There is a massive new report highlighting the “alarming data” behind NBA superstars sitting out of nationally televised games. The league is panicking because fans are tuning in to watch titans clash, only to see the 12th man on the bench shooting step-back threes. I read this report, and it triggered a deep, visceral memory of my 21st birthday party. I invited twelve people. Two people showed up, and one of them was my mom. I know exactly how ESPN feels right now.
Load Management is Emotional Abuse
When a star player takes a “rest day” on national TV, it is a personal betrayal to the viewer. It’s like getting stood up on a date. You get dressed up (put on clean sweatpants), you order expensive food (Domino’s), and you sit on the couch waiting for the magic to happen. Then, a graphic flashes on the screen: “Star Player – OUT (Load Management).” The crushing wave of disappointment is unbearable. Why don’t they care about my feelings?
We Are All Benchwarmers
The NBA is broken because everyone wants to be special but no one wants to show up to work. I show up to my life every day, even though I desperately want to take a load management day. I should call my boss and tell him I have “general soreness” in my soul and cannot log onto the Zoom meeting. But I won’t, because I am a coward. The NBA stars have it all figured out. Just don’t show up. It’s the only way to protect yourself.
