deportes: What's going on?

Beyond the Box Score: When Sports and Tragedy Collide

Okay, let's get this straight. We're supposed to care about a CONCACAF World Cup qualifier between Bermuda and Curaçao on the same day a 19-year-old Cal State Fullerton soccer player is being mourned? Give me a break.

The Game Goes On

Yeah, yeah, I know. "The game must go on," right? That's what they always say. Bermuda's got nothing to lose, sitting at the bottom of Group H. Curaçao needs a win to keep pace with Jamaica. Blah, blah, blah. Who cares? Are we really supposed to get worked up about Kenji Gorré's scoring streak when Lauren Turner's family is planning a funeral? I mean, offcourse we mourn and move on, but...

And Telemundo Deportes Ahora is broadcasting this? Seriously? I guess some things are more important than perspective. How to Watch: Bermuda vs. Curaçao LIVE | CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers 2026 - Telemundo

Curaçao's bringing in their European-based ringers – Gorré, Kastaneer, Chong, the Bacuna bros. Bermuda trots out Leverock, Jimenez, Donawa. It's a mismatch on paper, and frankly, a mismatch in terms of emotional weight. One team's chasing World Cup dreams; the other's just trying to get through the day.

I’m not saying they shouldn’t play the game, exactly. But the relentless march of the sports calendar, indifferent to real-world tragedy, always leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It’s like watching a gladiator fight while someone’s house is burning down.

A Life Cut Short

Lauren Turner. 19 years old. "The funniest, most charismatic and loving teammate." That's what the CSUF women's soccer team said. Her family talked about her "positivity, humor, competitiveness and leadership." Sounds like a hell of a kid.

She played 10 games this season, started in 8. Played a full 90 minutes in a win against Pittsburgh. All-conference potential, probably. Gone. Just like that, snuffed out in an e-scooter accident. Cal State Fullerton soccer player dies after nearly 6 weeks in ICU following truck, e-scooter crash - Orange County Register

And Ashlyn Gwynn, her teammate, is still recovering. Out of the ICU, thank god, but facing months of therapy. Nodding, following objects, moving her arms and legs… it's a start, but it's a long road. A GoFundMe raised over $104,000. A testament to the human capacity for empathy, I guess.

Here's the thing: After the crash, Coach Demian Brown implemented a helmet rule for e-scooters and e-bikes. Great. Reactive, not proactive. Like closing the barn door after the horses have bolted. Where was this rule before someone died?

I bet you anything the university's lawyers are working overtime right now, trying to limit their liability. That's what always happens.

Speaking of CSUF, they're hosting a candlelight vigil for Turner on November 12th at Titan Stadium. A nice gesture, I suppose. But will it bring her back? Will it ease her family's pain? No. It's theater. Empty symbolism.

So What's the Real Story?

Look, I'm not heartless, okay? I get that life goes on. That people need distractions. That sports can be a source of joy and community. But sometimes, the relentless pursuit of entertainment feels… wrong. Tone-deaf. Morally bankrupt.

A soccer game in Bermuda, broadcast on Telemundo, while a community mourns a lost life. It's a stark reminder of our warped priorities. Maybe I'm just being cynical. Maybe I'm the crazy one here. But something about this whole situation just feels… off.