The NBA and NHL shouldn’t be lauded for their reaction to COVID-19.
These leagues barely reacted. It was more of a forced action after Utah Jazz centre Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus.
Think about what had happened in the days before these seasons were postponed or other events were cancelled.
The NHL and NBA blatantly ignored health professionals’ advice to cease having large public events. It started in San Jose, where the Sharks were hosting events days after the local healthy agency said not to.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals were about to do the same. The Washington Wizards were too despite the District of Columbia recommending they avoid public events.
It was only when it hit the leagues in the face that they woke up about the threat COVID-19 could pose to employees and fans for their league.
I know there are plenty who think this is an overreaction postponing these events. I have a hard time believing we should cancel everything.
But better safe than sorry. And some pro leagues were getting very close to having to be sorry.