Not only is there the long-standing tradition of NBA Games on Christmas Day this season, but there is also three NFL games. It’s a packed slate for sports fans nationwide. Meanwhile, sports companies like the NHL, UFC and WWE have created a holiday break that allows their athletes to spend time with their families. Former Chicago Tribune Sports Reporter and current co-host of “Mully & Hanley” on WSCR-AM 670, Mike Mulligan says its insane that there are NBA and NFL games on Christmas.
“It is insane that on Christmas Day, there are three NFL games and five NBA games,” Mulligan said. “I want to be present with the family, but I always don’t want to miss a good sporting event, so it’s a dilemma for some of us.”
With the NBA games, it has become a tradition like the NFL has with Thanksgiving. The only difference is there are no fixed opponents. The NBA switches the schedule depending on the year.
Former NHL on ESPN analyst and current BetMGM brand ambassador Chris Chelios appeared on the show and had this to say when asked about the holiday break from the NHL:
“It’s the little things for the hockey players that really go a long way, and that was one of them,” Chelios said to Mike Mulligan and David Haugh. “At least spend that time with your family and make up those games at different points in the season. I know what they’re thinking – for TV they want those games, and that’s part of the business part of it – but I think it’s great that the guys can have a little more time over the holidays, especially Christmas, with their families.”
Chelios was one of the many layoffs by ESPN this summer. Chelios stated that he wasn’t a fan of any game on Christmas.
“Yeah, I think it just flat-out stinks that you have to play on Christmas Day,” Chelios concurred. “It’s great you’re sitting home with everybody, but at the end of the day you’re not even really watching the games because you’re with family…. I’m a big fan of football, but I just prefer no sports on Christmas.”
While I agree with Mike Mulligan about wanting to spend time with family on Christmas Day. It would be weird if the NBA moved away from having games on Christmas Day since that has been the tradition since 1947.
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