Michael Oher: Ravens Lineman Tells Story His Way

Let’s get right to it. The motion picture The Blind Side, for some, made for a great and heartfelt theater experience. For others, it felt unreasonable and borderline racist.

The movie, based on a book penned by Michael Lewis, tells the true-life story of a Tennessee teen (Michael Oher) who is rescued from his hard knocks life by a well to do suburban family. The film starred Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw as Leigh Anne and Sean Touhy (Bullock won an Oscar for her portrayal of the feisty, yet compassionate, my way-or-the high way mom).

During promotion of the movie, it was always obvious to me that Oher, an offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, wasn’t completely comfortable with how his story was being told. Now, he has the chance to tell a different side. For instance, he was not new to the game of football when he went to live with The Touhys, as shown in the film.

Oher always acknowledges The Touhys with reverence and respect; they adopted him and treated him as their own. They are family. But, a man has the right to be depicted as he see’s fit, and I am glad that THIS man has the chance to tell the story from his vantage point.

Beyond The Blind Side – I Beat The Odds, was released today by Gotham Books.

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