Sports’ re-opening will be a bellwether in our country’s attempted recovery. My cousin complains about COVID-19 health precautions because the pandemic has not hit yet his rural town. Upset about having to wear a mask to visit the Mayo Clinic, he bought a Donald Trump mask. I can’t think of anything more ironic. The under-50 crowd is losing patience and headed toward herd immunity as justification for increasingly dangerous behaviors. Unless athletes die, the momentum to do your own thing will roll over all precautions. I’m part of the herd viewed as expendable, and sports are a vehicle that will make my part of the herd more vulnerable.
Larry, cancer survivor
Kiz: Staffers here at Kickin’ It Headquarters are naïve bumpkins. So pardon us for asking: Aren’t sports supposed to teach the value of teamwork? So why has it been so difficult for a sports-crazy nation to understand the pandemic wins if there’s no teamwork or coordination in our (allegedly) United States’ game plan against the virus? Forget about saving lives for a moment. If I told your cousin wearing a mask might save the NFL season, would he do it?
Kiz, I’m always glad to see The Denver Post on my lawn in the morning. I’m also glad you pointed out the Big Three of Denver sports – Nikola Jokic, Von Miller and Charlie Blackmon – tested positive for COVID-19. Arrogant, ignorant and stupid seem the proper adjectives for our three sports idols.
Bob, Boulder
Kiz: Forgive me, brother, for my sins. In order to prepare my late mother’s house for sale, I’m making a quick weekend trip to Florida, where there’s a surge in cases. Beneath my mask, I pray this family business trip won’t be remembered as arrogant, ignorant or stupid.
You present good information on hockey and I enjoy your writing, Kiz. But stay away from spewing badly flawed political opinion. I suggest you stick to hockey.
Joe, finishes his checks
Kiz: Well, hate to disappoint, but I’m better at backwards thinking than skating backwards. So stick to hockey? No way.
More than 20 years ago, Broncos safety Steve Atwater entered my personal Hall of Fame. I was mentoring a 10-year-old boy raised by a single parent. While attending a Nuggets game, we spotted six Broncos sitting nearby. Thinking my young friend could use role models, we approached them. Gracious beyond words, Atwater introduced himself and his friends, then had everyone autograph a program. Well, that young mentee is now a thirty-something who owns his own business. Could you please extend my thanks to Mr. Atwater for being a great human being?
Mel, Denver
Kiz: Consider it done.
And today’s parting shot campaigns for a new statue to honor a local sports hero, at a time when statues across the country are being torn down.
I’ve been talking to the Rockies, the city and local radio stations about erecting a statue of Don Baylor at Coors Field, saluting him as the Rockies’ first manager, as well as a pioneering Black manager in Denver sports.
J.C., innovative thinker
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