"The Match 2" opened with an emotional segment from broadcaster Ernie Johnson describing the context of the high-profile golf competition amid the coronavirus pandemic and explaining his decision not to call the event.
Johnson's son Michael has muscular dystrophy that causes severe respiratory issues, and Johnson was concerned covering "The Match 2" could lead him to bring COVID-19 back home and threaten Michael's life. Johnson framed the decision not to attend the event as one risk-and-reward scenarios that many Americans are facing during this uncertain period.
"I would have loved to have been part of the broadcast team down there at Medalist today," Johnson said. "But I have a 31-year-old son Michael, and for the last nine years, every breath he's taken has been with the aid of a ventilator. He gets lung infections all the time. I just didn't think it was worth the risk of bringing in an unseen foe into our house."
“Here’s to remaining safe. Here’s to remaining hopeful. And here’s to doing it together.” @TurnerSportsEJ delivered a powerful message before #CapitalOnesTheMatch pic.twitter.com/Ue1WViDVzE
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 25, 2020
MORE: Live updates from "The Match 2"
Johnson's eloquent segment drew praise on social media and recognition of his unique ability to connect with viewers on serious subjects.
Ahead of Sunday's much-anticipated golf matchup that included Peyton Manning, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady, his words were just what many people needed to hear.
Here are some of the reactions to Johnson's segment:
Ernie Johnson... absolutely LEGEND
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 24, 2020
Man, Ernie Johnson is an all-timer. That was incredible.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) May 24, 2020
Ernie Johnson is truly unmatched. Will never be another! We’re lucky to have him on our screens and in our homes.
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) May 24, 2020
grateful for folks like Ernie Johnson who can voice what so many are feeling in a way so few could.
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) May 24, 2020
That Ernie Johnson open was the best thing I’ve seen all year. #TheMatch
— Kyle Keefe (@kylekeefetv) May 24, 2020
In typical Ernie Johnson @TurnerSportsEJ fashion, a terrific piece about what we are all going through. No agenda. Just passion and perspective. Well done EJ.
— Peter Kostis (@peterjkostis) May 24, 2020
That Ernie Johnson open pulled on all the heart strings. So real, so honest, and so relevant. #TheMatch
— Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonWSB) May 24, 2020
Man, that Ernie Johnson bit was so well-done and from the heart. Def where we needed to hear in this period. #TheMatch2
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) May 24, 2020