We have all heard the buzzwords over the last two years. From “social distancing” to “new normal” and “breakthrough case,” among others, opinions and information about the COVID pandemic can be tough to keep track of.
Meanwhile, the sports world is trying to keep its grasp on its games and seasons. The way leagues do that is by moving forward. Some will get left behind, but the goal is to get to the finish line.
That means forcing teams to forfeit if they cannot play.
The Big East Conference, for example, has forced three men’s basketball teams to forfeit following COVID outbreaks.
Here in Albuquerque, Lobos Basketball teams are scheduled to play their first games with new requirements to enter The Pit on Tuesday, December 28th. The men’s game is in question less than a week away. Colorado State is one of more than 40 men’s programs that are currently paused because of COVID.
This is all to say that players and coaches have even more on their minds each day.
“I think they will hold themselves accountable,” said Richard Pitino when asked about his team traveling for the holidays. “We’re obviously all vaccines. We’re working on boosters moving forward. Travel wise, be safe, be smart. It’s running through the country a lot”.
“There is going to be cancellation. There is going to be disruption. Any night you can play a game in front of your fans, appreciate it, enjoy it.”
Sports fans want to see their team win. That is the primary goal. Following some of this season’s defeats, Lobos head coach Richard Pitino has asked for patience.
There is a new appreciation for getting to the end of a game. Being able to yield a result is a smaller win, itself.
As sports fans, it is still in our nature to be critical and want the best from our teams every night. These games are still our escape. As sports fans, it is still in our nature to be critical and want the best from our teams every night. These games are still our escape.
Years down the road, the circumstances may not matter. In the present, it is hard to look at the hundreds of cancellations and positive cases and use the same old standards to judge a team’s performance.