By Brian Hoffman – Sports Editor
’Twas the Christmas of COVID in the year 2020
and sports as we knew them were far from aplenty.
The cutouts of fans placed in seats with great care
as folks watch at home wishing they could be there.
When Rudy Gobert first came down with the bug
he ticked off a teammate with a well-meaning hug.
That was 284 days ago, as far as I can tell
when sports as we knew them went all to hell.
No baseball, no hockey, no March Madness, too
and even the golfers played golf before few.
The baskets returned with their games in a bubble
but only with masks and a whole lot of trouble.
The high school sports seasons were all put on hold
with many a senior left out in the cold.
No districts, no regions, no state games or meets,
no honors or trophies or memorable feats.
When things got no better the sports that we saw
were reruns and cornhole and Korean baseball.
The NASCAR returned but was run with great care
with hopes that the crazy fans soon would be there.
The big leagues returned and were funny to watch
without spitting or slapping or grabbing of crotch.
The Dodgers prevailed by downing the Rays
then Turner spread virus in post-series craze.
By autumn we hoped that things would be better
and high school athletes could still earn a letter.
But sadly the Virginia High School League noted
no football in this state was how the group voted.
The Hokies and Hoos completed their seasons
but won’t go to bowls for virus-fueled reasons.
The Commonwealth’s Cup was won by VT
then Hooker decided to set himself free.
The NFL season is still going strong
with plenty of time for things to go wrong.
The GOAT looks fine as a Tampa Bay Buc
but the Patriots and Newton have run out of luck.
The NBA season will open this week
with Harden in strip clubs to get him a peek.
He hopes to soon be a Sixer or Net
but the Rockets demands have yet to be met.
And so this is Christmas and what have we here?
A mask on old Santa and distanced reindeer.
The mall is a place where we like to go
but it’s a super-spreader of virus, you know.
But wait, do I hear there’s some hope on the scene?
It’s Pfizer and Moderna, with COVID vaccine.
On Fauci, on Gupta, and bring back Rich Bright,
the good whistle blower who knew what was right.
In the year ’21 may the sports that we yearn,
be cleared from the virus so fans can return.
And once again athletes will be back in action
enjoying the games and their great satisfaction.
And so when I laugh, like a bowl full of jelly,
may the sports that I watch be more than on telly.
The year’s almost over, there’s real hope in sight.
Merry Christmas, my friends, and to all a safe night.
