Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick needs to be the first fan back at sporting events
Proving once again our lieutenant governor’s chief ability is to create headlines, Dan Patrick believes it’s time for fans to be allowed back at the sporting events.
His “boss,” Gov. Greg Abbott, agrees.
If Patrick wants to show the type of leadership that people will have no choice but to respect, he needs to be the first one through the gate to have his ticket scanned.
And Mr. Patrick need not sit in a luxury suite with a coat and tie. He needs to be sitting in a Regular Randy seat, properly distanced from the fans he represents in Austin. Preferably fans who have a light cough, or a sniffle, and refuse to wear masks because they think it’s stupid.
Nothing serious, just a little something that says he’s comfy in a crowd. Something that says if he can do it, we can do it.
I want to see that Don’t Mess With Texas action from Patrick himself.
Since “this all began,” no politician has pushed to turn all the lights back on any harder than Patrick, going so far as to suggest we essentially sacrifice our elderly to do so.
On May 15, Patrick made a well-reasoned case to have fans return to sporting events in an op-ed published in The Dallas Morning News. He estimates a venue could fill 30 percent of its capacity.
What he writes is consistent with what parts of Texas are doing now, which is to reopen in small numbers.
We don’t need sports. We need signs that we can gather in the same spot without any additional fear.
Fans going back to sporting events is a sign that a degree of safety is back.
You fall into one of two categories: Either you believe the coronavirus is serious, that people are dying from it and that we all need to stay at home a bit longer. Or you believe the coronavirus is not that serious, the number of cases and deaths are manipulated, those who are dying from it are old, had underlying conditions and we need to reopen immediately.
Patrick thinks it’s serious, but not so serious to continue for us to stay at home. He wants you back at the ballpark.
He writes, “Tickets will clearly state that fans waive liability if they should become ill.”
Fear of litigation is ultimately the single biggest stumbling block to allowing fans back in en masse. Lawyers scaring lawyers isn’t the point.
Patrick just needs to show Texans, and Americans, that it’s one thing to say it, and another thing to do it.
We all currently suffer from Politician Fatigue, and while there is no respite in sight it would be refreshing if one of these blowhards actually did what they preach.
If Patrick wants us to play ball, he needs to be there in the crowds with us to show that it’s OK. But he won’t because he’s like most of us, in that he’s just not sure.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, America’s most trusted doctor on TV since Dr. Spock worked for the Starship Enterprise, suggested that if sports returns, the fans will have to sit out the rest of the year.
“I don’t believe Anthony Fauci should anoint himself as the commissioner of sports and tell the owners, players and fans what to do,” Patrick said in the column.
Patrick is right. No one should ever listen to just one doctor. It’s called a second opinion for a reason.
No one should ever listen to just one politician, either. It’s called stupid for a reason.
As we enter what feels like the 10th year of stay-at-home bliss, our tolerance for quarantine is nearing its conclusion. Most people are ready to escape their castle, consequences be damned.
Texas is leading the way to re-opening itself, so we Americans can return to what we do best: Buy stuff.
Fort Worth is also leading the way to re-start sports, with events at Texas Motor Speedway and the PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club scheduled for early June.
Fans will not be attending. And despite Patrick’s plea, and the momentum for everyone to start consuming at previous levels, fans won’t be attending games for a while.
Outside of the president, no politician is any more adept at creating the headline better than our lieutenant governor. It’s not a coincidence both men previously worked in the media.
Like the president, Patrick grasps relevance is currency. No matter how outlandish the statement, if you are heard, people remember your name. If people remember your name, there is a better chance of being re-elected.
Patrick is sincere in that he wants you to be able to go back to watch the Texas Rangers, Houston Astros and every other team in person.
But when this happens, he needs to be the first one through the turnstile. Then settle into that seat directly two rows in front of the fan with the nagging cough.
And stay for all nine innings.
Just to show us how it’s done.
This story was originally published May 19, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
