From the NFL’s acknowledgment of the football-CTE link to the epic finishes in March Madness, I've ranked the top 5 most important moments.

1.The NFL acknowledges a football-CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) Link

Playing football is not as glorious as it once was. The hard-hitting and rather violent sport is proving to not only be painful but also deadly. Hall of Fame Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman publicly commented on the unlikeliness of his son following in playing football due to the recent reports of brain injuries being suffered by former players. Although Aikman does not have a son, he is among the growing population of worried parents who fear that their sons could develop brain injuries and succumb to complications.

These parents’ uneasiness was certainly not alleviated after an NFL top official conceded the link between football and CTE. This announcement comes almost three months after the release of the controversial film "Concussion." The movie follows Nigerian forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu, portrayed by Will Smith, in his discovery of CTE after he took an autopsy of former Pittsburgh Steeler Mike Webster in 2002.

On Monday, March 14, in a roundtable discussion on concussions, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., asked Jeff Miller, the NFL’s senior vice president for health and safety, if the link between football and neurodegenerative diseases such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, has been established. Miller responded, “The answer to that question is certainly yes.”

This marked the first time that the NFL had admitted football’s connection to the brain disease, which can only be diagnosed after death. The NFL refuted Omalu’s findings. However, Miller’s recent statements could prove to be costly for the NFL. With multiple lawsuits already thrown its way, the league will have to figure out a way to assist its former players, its current players, and its future players.

2.Serena Williams Eloquently Fires Back at Indian Wells’ CEO

Sisters Venus and Serena Williams have electrified the tennis world for over 20 years. With the hardware and endorsements as proof, the Williams sisters have increased the appreciation and acceptance of female athletes. Unfortunately, recent comments by Raymond Moore, a former professional South African tennis player and CEO of Indian Wells, attempted to undermine the Williams’ efforts and all the other women who have made tennis so marvelous to watch.

In an interview on Sunday, March 20, on the eve of the singles finals at the BNP Paribas Open, better known simply as Indian Wells, Moore made these statements:

"In my next life when I come back I want to be someone in the WTA because they ride on the coattails of the men," he told reporters, referring to the organization that runs the women's game. "They don't make any decisions and they are lucky.

"They are very, very lucky. If I was a lady player, I'd go down every night on my knees and thank God that Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal were born, because they have carried this sport. They really have."

Moore’s misogynist and downright disgusting comments triggered a fire response from Serena Williams. Williams responded after her 6-4 loss to Victoria Azarenka. “We as women have come a long way, and we shouldn’t have to drop to our knees at any point.”

Williams’ remarks could not have been more accurate. Moreover, I wouldn’t doubt the number of spectators who would rather watch Williams dominate in an unforeseen fashion than watch her male counterparts. In fact, the U.S. Open’s women’s final sold out before the men’s for the first time. This tremendous feat points to the rising popularity that women’s tennis has garnered over the last few decades.

3. March Madness

During March, I go through a range of emotions. The reason is March Madness, better known as the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament. I've screamed in excitement (thanks to North Carolina's advancing to the Sweet 16). I've been made to sit on the edge of my seat due to the down-to-the-wire finishes and clutch game winners. I've been left in shock because of Northern Iowa's demoralizing defeat, aka the greatest collapse in NCAA history, in last night's game against the Aggies of Texas A&M. Northern Iowa squandered a 12-point lead in the final 44 seconds left in regulation in their 92-88 loss. No matter how many times I have uttered "screw my bracket" in rage, the beauty behind the Madness keeps me locked in. With the Sweet 16 set to begin on Friday, there will be more dramatic endings and more upsets. Oh yea, and, of course, there will be more "screw my bracket" outbursts.

4. Spurs Beat the Warriors

On Saturday, March 19, the Golden State Warriors traveled to San Antonio to face the hometown Spurs in a potential preview of the Western Conference Finals. The Spurs entered the matchup 59-10, 2.5 games behind the then 61-6 Warriors. The Warriors are chasing history, hoping to eclipse the NBA's regular season win record set of 72-10 set by the Chicago Bulls in the 1995-1996 season.

The Warriors, who were without center Andrew Bogut, have not beaten the Spurs in a regular season game in San Antonio since 1997. Magician Stephen Curry usually dazzles us with spectacular hands and lights-out shooting. The swarming defense by the Spurs made it difficult for Curry and the Warriors. Curry shot 4-for-18 from the field, connecting on 1-for-12 from 3-point range. The Warriors were held to 79 points, their lowest scoring game since February 4, 2014.

The Warriors (62-7) have to win 11 of their next games 13 to break the single-season record. Unfortunately for them, they still have to face the Spurs (59-11) twice (once at home and in San Antonio) before the season's conclusion. Will the Warriors capture the record or will Popovich and his expertise in defensive adjustments be too much for Curry and the Warriors to handle? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

5. Afghanistan's Women's Soccer Team Unveils New Uniforms with Hijabs

Although this story first made headlines two weeks ago, I thought it still deserved to make the list. Sportswear company Hummel unveiled the new Afghani national team jersey on Tuesday, March 8. The newest iteration will feature a hijab, representing the importance of religious freedom in sports. Two years ago, FIFA approved head covers.

“The national team shirt symbolizes all of our culture, our tradition, our history,” explained Khalida Popal, a former team captain. “To wear that shirt and to lead your country out onto the football pitch is something that stays with you forever.”

Check out the video above and let me know what you think of the new jerseys by commenting below.