Tony Reali returned to “Around the Horn” with a heavy heart.
The ESPN host was back on the show weeks after he and his wife lost one of their twin boys shortly before he was born.
Panelist Israel Gutierrez “won” the debate program and gave the floor to Reali, who dedicated the time to discussing the horrific experience he and his wife endured, while also mentioning the “children in cages,” in reference to the United States’ border policy that has been ripping newly arriving undocumented kids from their parents.
“Talking about the duality of losing a child near childbirth and then delivering another healthy one is impossible,” Reali said. “And I spent time pledging that it’s OK not to be OK.”
Reali said he has realized “life can be out of our control” and the important part is “how we respond and what we do.” His voice cracking, he transitioned into the controversy at the US-Mexico border.
“Today my thoughts are with children in cages. That’s parents experiencing loss, too,” Reali said. “Humanity needs to be better.”
On Sunday, in honor of Father’s Day, Reali had taken to Twitter to discuss the tragedy publicly for the first time.
“Heartened by Father’s Day wishes,” Reali tweeted. “In recognition that this day like all things in life could mean different things to different people — parent and child, positive and negative — I’d like to speak here about fathers who’ve experienced loss.
“This month I became one.”
