Before today's episode I wanted to leave a brief note for you, the listener. We understand that no one listens to the Final Four Is Not on the Schedule for non-sports related news. We certainly don't intend to change that focus and we will forever be committed to MSU basketball and its news, recruiting, and game analysis. However, it would also not be appropriate to ignore what happened on MSU's campus Monday February 13th, 2023 as it impacts every Spartans' life including those of its athletics.

Rod and I were recording back to back episodes Monday night of our Minnesota preview and this AMA session before the shooting had transpired on MSU's campus. Obviously, by now you are aware that the Minnesota game was canceled and as of this recording it is unknown what the plans are to make up the game. We are deeply saddened by the events on Monday night and the loss of life. The trauma and disruption to students and faculty and families is real and in many ways hard to comprehend. The evil and selfish act that occurred further proves that this is truly a broken and often senseless world.

I can speak first hand what it is like to experience sudden loss as my family lost our 14 year old son Andy 4 ½ years ago in a car accident to a distracted driver. Grief is not easy. But it is human. At this point I would say that whatever emotion you feel, even if it is many at once, is normal. Anger, sadness, fear, frustration, helplessness - they are all normal. They can change from day to day, hour to hour, and minute to minute. For those experiencing intense emotions from the shootings, I encourage you to deal with them in whatever way works best for you. Maybe it is crying. Talking to others like friends or counselors. Spending time alone in your thoughts doing something like walking, running, chopping wood, or whatever can bring you peace. I'd only suggest that you deal with it and not try to suppress it. I've done them all in dealing with the loss of Andy. The pain is there but letting the emotions come and acknowledging them is healing. The key is recognizing that there is not one way to reach the healing, everyone moves at their own pace and path, and it is almost never linear. Perhaps more important is to allow grace to others in their healing with support but an understanding that they may deal with it differently than you.

Sports are certainly not the most important thing in the world. There are many things that matter more as the events on campus proves. However, sports, much like music, dancing, fellowship and worship, are part of the human condition and add to the richness that is life. Surely we can live without them but they make for a more full life and often provide a distraction from the difficulties we face. Also, sports bring people together in community which is critical in times like these. People who would otherwise not come together do so for sports and arts and it allows us to express our humanity and why life is so worth living.

So we are releasing this episode with the understanding that it may not be what you need at this time - but maybe it is. Listen on your own time and in whatever way works best for you. Hopefully this provides a little bit of healing or distraction that you need in your personal grief journey.

From Rod and me,
Peace be with you and Go Green.