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Schwartz on Sports: Something to smile about thanks to our favorite athletes

There may not be games being played, but there are a lot of athletes making a difference

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — March 15th was supposed to be selection Sunday. For college basketball fans – the most exciting day of the year.

But March Madness has new meaning this year. There are no sports. Paused because of far more serious issues facing our world.

It’s OK to miss sports. We all do. And they'll be back someday. But instead of lamenting the loss of something that brings us joy. Let's talk about the worst situation bringing out the best in the athletes we love.

Let’s be honest: the players, coaches, and owners will all be OK. But it’s the hourly workers, the pretzel server the beer slinger the ticket taker…that will be hit the hardest.

And there are athletes who have figured this out. Former Timberwolf Kevin Love was one of the first, he has pledged 100-thousand dollars to help pay event staff in Cleveland. New Orleans Rookie Zion Williamson has pledged to pay Smoothie King Center employees' salaries for the next Month. The Golden State Warriors players coaches and ownership pledged a MILLION dollars for Case Center employees

Cincinnati Red Pitcher’s David Carpenter and Trevor Bauer organized a charity wiffle ball game with teammates – closed to the public for safety reasons – and broadcast it live on social media. They started a GoFundMe page which has raised more than 21-thousand dollars their hope is to get to a million to help various MLB event Staff.

The point is that despite this tough time there are some athletes who feel a social obligation to give back as best they can. Believing strongly in the team concept that no one is more important than anyone else. That the guy wearing the jersey is just as important to the organization as the woman who is selling it.

Yes, it would have been nice to stay inside and watch all 67 games of March Madness. Instead will sit inside and watch Netflix. But instead of focusing on the negative. Enjoy the idea that in this time of need our favorite athletes are making the news for the good they’re doing and not anything else.

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