March Madness returns to South Carolina this week for the first time since 2002, ending a 15-year NCAA boycott the against holding championships in the state as a result of the Confederate flag being flown over its statehouse. That flag came down in 2015, clearing the way for Greenville, South Carolina, to host games once again. But games are returning to South Carolina earlier than it expected. That’s because the NCAA pulled tournament games out of North Carolina in response to the state passing House Bill 2, regulating the use of public bathrooms for transgender people.
At his press conference in Greenville, Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski opened his remarks by discussing how for one month a year, college basketball has the power to unite people—which then led him to discuss what could divide us. At first said he didn’t want to get political, but he couldn’t resist criticizing the bill that has cost the school’s basketball-obsessed their home state tournament games.
“It would be nice if our state got as smart and also would host, not just basketball tournaments, but concerts and other NCAA events. But maybe we’ll get there in the next century, I don’t know. We’ll see.
Look, it’s a stupid thing. That’s my political statement. If I was president or governor I’d get rid of it. And I’d back up my promises. As unusual as that might be. Anyway, I don’t want to get too political.”
CBS aired the comments by Krzyzewski in full, which led Charles Barkley to back Coach K.’s statement, reiterating his opposition to the controversial transgender bathroom bill put in place by former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory.
“No. 1, I really admire and respect coach Krzyzewski because he doesn’t have to do anything. He’s already a living legend. He’s got more money than he’s ever gonna spend, but I really appreciate him standing up for my gay friends.
“Now, my point, as a black man, I am against any form of discrimination whether you’re gay, Muslim, Hispanic, Jewish, whatever, and, if people in position of power don’t support these people, they’re gonna be left in a lurch by themselves.
“All these other groups are getting to feel what black people feel like now. With the Muslim ban, they’re deporting these immigrants, white folks are actually getting an opportunity to feel what black people have always felt. Discrimination is wrong in any shape whatsoever.”
While there are a lot of justifiable criticisms to be made about the NCAA, especially around this time of year, its stance on HB2 has been a commendable one.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.