That's a cut: CNN intercepts NFL's Watson for dropping 'J' bombAfter asking his take on the Ferguson uprisings, CNN cut off New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson’s response seconds after saying only Jesus could heal the situation.
A Closer LookIn what a number of media outlets are facetiously calling perfect timing, CNN claimed that the second after the 33-year-old football player mentioned Jesus’ name, its satellite widow closed.
"The only way to really cure what's on the inside is understanding that Jesus Christ died for our sins," Watson responded to CNN's Brooke Baldwin while she interviewed him about his reaction to the Ferguson situation via satellite on national television.
Interrupting Watson in the middle of his reply, Baldwin told him she “got it,” when suddenly, Watson’s side of the split-screen went blank before turning to a green screen.
“Just like that we lost him,” Baldwin informed viewers, explaining away the abrupt end to the interview.
Very graciously, the humble 11-year NFL veteran tweeted about the censorship controversy that ignited on social media channels by just thanking the network for having him on their program. "Great time speaking with @BrookeBCNN this afternoon," he posted on Twitter. "Thanks for having me on. #humbled."
This was a gracious response the CNN reporter was not expecting. Baldwin received it with gratitude, tweeting back with an explanation for the abruptly ended interview before closing with an interjection of surprise, followed by heartfelt thanks.
"And just like that -- our satellite window with New Orleans closed,” Baldwin tweeted. “But... WOW. @BenjaminSWatson: I cannot THANK YOU enough for that.”
Some media outlets weren’t as understanding. "What Happens When Benjamin Watson Preaches Jesus on CNN?" read one headline from RedState.
Another media hub north of the border also doubted the authenticity of CNN’s explanation for the spontaneous censorship of Watson as soon as he started sharing his faith.
"Did CNN really cut off Benjamin Watson for saying Jesus is Lord?" questioned the Canada Free Press in its headline, insinuating that the left-leaning news network was violating Watson’s freedom of expression on-air because to his Christian beliefs.
Pre-game analysis
The events leading up to Watson’s interview originated on his Facebook page, where he posted his two-sided take on the Ferguson controversy revolving about the fatal police shooting of the 18-year-old black man, Michael Brown. His humble and gracious response to the volatile issue two weeks ago in the form of an essay gained national attention, going viral with 850,000 “likes” and half a million “shares.”
Watson, who is overshadowed as a blocking tight end by the likes of seven-time All-Pro quarterback Drew Brees and star tight end Jimmy Graham, gave all of his newfound fame and glory to God for getting his biblical message out.
"God can use you to deliver a message," Watson expressed to USA TODAY Sports. "He can use you to do some crazy things. You sit there and think about this. It's not like I had a lot of followers on Facebook. But he used me. How else to explain this type of reach?"
The former New England Patriot and Cleveland Brown from Rock Hill, South Carolina, addressed the Ferguson situation in a thoughtful way, with no other motivation than to share his personal feelings and spiritual insight on the matter — after no indictment against the white officer who fatally shot the black Ferguson teen was announced.
"I felt an urge to express my feelings," Watson shared. "I didn't write it for anybody else, but if they like it, they like it."
He was also interviewed on a number of morning TV talk shows, including CBN’s 700 Club, for his refreshingly level-headed, graceful approach of addressing the issue.
Locker room MVP
Watson is as much a motivator on the field and the locker room as he is on a keyboard, being an inspirational sounding board and counselor to teammates when it comes to off-the-field topics, including social issues.
"The biggest thing we're lacking, racially, is the conversation to realize that someone can be hurting," Watson asserted. "We don't really talk about race until the crazy things happen, and everybody is digging in on their sides."
Watson
When Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson wasn’t indicted by the grand jury, Watson addressed the feelings and tensions going around by leading an all-team prayer in the middle of the practice field the next day, spurring a lot of feedback from thankful teammates.
"It resonates with them," Watson explained. "Some of the guys have told me 'That's kind of how we felt about it,' but didn't quite know how to express it. A lot of times we don't talk about things when we really need to."
Walking the walk
As an NFL role model, Watson realized that his professional athlete status afforded him a major platform to influence and inspire thousands and even millions.
He also acknowledged fellow NFL players using their high visibility to express their sentiment on the issue, addressing the way five players from the St. Louis Rams entered the Edward Jones Dome during pregame introductions by imitating “hands up, don’t shoot” motions to the crowd as a sign of disrespect and protest to Ferguson police for their part in the Michael Brown shooting.
Instead of condemning their controversial on-the-field statement about the situation, Watson respectfully said that personally, he would have refrained from addressing the issue in such a [provocative] manner, but said in so many words, to each his own.
"I have no problem with them expressing themselves," Watson said. "I'm proud of the fact that at least they stand for something."
With all the negative off-the-field publicity the NFL has received, including domestic violence lawsuits and other acts of indiscretion off the gridiron, many found Watson to be a positive role model by the way he handled the Ferguson situation — a refreshing change. Watson says he welcomes the extra attention afforded to him as an NFL player and believes that public figures should be prepared to have a voice on important issues that affect society.
"Whether you are high-profile or not, there are a lot of fans out there," Watson added. "Everything you say is under a microscope. You might not be able to affect change, but you can at least start a conversation."
But Watson maintains that homes should not rely or hang on every word or expression coming from the mouths or keypads of professional athletes or other entertainers via media outlets or social media.
"Athletes are just part of the equation," Watson noted. "We're citizens. We hurt like everybody else when things happen. But a lot of these conversations have to come at home, with the families."
When first hearing about the verdict not to indict Wilson, Watson had a lot to process in his mind. "Like a lot of people, I had a very emotional feeling about it," he expressed. "When it has to do with race and the police, there are always very hard lines drawn. And usually, they are drawn along racial lines."
To get his feelings out, Watson typed out his thoughts the following day on his phone at Target while his wife Kirsten shopped — a Tuesday routine they devised to space out their time with their four children between the age of five and one.
"It was organic," Watson recounted. "While writing, you get to deeper and deeper levels of emotions. It's one thing to say I'm mad, but I was also hurt and sad."
But as a Christian, Watson knew that the Ferguson situation wasn’t about his feelings as a black man or about the decision going to a white man; he came to realize that it was really about honoring God and bringing people to know and hear about Christ through the situation, which is exactly what happened through his CNN interview — censor or no censor.
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