The proudest week in American sports did not involve a single end-zone celebration or walk-off home run or victory lap. It didn't require a Tiger Woods fist pump, a Barry Bonds pose, a Michael Jordan comeback or a Dennis Miller quip.

The proudest week in American sports involved no sports at all. No football. No baseball. No stock car racing. No golf.

The sports machine paid tribute to America this week by doing nothing at all. It didn't overemphasize the big game, over-indulge bloated egos, overwhelm opponents or overlook perspective.

Instead, it gave us much-needed pause.

Athletes admitted what we've known all along but somehow needed to be reminded of - it's only a game. They collectively took the spotlight off themselves and directed it where it matters.

In the wake of a national tragedy, the sports world exposed its heart. Sports sent a message to every rescuer sifting through the rubble of the World Trade Center and Pentagon, and every family member searching hospitals and clinging to fading hopes of finding their lost loved ones: We care, and we're with you.

It was the perfect gift. Time, respect, compassion and understanding all wrapped up in silence.

For one unforgettable week in September, we didn't need marching bands or tailgate parties or fight songs to feel like we were a part of something bigger than ourselves. We didn't need replica jerseys or painted-on logos to be part of a team. There was no Bulldog Nation or Red Sox Nation or any other permutation - just one nation, indivisible.

Regardless of whether we knew somebody lost on those airplanes or in those buildings, we were all scared and scarred. Every American - regardless of race, gender, creed or athletic rooting interest - was touched by this tragedy more profoundly than we could have ever imagined.

We didn't need any trivial diversions. Not this week.

Of course, not everyone agrees. Critics said the games should have been played as a message to Osama bin Laden and the rest of his ilk that America's way of life has survived. They said that by disrupting our routine we've somehow let the terrorists win.

Terror did not win this week. Osama bin Laden will receive that message soon enough.

America will survive, just as it survived a week without sports. We will go on, as we always do.

Sports will go on as well, picking up pennant races and title chases starting Monday. It will take time for the heart to catch up, but we'll fill the stadiums and sing the anthems and cheer on men and women who before this week we naively recognized as heroes.

But this quiet weekend should be cherished forever - like our favorite Super Bowl memory or Masters moment. This was special. It doesn't matter what you DID this weekend without games to occupy time. Maybe you went to church or gave blood or mowed the lawn or teed off or shared a beer with friends.

It's what we DIDN'T do that matters. We didn't divide into our chosen cliques - Seminole and Yellow Jacket, Falcon and Panther, Brave and Phillie - and disregard our fellow Americans. We all pulled together for a winner.

Amidst all the misery and rubble, it was as close to perfect as sports gets.

Reach Scott Michaux at (706) 823-3219.