The University of Virginia decided officially Tuesday night that its men's and women's lacrosse teams will participate in the NCAA tournament despite the killing of women's player Yeardley Love of Cockeysville.
Here's why it feels like the right call:
1.) The timing is right. Proceeding with a game the day or two after the killing would have been untenable. The players were shattered and needed time to grieve. But the tournament opens May 15-16.
2.) People tend to fall back on routine in troubled times. It can be a comfort.
3.) If you don't play, you punish kids who really want to compete in the NCAA tournament -- a fun and special event.
4.) It may be what Yeardley Love would have wanted. I spoke to a parent of a women's team member Tuesday who expressed exactly that sentiment.
5.) Playing the games represents a chance to honor Love. One of the hardest parts of coping with death is feeling helpless. Whether it's by wearing black arm bands or patches with her number, players will appreciate being able to actively demonstrate their affection for Love and their sadness at her loss.
Let's be clear. The scope of this tragedy dwarfs intercollegiate athletics. But sports can play a role.
Virginia's women's team is likely to be a sentimental favorite in the tournament. I hope the public's outpouring helps the players heal. I'm sure the team will embrace the support. Once the contests begin, the honorable and respectful thing to do, of course, is for the opposing teams to try to win the game just as they always would.