What We Can Learn From Welles Crowther

Switching it up a little for this week’s edition.

We have the “Conversation Starters,” along with 18 August sports law headlines at the bottom for your sports law needs.

The reason for the switch up is, 24 years ago, nearly 3,000 people died in what was one of the most deadly acts of terrorism in human history.

9/11 changed the world forever.

And it happened in a city that millions of us call home. At Ground Zero, which happens to be a few hundred feet from my apartment.

I’m sure most of you have heard about the “Man in the Red Bandana” — a tribute to Welles Crowther. 

Welles was a 23-year-old Boston College lacrosse graduate working in the South Tower on September 11th. Crowther assisted many survivors to safety before he tragically died when the South Tower collapsed.

In the words of Crowther: 

“Everyone who can stand, stand now. If you can help others, do so.”

Every year I rewatch The Man in the Red Bandana as a reminder of the positivity and empathy that Welles embodied.

I’m not experiencing writer’s block. It’s more so not knowing what to make of the violence that continues in today’s world. How to feel about it. What, if anything, can be done about it. It’s overwhelming.

Even though 9/11 was 24 years ago, our world remains violent today. We are dealing with nonstop wars, random acts of violence, and assassinations of political figures.

I don’t know the answer to ending all the violence. I don’t think anyone does.

But we can do one thing. We can be more like Welles. 

Welles chose kindness. He chose to help others before himself. He put his life on the line so other, less-fortunate, injured people had a chance of survival.  

I don’t have much else to say. I think Welles’ actions are louder than any words I can come up with. And I certainly don’t have an answer, explanation, or justification for any of the violence we’re continuing to witness.

The only thing I can think of: we all need to be more like Welles.

Rest in peace to an American hero and all other individuals who have lost their lives due to senseless violence.

Conversation Starters 🗣️

Washington Nationals Face Lawsuit for “Junk Fees” ⚾️

Last Friday, the MLB team was sued in D.C.’s federal district court over the alleged use of “junk fees” to sell game tickets to fans. According to the complaint, the Nationals used “junk fees” to trick consumers into paying more to attend home games. Junk fees include hidden or surprise fees that are only revealed once a fan has decided to buy the ticket.

Driver Faces 80 Years if Convicted in Marquette Athletes’ Deaths 🕊️

A Wisconsin woman was driving drunk in a car crash that killed two University of Marquette lacrosse players last week. The 41-year-old was charged via a criminal complaint and authorities stated she tried taking a left turn in front of an SUV filled with six Marquette men’s lacrosse players. Two players, Scott Michaud, 19 and Noah Snyder, 20, were pronounced dead at the scene.

August 2025 was filled with sports law headlines. 18 stories that stuck out to us:

Lead with love,

Duggs

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The Sideline’s work, including this article, is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. This article does not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed in the article belong solely to the author and do not express the views or opinions of the author’s employer.