A World Without Sports: Coronavirus and Our Widespread Panic Lacking an Obvious Distraction

We're just like the rest of you. The last week felt like an eternity on my Twitter timeline, as our entire community has been turned on its head, thoroughly shaking up our priorities in the process.

I get paid to write about sports. Right now, very few are in-season, and those that are ought to bow out while they still can. We have plenty to write about, don't you worry, but it still feels trivial in comparison to our real-world problems. The COVID-19 virus, in a matter of weeks, has (justifiably) scared us into quarantine. Businesses will close. Hospitals will remain crowded. Cities will turn into self-imposed apocalyptic ghost-towns.

I'm scared; we all should be. I miss my mom, my brother, my cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends and longlost family from a decade ago. I want nothing more than some sort of assurance that everyone and everything I hold dear will be okay. This is not our over-exaggeration. It's our reality, and one that needs to be taken seriously without 24/7 access to your favorite athletes. They are people, too, with all the concerns I just mentioned.

Still, there is hope. We always have hope. The best and brightest among us are working tirelessly to limit the spread of a virus we thus far have very little control over. We live in a culture of distrust, and I'm as guilty as the rest of us. Waiting around and taking advice from others is not my strong suit -- even if I hide it better than most -- but it's all we can do. Surprisingly enough, I didn't set out to lecture those of you who crowded the local pub on St. Paddy's day, but simply ignoring the latest headlines goes against every fiber of my being. In this case, it's far better to overreact than ignore the challenge in front of us, hence the 300-word preface.

What Should Sports Fans Watch During Coronavirus Panic?

Finally, I'll get to the point. I'd tell you to read a book, but let's be realistic.

Everyone has a favorite sporting event. Odds are, you can find the game in its entirety (or at least the final moments) on YouTube. Apologies to any and all Lakers fans still in attendance:

The Goin' to Work Pistons personified Detroit in that time period. It was a true underdog story -- a random group of castaways (at the time) defeating the Lakers, which featured four future Hall of Famers in Shaq, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone and Gary Payton. I was 11, and I've never been happier as a sports fan.

Now, let's say the basic fanaticism doesn't fill your fix. Another option? Pick literally any of ESPN's award-winning series '30 for 30'. My favorite, in particular, is their documentary on the U.

All are available on ESPN+ and other streaming services, and assuming ESPN doesn't release their Michael Jordan documentary ASAP, these aren't a bad backup.

Lastly, if you're into re-watching some of the greatest sporting events in recent memory, ESPN Classic and ESPN2, among others, are offering us a taste of the past.

These are just a few options, and don't include the obvious conclusion of spending time with your family and those closest to you in a responsible manner. We here at 12up are with you every step of the way.

Stay safe -- we'll rebound like Ben Wallace.

If you're concerned about the spread of Coronavirus, or fear you or a loved one has it, visit this link to the Center of Disease Control's official website for more information.