousands could only dream about, a little OTT.

You find me someone perfect and I'll show you a flying pig. Take your ignorant comments elsewhere.

 

[theFijian]

You find me someone perfect and I'll show you a flying pig. Take your ignorant comments elsewhere.

Right after you leave with your sycophant attitude. Celebrity idolarty is alive and well among Christians it seems.

 

[laterunner]

George wasn't a Christian as far as I know. But he could have been aren't there Christians in similar states.?

His problems & weaknesses have been there for all to see. He was & is not a good example of self control or the hero to worship.

You can't see my blemishes can you or I yours. Aren't they too deep??

 

[Martin^^]

There is no moral responsibility? Would you sell a gun to someone who was clearly suicidal and wash your hands of the consequences?

I understand your frustration, but the truth is that people with alcohol abuse problems have to take responsibility themselves, before anyone else can help them.
The moral responsibility lies with the person buying the alcohol. Shop assistants have enough trouble dealing with abusive, drunk and thieving customers. Do you really expect them to make a judgement about whether their patrons are alcoholic? They have a responsibility not to serve anyone who is already drunk, but they cannot police the actions of sober, rational adults.

 

[Tangnefedd]

I understand your frustration, but the truth is that people with alcohol abuse problems have to take responsibility themselves, before anyone else can help them.
The moral responsibility lies with the person buying the alcohol. Shop assistants have enough trouble dealing with abusive, drunk and thieving customers. Do you really expect them to make a judgement about whether their patrons are alcoholic? They have a responsibility not to serve anyone who is already drunk, but they cannot police the actions of sober, rational adults.



I agree, we have to take responsiblity for our own actions.