Professional sports are full of ridiculous rules regarding athletes’ appearance—from the NFL fining Frank Gore $10,500 for wearing his socks too low to the 46 soccer players recently found guilty of “unethical hair.” Things are changing, as the Florida Marlins manager Don Mattingly and owner Jeff Lauria have abandoned the team’s no-facial-hair policy after just one season. Why was the club so quick to repeal beard prohibition?
Because it was a huge pain in the ass to enforce, according to Mattingly. "It was a constant fight last year, honestly, with guys. Through the course of the season and watching the playoffs and the World Series, for me it just didn't seem like that big of a thing. The most important thing is our guys prepare and play the game right."
The rule also could have adversely affected the team as a destination for talent:
Of course, no one wants the job of ordering a 22 year old making $20 million a year to shave. But the fact that Don Mattingly was an agent in implementing this rule drips with irony, as he famously clashed with the Yankees over grooming issues as a player. Owner George Steinbrenner installed a policy forbidding beards and long hair in 1973 and benched Don Mattingly until he cut his hair. (It merits noting that Mattingly sported a mustache as well, but that was allowed by team rules—because none of this really makes any sense at all.)
After the Marlins policy change, that leaves only one remaining MLB team with a no-facial-hair policy: the Yankees. The team’s policy saw its greatest impact after signing Red Sox favorite Johnny Damon, turning this:
Into this:
The Marlins will still require players to be well-groomed, but with the ban lifted, they’ll be able to grow facial hair. How excited are they? Said Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich, "I can't grow one, bro. It doesn't affect me."
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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.