NBA Playoffs & COVID Precautions
On May 13, the CDC announced that “Vaccinated people can ditch the mask.” And ditch the mask they did. My wife and I went out for dinner over the weekend and were shocked when the host told us that we didn’t have to wear them anymore (hurray for a light at the end of the tunnel).
This announcement was given on at a perfect time for NBA fans because it opened up the gates for ticketing. NBA viewership had been on the downfall for a while but the Lakers/Warriors playoff game had over 5.6 million viewers (take that Lebron!).
Also, New York Basketball is back! Playoffs are much better when New York basketball matters event despite a few unruly fans. There is just something about seeing Spike Lee roam up and down the sidelines that gives me that 90’s basketball nostalgia.
With the sudden addition of fans, the league had to move quickly to ensure COVID measures had to come into play when it comes to tickets. The Brooklyn Nets recently released their new ticket prices for their 90% opened stadium.
Ticket prices are ten times higher for those who are not vaccinated. They aren’t the first to do this with their ticket prices. The NFL draft in Cleveland had a vaccinated section for fans that wanted to attend as well. This seems to be the future precedent for the NFL as well as the LA Rams announced that they will require proof of vaccination or a recently negative Covid test to attend the game maskless in the Fall.
I’m not completely sure I agree with this practice but time will tell on how this will completely play out. Let me clarify this before I continue, I am not an anti-vaxxer. I took the vaccine and I am fine with my decision. Ok. Now that we got that out of the way- It just doesn’t sit right with me to punish or unfairly treat those who made a conscious decision to not get the vaccine. Some have a mistrust of the medical field and if we are being honest with ourselves, a certain level of that mistrust is for good reason. I believe that there should still be room for people to make whatever decision they feel best.
I think we have gotten too much to the point in this country where we see decisions as binary. The “either you’re for me or you’re against me” mentality has crept into many of the thoughts of Americans today. I choose not to see things that way. While I may disagree with my colleagues on vaccine issues, this isn’t a decision that holds eternal weight. What I mean by that is, whatever conclusion one comes to about vaccinations doesn’t affect their status of salvation. In short, I’m not going to spend much time or energy arguing with others about issues that really don’t matter in the scope of eternity.
Ultimately, this goes back to an issue that we have been struggling with for years in this country: How do I live in plurality with the neighbor that I might disagree with? First, we can try to approach everyone from a loving perspective. Try to at least understand where that person’s perspective. A little bit of empathy can go a long way.
Next, is to do not live in fear. Make informed decisions but don’t make choices out of fear. Lastly and most importantly as I alluded to earlier, do not ruin your eternal witness over temporal matters. Keep in mind that this is only for a season and Lord willing we will get through this.
What do you think about vaccinated sections for sports? Place your comments below.
Other News & Notes
When faith and sports intertwine it is my favorite. Recently Jonathan Tjarks opened up about his fight with cancer and his journey with faith through it. Give it a read here when you have a chance and I’m sure it will bless your soul as much as it did mine.
During the TV show, UNDISPUTED, Shannon Sharpe called Atlanta Falcons (for now) wide receiver, Julio Jones in one of the funniest and candid live television moments I’ve seen in a while to talk about his future with the team.
May 25, marked the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa, Oklahoma Race Massacre. You can read more by following this link.
Tuesday, May 25 also marked the first anniversary of George Floyd’s death. His death sparked protests around the world including in sports. The officers that were involved have since been charged and found guilty.
Verse of the Week
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." Revelation 4:11
One Last Thing
Thank you for reading the post this week. It means the world to me that you took valuable time out of your day to read my words. If you enjoyed this piece, please subscribe to get weekly updates from me. I also have a podcast that I will be releasing other thoughts on the world of sports and faith that I would love if you gave a listen to and subscribed as well. The audio messed up for me on the first episode but I still felt like the content was good. I hope that you can enjoy that and give that a five-star rating after you listen!
Until next time!
Deverin