COVID Strikes Out MLB –
Baseball just came back last Thursday and after one weekend, games are already being cancelled because of COVID. The Miami Marlins has reported that 14 (players and coaches) people in their club have contracted the coronavirus that has caused a global pandemic. As a a result, the Marlins will not host their home opener against the Baltimore Orioles. Miami played the Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend, so the Phillies home opener against the New York Yankees scheduled for tonight has also been cancelled.
It is naive to think that a league, even with a bubble like MLS would be able to have a season without anyone getting the virus, BUT 14?! In one club. After one weekend? What does all of this mean for other sports leagues? The WNBA started its season over the weekend. The NBA and NHL are both resuming their seasons this week on Thursday and Saturday respectively without fans. The NFL has cancelled its preseason, but is planning to kickoff its regular season on September 10 with limited fans.
While sports the rest of this year is uncertain. One thing is absolutely sure. This virus is serious. It doesn’t care about our plans, masks, fame, celebrity or sports. Be Safe!
Play For Justice –
WNBA players tipped off their 2020 season and the “Say Her Name” campaign. Before the New York Liberty game against the Seattle Storm, players said that they were dedicating the season to social justice and Breonna Taylor, an EMT who was killed by the Louisville Police in March when they were conducting a no-knock warrant at her home as part of a narcotics investigation. No drugs were found and none of the officers involved have been arrested.
Black Lives Matters was on the court and players from both teams held a moment of silence for the late Ms. Taylor.
“We are also dedicating this season to [the] ‘Say Her Name” campaign, a campaign committed to saying the names and fighting for justice for Black women — Black women who are so often forgotten in this fight for justice, who do not have people marching in the streets for them.”
– Layshia Clarendon, NY Liberty Guard
Kyrie Supports WNBA –
Brooklyn Nets guard, Kyrie Irving, has pledged to support active WNBA players who are not playing this season due to personal, professional, health, and/or safety-related reasons. Through the KAI Empowerment Initiative, Kyrie is giving $1.5 million dollars to provide financial relief to some players.
The 6× NBA All-Star said, “This platform was created to provide support for all WNBA players in hopes to relieve some of the financial strain imposed during these challenging times. Whether a person decided to fight for social justice, play basketball, focus on physical or mental health, or simply connect with their families, this initiative can hopefully support their priorities and decisions.”
Players need to apply online by August 11 and recipients will be notified by August 24. All players will have access to a comprehensive financial literacy program provided by UBS.
Game On,
Shavannia
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