GCL Crew Discuss the Role Sports Play During Difficult Times

This week we tackle a difficult question. What role does sports play in society, especially during tragic times?  it's a question that was raised over a decade ago after 9/11 when NFL players didn't want to play. It came up again when Hurricane Sandy destroyed neighborhoods on Staten Island when the Miami Heat reluctantly laced up their hightops & played the Knicks.  The KC Chiefs were faced with the same question when one of their own took his life after murdering the mother of his child.

Now, after the unthinkable & unspeakable acts that were carried out last week in Newtwon, CT, the games went on while several athletes played with heavy hearts.

It's at times like these when the question of just how important (if at all) sports is in helping communities escape from reality if but for a brief moment in time arises. In times like these, many athletes are inspired to put things into better perspective. They hold on to their children a bit tighter, they realize that they are "only" playing a game and a loss is only a loss, and they realize that millions of fans around the world will watch to see how they react in the most difficult of times.

This week, we saw athletes like Victor Cruz & Dwayne Wade and teams/organizations like the Providence Friars Men's Basketball team make small gestures that had an enormous impact on those who are still trying to cope with their sadness!

Our thoughts and prayers are with the community of Newtown, CT.

Join the Game Changers Live Crew as they discuss whether sports have an role is helping communities make it through the grieving process.  Tune in to BlogTalk Radio at 1pm ET on Wednesday!