The year 2020 is such an aesthetically pleasing number to look at. Two zeros and two two’s. It represents consistency and perfect eyesight. 

Three months in and the only constant this year has had is the gut-wrenching, nonstop, horrible news seemingly every month. 

2020 began modestly as we were all prepared to take on the new decade. However, near the conclusion of the first month, the entire sports world was mourning extensively after the tragic passing of Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. Nothing else seemed to matter after that. 

February brought the Super Bowl with Glendale College’s own Andy Reid finally winning his first title when the Kansas City Chiefs took down the San Francisco 49ers. The NBA season was beginning to get even more interesting, as teams were making their playoff pushes and gaining steam heading into March. Champions League soccer returned with action heating up and final legs supposed to take place this month.

The madness came quickly in March as COVID-19 ran through the world and began to directly impact our country. What followed next looked to be from a movie. 

The inaugural college basketball tournament nicknamed “March Madness”: canceled. The NBA season: suspended. All professional soccer leagues in Europe including the Champions League: suspended. Opening Day for Major League Baseball: postponed. The Euro and Copa America international soccer tournament set for this summer: postponed.

Well, at least we have the Olympics.

Not so fast.

It was announced on Tuesday that the Tokyo Olympics will be pushed to next year amid concerns about the virus. The committee had been the final ones to speak out about postponing events but after many countries voiced their issues about athletes being unable to train during this period, it made sense for it to be postponed as well.

As we approach April and most likely our first month with no sports at all since 1883, according to Elias Sports Bureau. A 137-year streak that will most likely be broken as we reach April Fool’s Day. 

How I wish this was all a prank. 

With no sports, the world has turned into a less interesting one. I would much rather be pranked about a trade between two teams than to sit through another month of no sports. 

There are no more matchups to look forward to, no more highlights and analysis to wake up to and no more intrigue for sports fans across the globe. The sports world for once has been kept quiet and fans are struggling to find entertainment. 

This year in sports was turning out to be a fantastic one overall. 

The NBA was booming as the competition was at an all-time high between two LA teams fighting for a title. Champions League soccer in Europe offered an extremely interesting turn of events when favorites Liverpool were knocked out, widening the opportunity for clubs to step up to glory. Not to mention the Olympics this summer which many sports fans relish in and count the days to. 

Now, we wait.

The waiting game is never an easy one, yet in this case, it is even harder. There is no end in sight. No indication of when our misery as sports fans will end. No light at the end of the tunnel to watch our beloved teams once again. 

President Donald Trump mentioned earlier this week he plans to open the country back to business near Easter. Countless health experts across the country have indicated this is not a likely occurrence.

Owners from the NBA have mentioned they will salvage this season at any costs with the finals possibly taking place in September, and upcoming season tipping off on Christmas. The MLB has indicated they too will be patiently waiting to start their season whenever the time is appropriate, whether it be in June or July. The Olympics, European and Copa America tournaments will be held next summer, which is a greater alternative as more preparation can lead to even greater action. 

In times like these, we can only hope things are solved quickly and safely. Sports are seen as our break from reality, but with a disease like a coronavirus there is no escape, only patience. 

Anthony Gharib can be reached at [email protected].