Sept. 13
Sitting for hours and watching the news coverage of the terrible tragedy that hit our nation makes me realize that no sporting event should take place this weekend.

I was surprised that some conferences originally allowed their members to keep their scheduled games. I really believe that Roy Kramer and the SEC finally made a wise decision in changing their initial feeling about playing this weekend.

	“	Sports are so trivial at this moment. This time belongs to paying respect and tribute to those who have been affected by this unbelievable tragedy. ”

I also feel Paul Tagliabue and the NFL, as well as Bud Selig in baseball, made the right move in postponing games through this weekend. They should be commended for not being involved in a form of entertainment.

I have heard the argument that you can't allow terrorists to alter our style of living or bring us to a halt. To me, the argument that the terrorists have paralyzed the nation really doesn't apply. It doesn't fit when you talk about a form of entertainment. They are not bringing us to our knees. Our nation will rally -- be it rich or poor, black or white, people of all religions. We will all be stronger than ever.

Nothing was more touching than watching the members of our Senate gathering on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, singing "God Bless America." You have to applaud the efforts of those who have worked diligently to report on these events (Peter Jennings, Tom Brokaw and Dan Rather and ESPN's own coverage, and Bob Ley is as good as anyone in reporting during a crisis situation). But in watching the coverage on all the news stations, one can understand that right now there is no joy in cheering and screaming for your favorite teams.

I would personally love to see a directive from the NCAA to every commissioner, school president and athletic director that tells them to postpone every collegiate sporting event throughout the weekend.

It is time to sit, reflect, grieve, share and pray. Think about those who have lost loved ones, those who have had friends and family injured, all who have been affected by this terrible tragedy. Nobody has more passion for the world of sports than me, whether it's basketball (my first love), football, baseball, tennis or others.

I love those moments, but now is not the time to sit and be involved in a sporting event. Sports are so trivial at this moment. This time belongs to paying respect and tribute to those who have been affected by this unbelievable tragedy.