The myth of sports sticking to sports died this week, from self-inflicted wounds and a global outbreak of compromised values.

In the end, it never had a chance — even though some fans have trouble letting go of the idea.

Memorial services were held at an N.B.A. news conference where a reporter asked a timely question of two stars from the Houston Rockets.

“The N.B.A. has always been a league that prides itself on its players and coaches being able to speak out openly about political and societal affairs,” the reporter said. “I just wonder if after the events of this week, and the fallout we’ve seen, whether you both would feel differently about speaking out in that way in the future?”

A team representative chimed in immediately, saying they were accepting “basketball questions only.”