My night was going well and there was a feeling of gratitude and relief. I walked into the media entrance of Madison Square Garden, not the one Spike Lee was told he could no longer use. It was day one of the Big East tournament and I was credentialed to cover it.
This was a big deal for me. I’ve covered conference tournaments before, but this was the first one since this site, Baseline Sports NY, was re-branded.
When I sat down in my assigned seat, high above the court on the Chase Bridge, the feeling was different. It didn’t feel the same.
I went through my normal pregame routine of setting up my laptop and arranging notes to begin covering the game. I felt the butterflies I normally feel whenever I’m sitting on press row. And then I looked around the arena.
That’s when it hit me… there’s a good chance I won’t be back after tonight.
My intuition was correct.
The following day, the Big East, along with other conferences across the nation canceled the remainder of their respective tournaments due to the coronavirus outbreak.
We’ve all had to step back and give ourselves a moment of pause. But it’s what we do in this moment that ultimately determines what happens next.
Because of the spread of the coronavirus, stepping back wasn’t a choice for any of us. It’s what we’ve had to do.
And with that comes an opportunity for reflection and, hopefully, change.
Change isn’t always pleasant, the reality of it can take a while before it sets in. Our normal routines have been dramatically altered, there’s now a new normal for our world to adjust to. For many of us, it’s arguably the biggest challenge of our lives.
This pandemic has rattled the sports landscape to its core. Stadiums, arenas, and fields across the country are now dormant. Sporting events have been canceled, while others have been modified. The NBA suspended their season, and the NCAA has canceled all remaining spring and winter championships, including March Madness for the men and women.
Baseline Sports NY was credentialed to cover this year’s Big East and Atlantic 10 men’s basketball tournaments. Personally, it was an honor to achieve this goal. It’s always a privilege to be trusted with the responsibility of covering an event as a member of the media.
While this site didn’t get the opportunity to see it through this year, there’s a bigger picture in play.
The collegiate athletes, men and ladies, who were unable to have their “One Shining Moment”. The professional athletes, men and ladies, who’s seasons were derailed and re-routed down a path of uncertainty. And, the fans, who watch sports and attend games to get away for a couple of hours and reset before resuming their daily routines.
The business of sports continues to move forward, most notably NFL free agency and the upcoming draft.
Admittedly, I’ve stepped back from writing about sports during this time. It just didn’t feel right.
It’s important to remember, however, this is a reset for all of us. The fans, players, media … the entire world.
What we’re going through today is bigger than sports, it’s life.
And as we navigate our way through this, we must do it together. And we will.
