Shane Warne passed away a few days ago and you can tell when someone was a legend or not just by the tributes they receive. Not just his team mates, but from everyone he touched during his career.
Not many Australians are loved by the British Press especially from sporting teams that often thrashed the English. This only highlights the standing he held all over the world and why he is definitely one of the greatest of all time to have played the game.
Warnie unlike other sporting personalities who make it big never forgot his roots and nothing was ever too much trouble. Everyone who knew him has a story to tell and that is what is so special as those are memories people cherish.
Shane was always in the public eye as he was a genuine sporting celebrity and the press knew if they hung around long enough a story would appear. Sex scandals along with the relationship with Liz Hurley made him an easy target.
I enjoyed the mattress story which I am sure many have heard countless times before. Rumors were rife he was dating Liz Hurley and only when she landed at he airport did Warne have anew mattress delivered to his home. Timing wasn't great and he laughs about the stick he got from everyone.
Warne is known for having a good time and enjoying his alcoholic beverages like most Australians do. One story from Michael Vaughn sums up what most sportsmen are like and they in many ways are kids that haven't quite grown up. Arriving back at the house after a good stint drinking they decided to improvise a game of cricket in the early hours which included a beer bottle for the bat and an orange for the ball.
Sports people who are down to earth and don't see themselves as super stars is what makes the game special for so many. They are heroes to so many which inspires kids to take up the sport trying to copy their heroes.
Nothing was too much trouble even if he was running late for an appointment he would stop and sign autographs or have a quick photo with whoever was asking. This is so important as how many other sporting greats just do that.
Parents of aspiring cricket stars used to send their video clips to Warne and he used to offer advice on what to do next and if anyone was any good would contact the relevant people to take notice. This he didn't have to do but he loved the people as much as the game itself. I think that is what made the difference as he was a down to earth kind of guy with no airs and graces. This is what made him stand out over and above his talent as he was a people person.
When I grew up I had many sporting stars who lived nearby and used to play in the nets and even receive coaching. This makes all the difference to a kid as I would know as I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. Shane played all over the world and why there are so many tributes pouring in as he left an impression wherever he went. I suppose you could say he was a loveable rogue in many ways as no one hated him as he was just a decent human being.
I do think the greats are remembered for what they did on the field but true legends are legends on and off the field in how they carry themselves. Over the next few months there will be loads of stories appearing and they are not bad ones but genuinely good and always funny. This is how everyone remembers him for what they did together and that is what everyone is going to miss the most.
