Matt Leinart praises NFL as NBA postpones game due to winter storm

Matt Leinartformer USC quarterback and NFL star, welcomed the league’s decision to move the Rams’ Wild Card game from Los Angeles to Arizona, according to TMZ. Speaking to TMZ Sports, Leinart highlighted the ongoing devastation caused by the California wildfires, noting that safety takes precedence over football.

“The safety and the kind of what everybody’s going through here, obviously there’s a lot of devastation,” Leinart said. “It’s the smart thing to do.”

The Rams, crowned champions of the NFC West, lost home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. However, Leinart expressed confidence in the team’s adaptability, saying, “They are professionals. They will figure it out. Everything will be fine.”

The NFL provided fan transportation, including 15 buses for 750 season ticket holders, ensuring Rams fans could cheer on their team in Arizona. Leinart, who played both college and professional football in these regions, emphasized the importance of prioritizing community well-being over sports.

NBA faces weather challenges as winter storm hits Atlanta

While the NFL adjusted to the California wildfires, the NBA faced a different natural disaster. Severe winter weather forced the league to postpone the Atlanta Hawks’ game against the Houston Rockets. The NBA made this decision after consulting with local officials, citing the safety of players, fans and staff.

Winter Storm Kora blanketed the southern US in snow and ice, leaving more than 80,000 people in Atlanta without power early Saturday morning. The roads froze over, making travel dangerous and further justifying the postponement of the league game.

Leinart, an advocate of smart logistical decisions in sports, commented on the broader importance of athlete safety. “These are tough calls, but they’re necessary,” he said, linking the NBA’s move to his earlier praise for the NFL’s actions.

Despite these setbacks, both leagues have shown a commitment to prioritizing safety over scheduling. For Leinart, such decisions reflect the human side of professional sports, where protecting communities comes before competition.