Visual Rhetoric

The central figure in this photograph is Gerald Henderson (Duke #15). His intensity is shown in his face and is noticed first. His jaw line is clenched and his eye brows are raised, pointed down to his pursed lips. Also, his arms are flexed and it appears as if all his arm muscles are engaged. Together these two physical qualities lead the viewer to believe that Henderson is focused on the task at hand and has put all his effort into what he is doing.

Those who follow college basketball know that this image was captured the second after Henderson's elbow came in contact with Tyler Hansbrough's (UNC #50) nose at the end of the 2006/07 regular season. The strike sent 6'9", 250 pound, methodical and always calm Tyler Hansbrough crumpling to the ground. When he stood there was blood on the court and his jersey coming from his nose and lip. The officials called a flagrant foul and ejected Henderson from the rest of the game ( which had like a minute left) and the next game. However, no further disciplinary action was administered by the league or by Duke.

As the song says, "I'm a Tarheel born, I'm a Tarheel bread, and when I die I'm a Tarheel dead!" but despite my biased opinion, I feel that any honest viewer after seeing this image will have to conclude that Henderson was in fact in control of his body and the jab to Tyler's nose was intentional. Therefore, this image serves as evidence to the fact that further disciplinary action should have been taken. Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski's two arguments for Henderson's innocence were that his hand was open and that if he had meant to hurt Hansbrough he would have "gone straight for the face." Maybe Krzyzewski should take our English class and learn about logic. First,the elbow is the strongest point in the body, regardless of whether or not the fist is open. The ball is not close to coming in contact with Henderson's hand so I fail to see how it has any bearing on his intention. Second, this was the last game of the regular season- a punch to the face would guarantee more than a one game suspension- this jab to the nose was an ejection and a one game suspension- any kid smart enough to get into Duke can pick the more beneficial way to attack Hansbrough (the one where his intentions are harder to analyze).

I still cannot help but getting worked up over this picture- a year after it has happened. The picture proves how ridiculous the situation was and the true character of the Blue Devils. Perhaps devil is an appropriate name for the team and best represents the sportsmanship (or lack there of) that Krzyzewski develops in his players.