Robert S. Brown’s article “Sport and Healing America” discusses how role that sports played in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001 and specifically the 2001 MLB playoffs and the Super Bowl. However following the MLB playoffs and Super Bowl it was seen that “sport must be recognized for the powerful influence it can have, especially in the light of the messages of healing and inspiration for millions of Americans provided after September 11th” and it’s an important and valuable part of our country and society. In the days following the attack sporting events across the country were cancelled and there was an unknown as to when they would resume. They eventually did but it wasn’t without debate as to when and who should decide. This was not the first-time sport carried on in the midst of tragedy. President Roosevelt recommended that baseball carry on following Pearl Harbor and the US’ involvement in WWII, as did NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle following the assassination of JFK. Sports matter and following 9/11 “it was clear that they understood their potential role in the healing of society” and baseball starting that process when it resumed play ten days after the attacks. And the continuing healing of our nation culminated with the 2001 World Series which featured the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks. Prior to game three, President Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium where he showed no fear and signaled thumbs up to a roaring crowd that chanted U-S-A, U-S-A! Baseball was back and New York mayor Rudy Giuliani said Bush’s appearance “‘shows we’re undeterred and life is moving on the way it should.’”
When it came to the NFL, the Super Bowl was “altered the format to address social issues brought about by 9/11” and during pre-game ceremonies there were tributes made for those who helped America get through what had happened and back to a sense of normalcy. Every aspect of the game had symbols that represented patriotism and love for America. And at halftime U2 performed “Where the Streets Have No Name,” the author states “while the names of those lost on 9/11 scrolled behind them on a giant screen.”
Brown, Robert S. 2004. “Sport and Healing America”. Springer Science & Business Media. 42 (1): 37-41. Accessed March 19, 2017. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02687298.