Coronavirus & Sports
Well, I never thought I'd write a blank sports email.
No scores, no updates, no clue what Sport Center will cover over the next 30 days? The news? NFL draft prospects? Or a lot of webcam interviews from players and coaches in their homes?
I am sure you're all aware of the government restrictions for the next 30 days. And I hope you're aware that you should be washing your hands, a lot, and staying home if you feel sick, in any way!!
So what's going on in the sports world?
Almost every major sporting event has been cancelled or postponed. Click this link for a complete list.
NBA - postponed the current season and hope to re-evaluate in the next 30 days - Rudy Gobert, who plays for the Utah Jazz was the first player to contract the virus and will fully recover. Basically, he didn't wash his hands.
MLB - cancelled Spring Training and delayed the start of the regular season (tears, I have tickets for April 2nd in our new stadium)
XFL - cancelled their whole season
Men's and Women's NCAA Basketball Tournament - cancelled (I can't even with this one, Senior's will never play in their last tournament)
Golf - cancelled all tournaments until The Masters (please don't cancel The Masters, but I get it) April 9-12
MLS (soccer, I know not all of you know what MLS is) - is suspending play for 30 days
NHL - suspended the season indefinitely, may go straight to playoffs when play resumes (this is fine, hockey is the longest season ever)
NFL - The Combine and the Daft (April 23-25) will most likely be impacted
And the list goes on. The Olympics in Japan are under review, as well as all other sporting events in the future.
I don't believe any of us have ill will towards anyone in the world or would want to put people in harms way; however, this is a shock for sports fans. I don't watch regular TV and the majority of my social activities revolve around sporting events. I am sad. I get why they are doing this and I fully understand slowing down the spread of the virus will help medical teams catch up with it. And it's for the safety of the American people. But it doesn't make this less sad and disheartening for fans and players, especially college athletes.
So many people are impacted here, and it's not just million dollar athletes. Kevin Love, who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, donated to the stadium workers, who are hourly employees and they need all of the assistance they can get, as do all hourly employees across all industries. Mark Cuban, the Mavs owner, also mentioned paying hourly workers for upcoming games during his, now famous, reaction to the NBA suspension during Wednesday nights game.
As for the trickle down effect... fans may not get their money back on tickets. Seems trivial at a time where we're focused on health, first and foremost, but it is crazy to think about everyone impacted by this virus from sports, to travel, to our daily jobs, restaurant owners, grocery stores, etc.
I won't get into the politics of all of this, mainly because I believe that should always be an "in person" discussion and done maturely; however, if 30 days is what we need without sports, then I'll read a few books and finally learn how to play the piano, I guess.
Am I crying, maybe a little whimper - life without sports is SAD. Even my niece and nephews sports are cancelled. I have no sports outlet. But, this shall all come to pass. And my prayer is that no one else dies from coronavirus anywhere in the world, and that all who contract the virus will recovery fully!
On a Lighter Note
(if you're not in the mood for humor, please do not read this section, it is simply meant to make you laugh a little since the rest of this is so real, heavy and serious - this is not to make light of the virus itself, just trying to find a few positives along the way)
What good will come from 30 days (minimum) of not having major league sports?
1. Luka will finally have time for his ankle and thumb to heal! He kept playing with that splint on his hand and most likely re-injuring it every night. I'll take a healed Luka for $500, Bob.
2. Steph Curry just came back in the league and was starting to dominate all over again. This gives teams 30 days to get out the old game film and freshen up on defensive schemes.
3. The NBA said they're fine pushing their season into August if need be. Do they know that it is sacred ground for the NFL? Pending the CBA agreement, we may be playing 17 games next year.
4. The Astros didn't think anything would save them from total embarrassment from their sign stealing scandal as they went into the 2020 season. Well, a pandemic will do the trick.
Never Not Be Afraid
(Intentional double negative, quote from the Croods movie, highly recommended, and I know you have time to watch it now)
The Croods Movie Quote poster by Gian Nicado
Wisdom "the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgement" - Dictionary.com
Fear of the unknown is a real thing. However, we do not have to live in fear. God is not a God of fear, and I know that he provides us wisdom on how to proceed in all situations in life, especially something like this.
My encouragement is to pray. I am asking the Lord to help guide leaders across our country and world to make the best decisions possible. And for more tests to be created, distributed and for medical professionals to be confident as they see new patients and possible coronavirus cases. For us citizens to be mindful of others, help where we can and use discernment as we try to go about our lives as normally as possible. And to (no joke) not hoard out of fear. There are people who truly need toilet paper, and I saw for myself today that there isn't any at the store.
Tonight, at Trader Joe's, I thanked the worker for coming into the store today so I could buy groceries. He looked shocked, but I know it's a real concern to be in a job where you're interacting with people all day long and have no clue if they've been following the CDC guidelines (or basic hygiene). Therefore, I will be cautious, wise and grateful for every moment. Life is good, and I hope that this comes to pass soon, for all of us.
Proverbs 29:25
"The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe."
Isaiah 65:24
"It shall come to pass, That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear."
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
#pray
#hugsomeone (use wisdom here)
#pray
#washyourhands
#pray
#stayhomeifyouaresick
#pray
~smile~
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