Coronavirus outbreak diverts attention away from the Saints in New Orleans

With each passing day, each passing hour it seems, we are reminded of the far reaching effects of COVID-19, not only where we live here on the Gulf Coast but throughout our country and around the world.

There is nowhere to run from the pandemic, nowhere to hide from it. News cable outlets provide 24/7 updated totals of new coronavirus cases and related deaths here and far as if we are keeping score at home.

I’m not. But one can’t tune in without seeing the updates.

COVID-19 is everywhere and not going away anytime soon.

As I write this dispatch Friday morning, the city of New Orleans now is being touted as our nation’s newest epicenter for the deadly disease. This story remains fluid and by April 1 some other city unfortunately may own that dubious distinction.

My wife of nearly 44 years and I keep a safe distance at home, out of habit I guess (LOL). Medical experts suggest six feet. We believe 10 feet is ideal, especially when discussing politics, money, her relatives and after eating a dish laden with garlic.

Just kidding. My wife, Jennie, is my soulmate and best friend!

In these troubling times, it’s been hard to laugh. It’s much easier to cry as I did while reading Patrick Magee’s heart-wrenching story in the Sun-Herald of 48-year-old Mississippi sportswriter David Johnson, who has been hospitalized with the virus and how his wife and young family are dealing with the situation.

I pray for him and his family.

I’d like to share several inspirational quotes that have served me well in life and in my sportswriting career:

▪ “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.’‘

▪ “Sometimes we face difficulties not because we’re doing something wrong, but because we’re doing something right.’‘

▪ “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for extraordinary destiny.’‘

In times like this I am reminded of the goodness in people, the countless acts of heroism and the kindness and generosity displayed by total strangers, much like I witnessed during 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina.

I apologize to those who had hoped to read about the New Orleans Saints and how they are doing in free agency. My heart just isn’t in it.

In a nutshell, Saints officials appear to have reloaded and positioned themselves nicely for another run at a Super Bowl. I particularly like the free-agent signings of safety Malcolm Jenkins and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.

I will close with a shout-out to Saints quarterback Drew Brees and his wife Brittany, who have generously donated $5 million to the state of Louisiana in 2020. Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Marie Benson also donated $1 million to establish a community assistance fund.

Stay safe. Stay healthy and remember — this too shall pass.

This story was originally published March 27, 2020 at 1:12 PM.