Almost unbelievably, Rihanna is singing tonight. By Ilikeriri (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

When I saw the headline on my feed, I did a double-take.

This had to be a headline from The Onion. Or the Koala. This couldn’t be real, could it?

It turns out it was a real headline, from the real-life USA Today: “Rihanna is the Opening Act on Thursday Night Football.”

Incidentally, the game will be played in Baltimore, where Ravens’ running-back Ray Rice and his woman-beating have been the center of the sports discussion universe this week.

I’m sure Rihanna’s appearance has been planned for months. I’m sure Rihanna is being paid handsomely to do it. I’m sure all the people related to the situation have rationalized themselves into thinking that it’s all good.

Still, it’s just one of those things that makes you shake your head and wonder… .