Please stop 2020, just stop

It was with great sadness that I was planning on writing a tribute to the late great Chadwick Boseman after he passed last Friday only for his passing to be followed up with the death of Uncle Cliffy, the popular NBA star Cliff Robinson, to then have one of the people I look up to, Big John, John Thompson passing to finish the week with the passing of a New York icon, the great Tom Seaver. Not to make light of the situation, but I never thought that I would write a sentence that long with so many prominent figures dying so soon. It is a sad reflection on just how precious life truly is and that it is unfortunate, but we all must cope with some form of loss. I really wish I had the energy to write a full out tribute to each, maybe in due time but right now, I’ll gloss over each one and what they mean to me.

• Chadwick Boseman – A great actor who played so many prominent roles and was taken from us way too soon. The cultural impact of playing Black Panther, the first prominent black superhero featured in their own film. Or playing Jackie Robinson in 42, or playing James Brown or playing Thurgood Marshall. All influential black men whose stories were able to be told thanks to his vivid acting.
• John Thompson – I’ve already reflected on Coach Thompson. Big John was a larger than life figure that stood up for what he felt was right. He was a revolutionary and influenced a generation of basketball fans. He wanted to make sure his players were educated and positive contributors to society. Just look at the heartfelt tributes from his ex-players such as Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo, Jerome Williams, and Allen Iverson. Even players that came after his tenure as coach ended venerate Coach Thompson. He will be truly missed.
• Cliff Robinson – Uncle Cliffy, need I say more. Jim Calhoun’s first major star at UConn, Cliff Robinson crafted a long and successful NBA career. A former All-Star who will most notably remembered as a killer sixth man, Uncle Cliffy was probably in the NBA 20 years too early. In today’s NBA, Robinson would thrive as a stretch 4 or 5 with his deadly outside shot. A man who was loved by his teammates, another sad loss.
• Tom Seaver– The one and only Tom Terrific, not Tom Brady or Tom Glavine. To Mets fans, Tom Seaver was and is the franchise. A dominating pitcher that was the face of a franchise for over a decade. A man who was traded and caused both grown adults and children alike to cry. Tom Seaver is a New York icon. It’s a shame that there will be a statue in his honor at Citi Field in 2021, posthumously.

I know its cliche, but it really is what it is. Thank you to these 4 men for their great contributions in their craft. 2020, you suck.

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