We as humans are incredibly unique creatures. We are intelligent, rational and emotional which separate us from most other creatures on this planet. But we are most unique not because we possess language or think, but possess the capacity to play. By play I don’t mean put Legos together, or chase one and other in circle, but that we can lay out rules and guidelines, and stand together, and cooperate. In sports, we set aside our greatest differences and celebrate each other. In sports, no individual is above the rule. Sports in this sense is magical.They serve as solace and comfort for those who need a distraction, as an an environment to compete for those who need a challenge and as a sources of community for those who lack a sense of belonging.
But in the instance the coronavirus struck, we no longer had that steady backbone to lean on. The NBA and MLB and NHL all canceled within days of each other. We then turned our hope to college sports, but soon the NCAA conference tournaments, then March Madness were gone. Suddenly, athletes lost a source of pride, a sense of community and the seeming unity of the air of stadiums lead to a murky uncertainty: the day that sports would be played in person seem to have evaporated. In that instance, we didn’t just lose a game, we lost a powerful basis for who we were.
But in the wake of the global pandemic, we evolved. Within weeks, leagues found innovative ways to offer the source of distraction online and the adaptations like the virtually head NHL draft. When nature reared back its ugly head. We also witnessed professional competitions of online video games and have been motivated and inspired by famous athletes who virtually teach and help others grow in their fitness and athletic journeys, and organized new methods to play like the NBA 2K tournament and more. When nature reared back its ugly head, sports showed what makes this community so special and rose to the occasion.
Despite our best efforts to look to the future, it is hard not to get caught in the present. It goes without saying there’s no playbook for a global pandemic. As days putter by, it seems unlikely we will resume playing sports in person soon. The empty concrete behemoths that once housed tens of thousands will now stand empty like the Roman coliseum. But in the meantime, divisions and leagues should be realigned to be regional and minimize the potential for transmission. And even after the brunt of the passes, sports may feel more like a risk than a reward for a considerable amount of time, and consequently we could see Super Bowl type rates for the crucial match ups every day.
When all is said in done, sure, sports will not be the same in a month, or a season or even in a year. But we athletes do know, is that sports will still be sports. While precautions may be taken we will still need to compete. Though we made need to socially distance, we will still feel the thrill of victory and crushing blow of defeat. But this unique ability to play, cooperate and agree on one set of rules that apply to everyone fairly no mater race, class or rank is what makes us unique and united. Hopefully, the day will come when the sound of thunderous applause and cheers once again fills the cavernous silent stadiums and hopefully that day comes sooner rather than later. As we say on my team, the best is yet to come.
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