There is no way to sugarcoat what we are going through.
The Coronavirus is an uphill battle that we are losing – every day.
And while adults should be setting an example by listening to everything that is told, the reality is they are not. They have that ego that tells them "I am not going to get sick".
While it may be tough for many students to grasp "real world" things – because you are not yet in a position to face that part of your life – what you need to do is pay attention and see what the rest of the world is going through – young and old.
These are the years where your parents or guardians are supposed to be teaching you right from wrong – and things that you will need to pretty much live for the rest of your life.
What we are experiencing right now has taken the norm and pushed it aside. We are in waters that have never been crossed, and all rules and standards are out the window.
For young men and women, there is no dress rehearsal. This Coronavirus is the real thing – and you are asked to now use common sense instead of instinct.
As we all fully comprehend, most teens know everything and they have things under control. But they don't have things under control when it comes to making decisions of life and death – and now they are being called upon to grow up fast.
As our local athletes continue to lament that fact that they are missing baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf and football, and keep talking about returning to their sport, they have NO clue the reality of what we are all facing.
The Coronavirus is killing people. It is affecting and infecting thousands and thousands of all ages – because it is a disease that is spread through contact.
Telling people not to go out in large groups, stay away from those who may infect you and wash your hands over and over again are falling on deaf ears. While our youth of today hear you – they don't really hear you.
Travel around south Florida or look on the internet and see the gatherings of people via social media and you will see that this is not going to end – no time soon.
No matter how lame it sounds, staying at home and guarding against spreading or catching this disease is the ONLY defense we have. That mindset of going to the park and throwing the ball or shooting baskets won't harm anyone, is not a reality. You spread this disease quickly. Hanging with friends is only going to make this last a lot longer, and in return, continue to spread this disease.
A majority of teens do not watch news – no matter how many current events classes they have taken. So, here is a reality check. Coronavirus is not going away. It is a disease that there is NO known cure for, and until we have this under control, which is unlikely right now, life will NOT go on. No movies. No mall. No sporting events. No restaurants. No beaches. NOTHING!
Spring football and other activities are NOT going to happen. Summer camps at colleges trips will not happen either. Basketball, track and softball camps are not going to be held, and for every young man or woman who continues to ignore the threat of this virus, it will last longer – and Memorial Day and the Fourth of July will pass, and the summer will be extended as more cases pop up.
The knowledge that professionals have been warning about is not for them to hear their own voices. This is real.
What has to happen is a bell needs to go off in each and every student's head. Whether it goes off because the loss of a loved one or a close friend to this virus – or for some other reason – it needs to go off.
The Coronavirus is real, and until every student realizes the big picture and why adults have been in panic mode for the past few weeks, this is going to remain larger than life.
In closing, we ask that every student take time away from their dreams of getting back to athletics or their career goals to understand the big picture. That big picture includes them growing up faster than they wanted and being part of the solution and NOT the problem!
Catch the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show each Tuesday/Wednesday night (8-10) on 560 THE JOE - WQAM (560AM - https://wqam.radio.com/media/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio). For the past 14 years, the players and coaches who are making the headlines, join the program. You will learn a lot about football recruiting! Also Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein- SFHSports) and Twitter (@SFHSSports - @larryblustein).
