Five things we're thankful for in the world of sports
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire)
November 24th, 2020
It’s been a roller-coaster year, to say the least. As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, let's take a look at five things to be thankful for in the sports world.
Athletes take a stand
While COVID-19 brought the world to its knees, there was no better time to take a stand for civil rights and equality, and athletes from all corners of the sports world did not let their voices be silenced.
Leagues like the NBA and NFL put aside fears of lower ratings and allowed the players to send a message of unity, justice, and peace at a time when we needed it the most.
With NBA games now in full force, the inevitable race baiting 'kneeling is a sign of disrespect!' tweets are coming. Our message is clear: We love our country. And we also believe that this nation can and must do better to eliminate racism and bigotry. That is why we kneel.
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) July 31, 2020
Los Angeles ends its championship drought
A terrible moment hit the sports world when news hit in January that Kobe Bryant and his daughter tragically died. Bryant’s death it put the spotlight on Los Angeles before and after COVID-19 cut its way through the country.
The Los Angeles Dodgers responded with their first World Series title since 1988, and the Lakers won their first NBA championship in more than a decade.
One year ago today ... pic.twitter.com/5csJX8oqcO
— ESPN (@espn) November 17, 2020
Fight Island takes center stage
When the sports world came to a halt, Dana White and the UFC went through extraordinary means to bring MMA back to the public.
The UFC was quick to adopt safety protocols and even leased an island off the coast of Abu Dhabi to stage fights.
UTTERLY INSANE 🤯
— UFC (@ufc) November 17, 2020
🎬 @NewMansa94 is back after his KO of the Year on Fight Island!
[ #UFC255 - Saturday on #ESPNPlus PPV ] pic.twitter.com/E11u6KW3wq
Better yet, the UFC has made it a point to make competitive fights since it resumed business, and it has been a banner year for the sport.
Redemption amid chaos
A consistent subplot we’ve seen in 2020 has been redemption.
Andy Reid overcame years of postseason disappointments to win his first Super Bowl, with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Tyson Fury destroyed Deontay Wilder to regain the heavyweight title, after a battle with drug addiction and personal demons.
I can’t get enough of this clip @Tyson_Fury speaking with his father after the biggest win of his career. ❤️ #Dads pic.twitter.com/H57ppb1lDO
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) March 9, 2020
LeBron James' fourth title cemented his status as one of the greatest to play in the NBA.
In times of chaos, these moments of hope stood tall.
The fact that we have sports at all
It is easy to forget the little things in life, especially now when we have so much to worry about, but sports bring us together and lifts us.
Friends and family who have fallen on hard times can share moments of joy and elation. Sports give us a semblance of something normal. As we all go through these unprecedented times, its gives us a chance to see our teams, our colors, and our heroes. It gives us a chance to detach from the grim and embrace the unbelievable.
I’m thankful for the fights, the ballgames (even all of Thursday-night football), and that I can still share my love of the game with all of you.