For “First Call” Friday, we talk about why Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh may win over the hearts and minds of some Steelers fans.
It’s been three months since the phrase “social distancing” became common in the American vocabulary.
I’m just as dubious of some of the measures being implemented coming out of the coronavirus lockdown as I was when mitigation methods were put in place as we were being locked inside.
Not dubious of the effectiveness, mind you. You don’t have to be a doctor to know that it’s harder to transmit a virus from one person to another if you are 6 feet apart as opposed to 6 inches.
Even I can figure that one out. What I do need explained to me is:
• Why four people of a “common relationship” can cram together into a restaurant booth, but they can’t stand next to each other at a bar.
• For much of this process, why mom-and-pop garden stores were shutdown, but the ones at Lowes and Home Depot were open.
• Why tennis courts were locked down for as long as they were when the game dictates you almost always being 6 feet apart.
And when it comes to the NFL, I have a lot of the same questions. Why do the pro football teams have to worry about how far apart their lockers are, when they are blocking and tackling one another?
Why can’t they sit close to each other at film meetings and at lunch, but they can sweat all over each other and be facemask to facemask in pass rush situations?
Play the game if it is safe enough. Don’t play if it isn’t.
But this is stupid.
S-T-O-O-P-I-D. Stoopid.
I can be politically incorrect and say that. When I check the comments section, I’m sure some of you will be, too.
But, for the most part, NFL coaches can’t be.
Enter John Harbaugh.
Yeah, yeah. I know. You hate him because he’s the Baltimore Ravens coach.
Fine.
Read these quotes he gave to 105.7 the Fan in Baltimore (as transcribed by PennLive).
“It’s impossible what they’re asking us to do. Humanly impossible,” Harbaugh said. “We’re going to do everything we can do. We’re going to space, we’re going to have masks. But it’s a communication sport. So if we want to get out there and have any idea what we’re going to be able to do, we have to communicate with each other in person. We have to practice.
“I’m pretty sure the huddle is not going to be 6 feet spaced. Are guys going to shower one at a time all day? Are guys going to lift weights one at a time all day? These are things the league and the (NFL Players’ Association) need to get a handle on, so we can operate in a 13-hour day in training camp that they’re giving us and get our work done. That’s the one thing, you can tell by my voice, I’m a little frustrated with what I’m hearing there. And I think they need to get that pinned down a little better.”
In Harbaugh’s words, “I’m reading these memos right now, you throw your hands up and you go, ‘What the heck? There’s no way this can be right.’”
God bless you, John Harbaugh. I’ve never loved a Raven as much as I do right now.
I’ve never even liked a Raven. But Harbaugh couldn’t possibly be more right.
