Larry Miller wasn’t there, nor were a lot of other fans. But enough people were there Sunday for the Utah Jazz to beat the Lakers. Here’s what the Times had to say about the Sunday game:
Larry Miller, the Jazz’s owner, was one of the day’s no-shows, giving up his courtside seats because he abstains from nonreligious activities on Sundays in accordance with his Mormon beliefs. The Jazz had not played a Sunday home game since January 2001, recognizing the mismatch in going one-on-one with the Mormon Church.
For shame, NBA, for shame?
OK, before the “tolerance” police begin to beat me up, I should point out that I believe Sabbath day observance is a personal thing. For some people, going to a game with your kids may be the most religious thing you can do on a Sunday. For others, maybe not. My personal rule is no sporting events on Sundays, but as I have posted elsewhere, I could make exceptions if, for example, my own son were playing in a game. Maybe you’re a lifelong Jazz fan and you just had to see this playoff game against the Lakers. That’s cool.
I’d love to learn what people think about the Jazz’s attempts to avoid Sunday games. That seems pretty unique. I give Larry Miller a thumb’s up for at least trying to avoid Sunday games. I’m guessing the NBA told him he would have to allow a Sunday playoff games this time. I’m wondering what our readers think of that.