Lakers superstar LeBron James delivering a highlight-reel play in 2018. Los Angeles Times photo
Hoop dreams fall to virus this spring
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think a virus would affect the world in such a manner, and it hurts my heart to see it unfold.
Last week saw the sports world shaken to its core by the disease known as COVID-19.
On Wednesday, March 11, a basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz was postponed right before tip-off.
It was then discovered that Utah Jazz All-Star Center Rudy Gobert had contracted the virus. To add insult to injury Gobert had passed the virus on to his teammate allstar guard Donovan Mitchell as well.
Since then, things have taken a turn for the worse as the NCAA, NBA, MLB, MLS and NHL have postponed and canceled events in precaution due to preventing the spread of this virus.
Like many other sports lovers, my TV stays on ESPN, and I look forward to watching the highlights as soon as I get home from work. As much as I would love to see great games and watch my favorite athletes take the court, I know it would be selfish of me not to think about their health and their lives.
Sometimes we forget the players are more than athletes. They are husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters just like us. We must remember that all these titles come before running down the field, shooting baskets, or scoring goals.
I respect what each league is doing because it shows that they’re putting the players first. Each game that is canceled will be costing each league millions of dollars, but the health of its key assets is more important than any monetary compensation.
I must admit my heart breaks for the NCAA/college players the most. The NCAA has stated that all of the conference championship tournaments and the men’s and women’s NCAA Championship tournaments (aka March Madness) have been canceled.
It’s tough because unlike the pros, this is all these athletes have to look forward to. There are no million dollar game checks or endorsement deals for them. All they have is a chance to compete and strive for a national championship. Unfortunately for them, COVID-19 looks like it will rob them of their chance to chase greatness.
For some of these athletes, it will be their last time ever picking up a basketball for an organized team and playing with their friends. As a former athlete, I remember having some of the most fun times being a part of a team.
Whether it was the singing on the bus rides, telling jokes or just knowing that I was a part of something bigger than myself, those memories will last a lifetime. It must have been a crushing blow for some of those athletes having their college careers end in that manner.
Overall, I understand that these decisions must be made to save these amateur and pro players from themselves. As a competitor, I know that they are dying to get out there and play the game they love, but its better to be safe than sorry.
They must find a smart way to go about this to keep players, personnel and fans out of harms way.
Yes, it will be hard not having the luxury of watching LeBron James dunk on his opponents or watching a college national champion cut down the nets after victory, but we must remember sports becomes secondary when it comes to our health and our families.
Please remember to take care of yourself and take the necessary precautions. We are all learning more about the seriousness of the disease and I hope everyone will continue to educate themselves and behave responsibly both for your own health and the well-being of the people around you.