COVID-19 has slowly but surely been making a large and widespread impact on all aspects of life. Just three weeks ago, no one would’ve predicted the ensuing chaos and how it would change our lives so drastically.
Of course, many of us had a deep-seated feeling that something was going to happen, and now, it is difficult to deny what those little voices in our heads were telling us.
In Oregon, Seattle, New Mexico, and other Western states, organized gatherings have been limited to between 100 and 1,000 people, depending on the specific state and municipality, and sports teams seem to have seen this coming because many sports associations have canceled most of their events.
Many associations have denied fans from attending live events, and others have canceled the events altogether.
The first largescale announcement came from the NCAA, which has said the March Madness college basketball games would still be held, but fans could not attend in person.
Soon afterward, reports were released that the NBA was considering taking similar action.
However, after Rudy Gobert, center for the Utah Jazz, tested positive for coronavirus, the NBA suspended the rest the of season. Whether those games will be made up at a later date has yet to be seen.
Opinions on the matter vary. Some people are shocked and angry that their favorite sports have been delayed or canceled while others believe that these measures are absolutely vital to public health and security. It is definitely something very new to the world of sports.
For weeks, it was widely believed that the MLB season could be delayed, and we have already seen that spring training games have been stopped.
In fact, all MLB action has been stopped indefinitely, and so far, officials say that opening day of the regular season will be at least two weeks late. However, the suspension could go on much longer than that.
In addition to the NCAA, NBA and MLB, the NHL has suspended all hockey games until further notice.
With more than 3 weeks left in the regular season, it is difficult to determine when and if the season will resume.
In a statement, the NHL players’ union has agreed to the decision, saying that it is appropriate given the circumstances.
We have certainly never experienced anything the likes of which we are seeing now in professional sports, and the only thing certain is that the uncertainty will continue for some time.
To sports fans across the country, the unthinkable is not only something to be considered but something that has already happened. This could have important ramifications on the mental stability of the nation going forward.
To many, sports are an escape from the doldrums of everyday life. Not only that, they are an escape from the horrors that transpire around the world, whether it be war, famine or injustice. People look to sports to release their pent-up thoughts and emotions.
In addition, fans follow more than the games. They follow their teams as symbols of local unity, and they follow their favorite players, regarding them as heroes and idols.
Hopefully, the Coronavirus pandemic will resolve quickly. We do not yet know anything of what will transpire, but we can certainly hope for a renewal of life as it should be, including the return of professional sports.
