My Monthly Sports Minute: Right or Wrong?

I am not sure how or why we have gotten to the point where the NBA and WNBA will be returning to competition, but I can honestly say that I am not mad. I am not saying I’m happy either. I am truly one of those people who feels like I’m stuck in the middle. Across the country, we have COVID cases spiking on almost a daily basis. Yet, some media outlets have said it’s safer to play now than it was in March — when sports were first suspended. Training and exercise facilities have started to reopen along with sports at the collegiate and little league levels. So, why not start sports back up at the professional level too? It seems like our economy could sure use it.

As a collegiate coach, I am potentially exposed to COVID on a daily basis while interacting with athletes, co-workers, and other coaches in the athletic department. But, I still enjoy going to work every day and I am excited to resume workouts with our players on July 20th, per NCAA guidelines. Why? My love for the game. Competition. A sense of normalcy.

Deep down inside, I am feeling truly torn. Should I be more worried about other things — like the racial and healthy pandemic — instead of selfishly wanting sports to start back up again? I ask myself daily, “Is this really going to work?” Only time will tell.

For me, sports has always been a place to have fun. A stress release. A form of freedom. A type of self-care. Outside of my relationship with God and my family, it’s my happy place. I love to be around the game of basketball and I believe bringing sports back will create hope, dreams, and smiles that some fans have lost over the past 4 months — for a number of reasons I’ve stated.

When the NBA and WNBA do resume, I will be one of those fans who is tuned in and ready to go. But, I will also be the the kind of fan who is also stalking Twitter and “the news” to see if any COVID cases are found among players from each league. I can only hope and pray the good will outweigh the bad. I also hope and pray every player will be safe and both leagues will adhere to very strict precautions and guidelines.

— Janese Constantine