NFL
In Stephen King’s seminal pandemic novel The Stand, the deteriorating US government faces a gruesome task. It must keep society running for as long as possible, irrespective of the measures’ legality. Thankfully, contrary to what readers may have read about Chicago, the Sky is not falling in the Midwest!
True, an appealing opportunity against Indiana fizzled when DiJonai Carrington earned an ejection for a sloppy foul against the Fever’s Sophie Cunningham. Carrington’s subsequent Threads comment regarding White privilege headlined the contest. Her puzzling attempt to walk back the post gave troll armies more ammunition. The “stick to sports” group was not appeased by the reversal, while those trying to build bridges of communication between partisans feel caught in the crosshairs.
The bot army isn’t going away on X anytime soon. However, fans can focus on the excellent play quality that the Sky produce as they travel to Seattle for their next challenge.
Storm Quieted
A momentary digression here. The NBA changed its draft lottery odds this offseason. Too many teams played to lose to improve their lottery odds, resulting in ineffective attempts. The Storm, at a league-worst 7-29, should have provided sufficient warning against tanking.
Block that thought! Did Seattle not experience considerable success? The Storm selected Jewell Loyd first overall in 2015, who turned into a solid professional. Breanna Stewart, the top 2016 selection, became a two-time league MVP. Combined with point guard GOAT Sue Bird, Seattle secured the 2018 championship and the Wubble-shortened 2020 crown.
Times change. New York claimed Stewart in free agency, and Sue Bird retired after a heartbreaking 2022 elimination. Meanwhile, the Storm can only stew in frustration while Las Vegas, with an unlimited budget, and Minnesota, with impeccable organizational intelligence, dominate basketball.
Lottery tickets are not wish-fulfilling jewels, and there are no shortcuts to building a dynasty. Thus, Sunday’s contest holds a symbolic meaning. Seattle is already eliminated from playoff contention, while Chicago’s postseason coffin is almost nailed shut. Thankfully, there is always something to play for when the ball tips off.
Building the Platform
The Stand‘s heartbreaking minor protagonist, trying to prolong America’s agony, curiously takes downer drugs to calm his nerves. Team NBS Media implores basketball savants not to reach for the bottle! One must acknowledge the (founded) accusations of biased and ineffective officiating and repeated (quite unfounded) rumors that women’s basketball is headed toward bankruptcy.
Carrington is still on the team, thank you! It is fair to question whether her on-court physicality lacks necessary discretion. It is also true that women athletes will continue to express their views on divisive issues. How does one build a platform to express these thoughts? By performing at the highest athletic level and proving that she is a productive person, not just another whacked meme that likely escaped from an AI laboratory.
Seattle plays for pride, seeking a rebuild that doesn’t depend on ping-pong balls. Carrington and Chicago deflect pointed fingers with focused play that further builds their league’s reputation.
Tragically, in King’s fictional world, our government is not successful. It instead takes the passion of ordinary citizens to resurrect America from the ashes. So, too, must the Storm and Sky return their franchises to glory, their players’ passions to consistent effect, and a sport’s status to its rightful equality too long delayed.
