The #ReturnToPlay debate continues to be prominent in Chicagoland this week.
Should athletes be allowed to participate or not? Is it safe? Is it really about safety anymore or something else?
I wrote more about the topic this past week. I appreciate everyone continuing to read the articles and share.
Took the time to read quite a bit this week…here are the most six most interesting articles I read and why.
After weeks of publishing links to articles teasing this news, it finally happened. The B1G will play football in 2020. I am excited to finally consume content about actual football and not about why we are not playing football.
Inside The Big Ten’s Decision To Play Football Now
This is excellent reporting from the Washington Post on the key reasons why the Big Ten changed their minds. What it came down to were the resolution of two key issues—rapid testing and concerns over the virus and myocarditis. Many B1G presidents have medical backgrounds and were sufficiently convinced by new data that the sport could be played safely.
Jimi Hendrix Died 50 Years Ago But Remains Cultural Icon
I’ve always been fascinated by the ‘27 Club’. These are musical figures from the 60’s who all died at the age of 27—Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix died 50 years ago Friday but is as popular as ever. The footage is grainy but take a spin at YouTube clip of Hendrix performing the National Anthem at Woodstock in 1969. Powerful stuff.
The Appeal of Sports Talk to Politicians
Clay Travis is a sports talk show host. But his popular show is attractive to guests outside the sports universe. An interesting piece on the mix of sports and politics in 2020.
Southport Lanes Another COVID Casualty
One of my favorite neighborhood bars from my time living in the city was Southport Lanes. Bowling and beer, and could do both after midnight! But SPL is closing later this month due to lost business related to the virus. A shame. This piece traces SPL’s history, which goes all the way back to Prohibition.
Student Reporters Heroes Of The Pandemic
I cut my teeth working for student newspapers like the “Maneater” in Columbia, Missouri and the “State News” in East Lansing, Michigan. Right now, those papers and thousands of others across college campuses are vital information sources. A comeback for college newspapers is a huge development for the future of journalism.
Have a suggestion for the Sunday Six? Send email to jon@jonjkerr.com.