Darker than the deed
The unnecessary vilification of Travis Head and wife Jess.
At face value, Travis Head, Australian cricketer, seems an absolutely decent human. He plays a team sport wrapped in individuality and shines as a team-first cricketer. His on-field best is often reserved for the best opposition and biggest occasions. He plays globally, currently for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
In a recent IPL game, Head clashed with Indian great Virat Kohli. Much has been said, but little has been reported as to the origins of the altercation. Using the past tense as a starting point, you would assume Kohli threw the first punch. Post-game, Kohli blanked Head in the usual single-file handshake charade—we discussed handshakes previously, this was a new addition to the library.
The fallout was vile. Head and his wife Jess have been victims of a torrent of online abuse. Indian cricket followers are passionate, granted, and acutely protective of their own. Comments on Travis Head’s Instagram posts, including one of his wedding to Jess Head, include threats against his wife and his mother. Surely this crosses a line that passion doesn't excuse.
Kohli’s snub was petulant, no doubt, but the dark forces of social media and the assumption now that International sportspeople can be vilified like this cut way deeper than the actions that caused the issue in the first place.
No matter who you are—yes, words can hurt.
Nick
