Good sports
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Every now and then we need a reminder of the good found in sports. In these days of corruption, cheating, self-aggrandizing, and criminal behavior, it’s so easy to become disenchanted. As one who frequently writes about sports, the negative stories are the easiest to find and comment on. That’s why stories like the ones that follow are important and deserve more attention:
In March, players on a middle school basketball team from Kenosha, Wis., did something shockingly bold and mature. During a game they noticed rival fans picking on one of their cheerleaders, Desiree Andrews, a sweet girl who has Down syndrome. So they stopped the game to confront fans and stand up for their friend. That’s teamwork, maturity, and kindness rolled into one—and from preteen boys! Ernie Johnson has long been known as one of the best studio hosts on television (including TNT’s NBA coverage) and as a classy guy. He proved both in a big way at the Sports Emmy Awards this year. Upon receiving the honor for outstanding studio host, Johnson called two surprise guests on stage with him, Taelor and Sydni Scott, the daughters of Stuart Scott, the beloved anchor for ESPN who died of cancer earlier this year. “It all started with Stuart,” said Johnson, who then turned to the girls, handed them the award, and said, “This is your Emmy.” It was a touching and generous act. The Baltimore Orioles had two games postponed, played another game in an empty stadium, and then played a “home” series in the “visiting” team’s stadium during the recent unrest after the death of Freddie Gray. When they took the field again at Camden Yards on May 11, something was different. Instead of their traditional “Orioles” jerseys the team wore their home whites with “Baltimore” stitched on the front as a statement of support and pride in their city. Even small symbols can help in troubled times. Rather than the shaggy locks so often worn by baseball players, the Cleveland Indians look decidedly shorn. In a show of support for teammate Mike Aviles, whose 4-year-old daughter is fighting leukemia, team members shaved their heads. What started with a couple guys has now spread through most of the clubhouse, and even to the coaching staff. Teams can be more than collections of highly paid athletes; they are often made up of people who care for one another. After a brilliant performance in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, Stephen Curry showered, dressed, and headed to the typical postgame press conference. But this one wasn’t so typical after all: In fact, a cute little girl named Riley commandeered the Q&A session. Curry’s daughter climbed onto his lap and promptly stole the show (she joined him again after Game 5 Wednesday). As much as we might want to see stars as jump-shooting automatons, this was a fun reminder that they too are just humans with families, including kids who do nutty stuff.
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