MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Otis Sanford reporting:
Let's face it — it's been a tough several months in greater Memphis. We've seen murder and mayhem — not just from the usual suspects — but also from out of control police officers.
Most recently, we've seen a supermajority Republican state House embarrass themselves by expelling two African American House members simply for breaking decorum rules while calling for stricter gun laws.
The expulsions lasted less than a week but will cost taxpayers up to a million dollars for special elections that didn't have to be.
Even our city's favorite pastime — Grizzlies basketball — has been racked by off-the-court controversies involving star player Ja Morant.
Still, come Sunday; all the mayhem, political nonsense and juvenile misdeeds will take a back seat to the first round of the NBA playoffs.
And not just any first round. The Grizzlies will open the playoffs at home against the heralded Los Angeles Lakers and their superstar LeBron James.
It will mark the first time the Grizzlies and Lakers have met in the playoffs and, despite the hype, it promises to be the most significant sporting event in Memphis history.
Beale Street and other areas downtown will be bustling, and the economic impact for Memphis is immeasurable. Yes, ticket prices to these playoff games are astronomical, but the place will still be packed and the tension high as we put aside our problems for unmatched sports entertainment.
Go Grizzlies.
I'm Otis Sanford, and that's my point of view.