Damar Hamlin's family 'frustrated' by Tee Higgins critics: 'This isn't supporting Damar'
Damar Hamlin's family wants any criticism against Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins to stop.
Buffalo Bills reporter Rachel Hopmayer spoke with Jordon Rooney, Hamlin's marketing representative and longtime friend, outside the University of Cincinnati Medical Center on Wednesday. Rooney said Hamlin's family is "frustrated" and "mad" about the accusatory social media comments made toward Higgins from some users since their son's cardiac arrest at Paycor Stadium on Monday night.
Higgins was involved in the play that happened immediately before Hamlin's on-field collapse. The Buffalo Bills safety tackled Higgins in the first quarter of the game.
Hamlin stood up after the play, but fell straight back seconds later. Medical personnel had to administer CPR, and an automated external defibrillator, or AED, was used. The 24-year-old's heartbeat was restored on the field before he was transferred to the hospital by ambulance.
“If you think you’re support Damar by bashing Tee (@teehiggins5), you’re not supporting Damar” — @jordonr
Just caught up with #Bills Damar Hamlin’s close friend and marketing rep outside UCMC. He also clarified that it was a misunderstanding that Hamlin was resuscitated twice. pic.twitter.com/lrvdvVxbSp— Rachel Hopmayer (@rachelhopmayer) January 4, 2023
"This isn't supporting Damar," Rooney said about the online backlash. "If you think you're supporting Damar by bashing Tee, you're not supporting Damar."
On Twitter, ESPN reporter Coley Harvey also said he interviewed Rooney, who told him Hamlin's father, Mario, is among those calling for the criticism against Higgins to stop.
Will have much more on @espn throughout the morning/day. (We recorded an interview) But two other comments to look for from him: Damar’s father is among those calling for any criticisms of Bengals WR Tee Higgins (who was part of the play Damar was injured on) to STOP.
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) January 4, 2023
Higgins in contact with Hamlin family
Rooney told Hopmayer that Higgins has been in contact with Hamlin's family multiple times since his hospitalization. He said Higgins has reached out and gone above and beyond.
"All signs point to him being a great human being who genuinely cares and feels bad, and the family feels bad that Tee would have any guilt towards the situation," Rooney said.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Damar Hamlin's family 'frustrated' by Tee Higgins critics