Sure. Of course. That's why I used the analogy of asthma. Diabetes would be another. Autoimmune disorders would be yet another.

There have been, are, and will be athletes with these permanent conditions. When there have been flair ups or problems with the condition, they get treatment, not mics shoves in their face and stupid questions about performance thrust at them while they're in medical distress.

Broken bones, pulled hamstrings, and concussions are temporary injuries. Same thing applies. They get treatment first and a chance to recover before being requires to fulfill contractual obligations.

Just because mental health can fall into either category, doesn't make the point I was making any less valid.

To that end, there have also been times when athletes have been excused from games and/or press because of unexpected crises like grief, terminal illness in a family member, etc.

Life happens. In the end it's all about priorities and considerations.

We know that as a society were struggling with mental health. We're not I. The best if shape. No one is excluded from the possibility of finding themselves unable to cope either temporarily, or permanently.

It's time to make mental health a priority, recognizing the moment we're in.