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Running and sports in America: 28 black stories in 28 days
In February, for Black History Month, USA Today will publish the series 28 Black Stories in 28 Days. We looked at the problems faced by black athletes and sports officials after the country’s race running score in 2020.
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Even though he experienced relentless pain, anger and stress over the past year, Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns forced himself to smile and enjoy all the little moments that bring him joy.
But, as Towns admitted, that smile often masked the pain he felt both emotionally and physically. After all, Towns lost his mother and six other family members to the coronavirus. Less than a month ago, Towns also tested positive for COVID-19.
“I was worried on some points at the beginning because of how serious everything was,” said Towns after the Timberwolves’ 119-112 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. “My vital signs were not well. I had many underlying conditions that were not genetically in my favor either. The amount of virus I had in my body was not at all healthy. “
That’s because Towns said he shared genes similar to those of his mother, Jacqueline Cruz, who died on April 13, less than a month after contracting the virus and receiving treatment in an induced coma and being connected to a respirator. Towns’ father also tested positive for the virus, but has now recovered.
“I’m a high-risk case,” said Towns. “COVID did not treat me well at all. Many scary nights. “
The reasons for the scary nights vary.
Once, Towns logged into FaceTime with his niece, nephew and sister, who is a single mother. So, Towns boasted: “I’m going to fight; I will beat him. ”Instead of being inspired, Town’s niece and nephew cried. The reason? Towns’ mother said the same thing shortly before her death. Other times, Towns remembered his father constantly calling him for fear that it would mark his last conversation. Other times, Towns experienced dark moments while he remained in loneliness and pain, with nothing but his thoughts to occupy him.
“When things get really bad and really bad, you rely on your understanding or a higher understanding. I decided to go with the last one, ”said Towns. “I feel like there was an understanding that I couldn’t understand. But the Lord above did. So I just leaned on my faith and on Him. Faith is not tested when things are going well. But when it’s bad, I lean on it with my mom when things go the other way. I still remained true to my faith. “
Towns also leaned on his girlfriend, Jordyn Woods. Woods not only helped Towns in his recovery from COVID-19. Woods also healed Towns with his off-season rehab after a drunk driver hit him on the way to one of his modeling sessions in Los Angeles.
“I just went through so much that makes you too numb,” said Towns. “I just saw tragedies in my life all the time.”
And there were still Towns playing against the Clippers, despite having lost the previous 13 games, not having completed any contact training and initially struggling against rehabilitation in well-lit facilities on the recent five-game trip by the Timberwolves.
“It’s a humbling experience,” said Towns, who scored 18 points in 31 minutes. “I’m not ready for retirement yet. I’m happy to be back. “
Still, Towns spoke after the game in a videoconference so openly. Towns not only shared many details about the recovery of COVID-19. He also spoke honestly about other topics.
After donating $ 100,000 to the Mayo Clinic to support coronavirus testing efforts, Towns expressed his gratitude to the frontline workers. However, Towns also shared the survivors’ remorse.
“I felt very guilty about the treatment I received,” said Towns. “I think it should be more widely available to Americans and anyone in the world.”
After feeling the pain of losing relatives to the virus and the virus itself, Towns seemed increasingly uncomfortable with the general public who do not take the pandemic seriously.
“People complain about wearing a mask and wearing one of these. But these frontline workers are there with people who are possibly dying, ”said Towns. “And can’t you use one? Only one?! Stop. Do not be lazy. Think of others before you. Use the mask. Do your part. If you really hate this disease and this virus, help us to end it. Help us to prevent the spread of this. Use one of these. Continue your day. Be smart. Be smart and responsible. It is as simple as possible. “
Towns questioned why the NBA plans to host an All-Star Game next month in Atlanta with the pandemic still lingering.
“I personally don’t believe there should be an All-Star game. But what the hell do I know? “Towns said sarcastically.” Obviously I didn’t deal with COVID. I’m probably not the guy who asks for information. What do I know about COVID, right? “
Still, Towns supported the NBA’s plans to resume the regular season in arenas with no or few fans.
“This game brings the ability to be more normal,” said Towns. “As everyone adheres to protocols and rules, I am fine to return to this court.”
And yet, Towns often wondered if he would ever return to court. Even before he tested positive for COVID-19.
“I didn’t expect basketball to start anytime soon,” said Towns. “I was not mentally prepared to play when I entered the training ground. I was not mentally prepared for tonight. But what got me to play were these guys – these guys in the locker room. “
So the Timberwolves weren’t just amazed by Towns’ contributions after playing just four games this season, also because of a wrist injury. On and off the court, the Timberwolves admire Towns for two qualities.
They respected Towns’ resilience.
“He’s been through a lot this summer and last year. It is his credibility to continue to stay sharp and to continue to play with us and to continue to fight for everything he went through on and off the court, ”said Timberwolves guard Malik Beasley. “I am very grateful to have a teammate like this, who is strong to go through many things.”
They also enjoyed the opening of Towns.
“It takes a lot of courage in many different ways,” said Timberwolves coach Ryan Saunders. “Many people went through grief and loss. You listen, but until you live, you don’t understand that it is not linear. Everyone goes through ups and downs. I think Karl did an incredible job, managing any kind of low moment he might have to be a light to other people. This is something that should be talked about more.
“We would have liked to have had him in more games this year. But it just wasn’t in the cards. But at the end of the day, I think the impact he has had on people and how he is being frank with what he’s dealing with will have more impact than anything he can do on the court ”.
Towns spent 22 minutes after the game doing just that. When he finished, Towns stood up and offered a message addressed to the general public, his family and himself.
Cities say, “Be safe.”
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