Sunday marked the one year anniversary of the first Cincy Sports Journal post. All that has transpired since that first post is bewildering in hindsight. Particularly given the week the United States just went through.

Last week, the U.S. went through a highly unorthodox Memorial Day. While tragically surpassing 100,000 COVID-19 deaths. Cincinnati and other cities are grappling with major protests. While most have been peaceful, some later unfortunately turned violent. Coming in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd. An unarmed Minnesota African-American man killed in police custody on Monday. After officer Derek Chauvin was seen on video kneeling on Floyd’s neck.

COVID-19, Floyd’s death and similar deaths have brought America’s racial tensions to a boiling point. Given the disproportionate effect the pandemic is having on racial minorities. Plus, longstanding and well warranted frustrations over police brutality and racism. In the wake of this, curfews have been implemented in Cincinnati. Along with other cities and towns in the Cincinnati area. In the most turbulent moment regionally since the 2001 Cincinnati riots. Similar curfews are in effect in several cities across America.

The United States is going through a metaphorical nervous breakdown. With little signs of tensions subsiding in the immediate future. The pandemic has unleashed economic turbulence in the U.S. and worldwide. Plus, we’re months away from an election that could be compared to a dumpster fire. Granted, that comparison likely would’ve applied if 2020’s developments so far never transpired.

Sports-wise, none of America’s big four major leagues are in action right now. Yes, there is sports news in this review today. With sporting events screeching to a halt in March. Along with many other events and activities throughout most of the world. MLB players and owners continue to negotiate over the 2020 season. More news on that particular story is coming later in this review. Instead we’re having to make due with German soccer and Korean baseball.

Joe Burrow makes a statement

In the midst of the unrest, Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback Joe Burrow did something somewhat unusual. Speaking out about the issues underlying the discontent. Doing so through a tweet last Friday afternoon. Joining many athletes in various sports that spoke about George Floyd’s death. While it’s not unusual for athletes of any race to address social issues. Burrow’s statement was interesting given his particular position.

Many white quarterbacks have tended to avoid addressing racial issues. Along with many other hot button societal issues. They were mostly silent about the Colin Kaepernick anthem protest controversy. Sadly an understandable approach, given the way things played out for Kaepernick and the NFL. Like many athletes of all races, they don’t want to risk losing endorsements or drawing fan outrage. Burrow, months away from his first NFL game, could’ve said nothing. His speaking out was a unique moment of leadership; one rarely seen from even veteran NFL players.

A 2020 MLB season remains in limbo

The back and forth between Major League Baseball players and owners continues. With a pay dispute taking center stage in the last few days. One that frankly seems inane given the state of the nation and world. On Sunday, the MLB Players Association made an interesting proposal. To have a 114 game season stretching from June 30th through October 31st. Pushing the regular season and postseason a month later than usual. This differs from Major League Baseball’s previously proposed an 82 game season.

MLBPA’s proposal also includes a way for players to opt out of games over COVID-19 concerns. Along with expanded playoffs for two seasons and more. This proposal boils down essentially to this, more games=more pay. Both sides have a vested interest in having a salvaged 2020 season. Everyone’s losing something but both sides would lose more by not having a season.

The league would even suffer a hit to their reputation. Potentially not having their act together while other leagues resume. Especially when baseball is in a position to provide a highly desired respite for many.