There are a lot of ATC’s who are good at their job. It has to be one of the most stressful jobs in the world with an antiquated system and you have to juggle a LOT of stuff with serious repercussions.
I personally have respect for that guy because he saw it.
I do too. Absolutely. I couldn't do that job. Too much stress. The slightest distraction could spell disaster. Even if I wanted that job, I don't have the chops.
Bravo to this unsung hero, and all the rest like him!
The more I read on this, it looks like the American Airlines crew was following clearances for a different American Airlines aircraft.