Sports has a magical way of bringing people together regardless of their race, cultural background, or socioeconomic status. But sadly, given the insidious nature of racism, sports has yet to become a safe place where fans and athletes can be free of bigotry.
Within the past year, New York Giants’ player Nikita Whitlock’s home was vandalized with a variety of racial epithets. LeBron James’ house was also tagged with a racial slur, and Brandon Marshall of the Denver Broncos received racist hate mail in response to his national anthem protest.
The most recent act of racism directed at a major sports figure to be publicized was against Texas A&M’s head coach, Kevin Sumlin. On Thursday, Sumlin’s wife, Charlene, tweeted the picture of a letter mailed to the family’s home. The letter read, “You suck as a coach! You’re a n----- and can’t win! Please get lost! Or else.” The letter was in response to a 45-44 season-opener loss to UCLA, and the return address shows it may have been mailed from a Houston country club.
People of 2017: please tell me how any part of this is ok. And to the sender: did it occur to you that a child may open it?#orelseWHAT? pic.twitter.com/Co1s2Hb94r
— charlene sumlin (@courshel) September 7, 2017
(Side note: What type of sociopath uses the word “please” in a threatening racist letter?)
Sumlin’s daughter, Shelby, also responded to the viscous act:
Imagine being a kid & reading this bs abt your dad. Things "fans" say gets taken personal by more than just the coach. Humanity isn't hard. https://t.co/ueLMcycL9e
— Shelby Sumlin (@ShelbySumlin) September 8, 2017
The letter is deeply disturbing not only because of its hateful bigotry but because it was sent directly to Sumlin’s home. The cryptic message “Please get lost! Or else” can only be seen as a threat to Sumlin and his family. Although Kevin Sumlin has yet to comment on the issue, Texas A&M president Michael Young and athletics director Scott Woodland released a joint statement condemning the hatred:
“Earlier this evening, we became aware of a letter of unknown origin that was sent to the Sumlin family home. We unequivocally condemn this disgusting and threatening letter. There is no excuse for hatred and, as a community, we will not allow the ignorance of some to intimidate any member of our community. On behalf of all Aggies, our thoughts are with Coach Sumlin and his family, and we will do all that we can to ensure their safety. We are working with law enforcement authorities to bring the sender of this letter to justice. We stand with the Sumlins and will not accept this inexcusable act of hate.”
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
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Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.