Despite the ongoing debate concerning COVID-19 as many fans described the actions of the NCAA as an overreaction, decision are now coming down on the conference level. Attempting to play the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City without fans in attendance, the first round featured two victors hoping to make a late season push for the Big Dance. However, those plans were immediately halted as the league cancelled the remaining slate of games.
For the first time in the 44-year history of the Big 12 Conference, there will be no postseason tournament. In a statement, Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said, “I feel terrible for the seniors that are involved in this tournament.” Continuing to speak he said, “In the interest in heeding the device we were hearing…cancellation was the right outcome.”
The move casts doubt upon the continuation of the sports in the United States across the board. Behind two confirmed cases of COVID-19 hitting the NBA, the season was suspended. Following suit, the MLS also suspended the remaining games for the season.
Personally I am caught in a bit of a conundrum for two reasons. One, assume an individual contracts COVID-19 after attending a conference tournament. That individual possesses a compromised immune system and is unfortunately unable to recover from the virus. Now, a family is forced to deal with the tragic events all because of game!?! Now that seems like a high price to pay for several hours of entertainment and self indulgences.
But on the other side of the coin, people generally know if they have a compromised immune system. In conjunction, science continues to say that as the virus spreads and mutates, it also weakens. We are not at the epicenter of what is now called a global pandemic. If you have a weakened immune system, shouldn’t you take it upon yourself to avoid large crowds to begin with such as the subway at rush hour? At some point, we must be responsible and hold ourselves accountable for our own health.
The truth is numerous people across the globe will always choose moments of self gratification over self preservation. If you’re looking for proof, simply turn to YouTube for prank wars or stunts performed to unknown faces all for a like or follow. For that reason alone, I may just very well agree with the cancelations even though they contrast my previous thoughts…