It’s been an extremely rough 24 hours for the sports world.
The NBA, NHL and MLS all suspended their seasons; Major League Baseball suspended spring training and pushed the start of its regular season back two weeks; the NCAA on Thursday afternoon officially cancelled both the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments; and outside sports, mass-scale events and institutions that generally involve large gatherings — like Broadway — shut down due to widespread fears about the spread of COVID-19.
This is a serious issue that is affecting the country and world in unprecedented ways. Stay informed about the latest COVID-19-related developments and continue taking the necessary precautions to avoid catching it yourself.
Anxieties are high, and if it makes you feel better, not even multimillionaire professional athletes are immune from the stress this virus is inducing in seemingly everyone. A few Steelers have been tweeting through their anxieties brought on by COVID-19.
Multiple Steelers expressed their surprise last night when the NBA announced that their season would be suspended after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Man I need that video of a gang jumping someone in because I know that’s how the NBA feel about poor Rudy.
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) March 12, 2020
Sheesh. https://t.co/vGPBSw22Rc
— Ryan Switzer (@Switz) March 12, 2020
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 https://t.co/iEFqshBrd2
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) March 12, 2020
Cornerback Steven Nelson appeared to have a minor (and public) existential crisis processing everything that was happening in a very short period of time.
How long before airports shut down ?
— Steve Nelson (@Nelson_Island) March 12, 2020
This to shall pass but then again idk 2020 has been nuts
— Steve Nelson (@Nelson_Island) March 12, 2020
Can’t even watch the news without seeing it
— Steve Nelson (@Nelson_Island) March 12, 2020
He seemed to regain a more positive outlook earlier Thursday though.
Thank you God
— Steve Nelson (@Nelson_Island) March 12, 2020
Linebacker Vince Williams has had a lot of thoughts running through his head regarding COVID-19 that he proceeded to share with the world.
Just sitting up with a pino confused af about this virus.
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) March 12, 2020
Bout to watch World War Z for some strategy. I’m way more gangsta than Brad Pitt. I got this.
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) March 12, 2020
There’s a no dap policy in affect. The RN head nod will suffice until we get this cleared up.
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) March 12, 2020
We do what we must Chris https://t.co/s59Uffjxqp
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) March 12, 2020
Nose tackle Javon Hargrave felt the financial affects of the pandemic before also asking the hard questions regarding this outbreak.
— Javon hargrave (@Jay_MostWanted) March 9, 2020
🥴
— Javon hargrave (@Jay_MostWanted) March 12, 2020
Mannnnn wth
— Javon hargrave (@Jay_MostWanted) March 12, 2020
Receiver Diontae Johnson invoked a higher power in his bid to make himself feel better.
Praying for better days 🙏🏾
— Diontae Johnson (@Juiceup__3) March 12, 2020
Finally, cornerback Mike Hilton summed up how most people are feeling about 2020 less than three months in so far.
2020 has been a year.....and it’s only March 😐
— Mike Hilton (@MikeHilton_28) March 12, 2020
So far, COVID-19 has only forced the NFL to cancel its annual owner’s meeting that was set to be held March 29-April 1. Otherwise, the offseason schedule has remained intact.
Whether you’re a professional athlete or a regular Joe, stay safe out there and know that you’re not the only one wondering what the heck will happen next.
Joshua Axelrod: jaxelrod@post-gazette.com and Twitter @jaxel222.
First Published: March 12, 2020, 9:28 p.m.