Reactions

Most users don't want tournament delayed because of war

SI.com asked for your reactions to the possibility that the NCAA could delay the start of the men's basketball tournament if war breaks out. Here's a sampling of what you had to say:

Play the games! I still have to go to work if we go to war. The country doesn't stop operating when we go to war. The tournament should still be played. The kids are still going to school, so they can still play the games.
-- Brian Spencer, Houston

No way should the NCAA push back the start of the tourney. The NCAA Tournament represents everything that America stands for -- free competition where everyone has an equal opportunity. If it is postponed because of an evil dictator a half a world away, then in a sense we have already lost the war. Military personnel will keep an active interest in the games, as a diversion from the real problems of the day.
-- Emmett Fitzpatrick, Chicago

The games should absolutely go on! We should treat this like any other day. Don't let them think we are changing our lives because of this. Before each game we should have a moment of silence out of respect for our military defenses.
-- Andy, Milwaukee

I feel strongly that while the national security advisory is at an elevated level, congregating a mass of personnel into concentrated areas such as sports arenas is quite risky. The fact that an event such as the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament is highly publicized regardless of location or round further increases the risk of catastrophe. Both the concentration of civilians and increased media coverage is quite likely to be inviting to those who seek to inflict mass casualties as well as seeking to maximize a psychological effect that would steer the USA's public persuasion to be against armed conflict with Iraq. As a sports enthusiast, I do not wish to see the tournament cancelled or postponed. However, as a citizen, I believe that holding a sports tournament at the onset of the most severe form of international politics (warfare) puts those who would be in attendance in undue risk. It would be ludicrous for the NCAA to think that there is no risk of attack and deplorable for it to knowingly place the lives of students, student-athletes, officiators, media, and the general public at such a heightened risk.
-- David A. Briggs, Huntsville, Ala.

Well, being deployed over in here where all the action is actually going on, I think the NCAA should continue with the games. It will be a welcome distraction from the things we are doing over here. I am sure that the networks will give plenty of updates of how things are going on over here. And I am sure that the coverage will be on more than 1 network for those folks who want to watch the war coverage 24/7.
-- Mike Poe

I don't enjoy war. I never have. I will watch coverage of it, however, seeing as how I do know several men and women in the military. However, nothing I do in Alabama will affect the war over in the Middle East. Especially not watching a basketball game. We need diversion during a time like this, and more importantly, we need to go on with our life as normal.
-- Matt Giesman, Dothan, Ala.

Delaying the games a couple of days does nothing other than guarantee CBS ratings from the war as well as the NCAA Tournament once the public becomes disinterested in the wa rand the tournament begins. It actually might be good to play the games anyway as it might help people take their minds off the war. Does anybody remember 1981 when Reagan was shot and the Hoosiers and Tar Heels played for the National Championship the same night?
-- Ed Dasso, Chicago

I think it should be postponed. We should focus on the security of everyone in our nation and this only opens us up to a possible location for someone to attach or create an opportunity for terrorism.
-- Kathy Diller, Elkhart, Ind.

Let the games go on! College basketball games have nothing to do with the war in Iraq. Just because the media floods the air waves with war coverage does not mean we should watch it.
-- Brett Vinson, Herrin, Ill.

War isn't meant to be watched on TV, if I wanted to be depressed and watch what war really is about I'd rent The Thin Red Line or Saving Private Ryan. I'm sick of hearing about war and I think its sickening to have to see it on TV day in and day out, I need my college basketball. Besides, I booked the time off work to watch the opening rounds so I don't want THAT to go to waste.
-- Brad Merchant, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

To when exactly should they push it back? 'Til after the war? If they're going to have it at all, it's going to occur during wartime, so it may as well go on as scheduled - keep with the tradition.
-- Jeff Campagna, Arlington, Va.

I believed this is the same as the sporting events being postponed after 9/11. I believe postponing the games for this weekend is the right thing to do. It's all about respect for people who are protecting us, if they can't enjoy the first rounds then either should we. I also believe that every other major sporting event this weekend should be postponed.
-- Skip Howe, Watertown, N.Y.

Let's delay the war. It's a bad idea regardless of NCAA basketball.
-- Steve Mack, Santa Barbara, Calif.

 

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