-
The Seventeen Year Itch
May 15, 2013 | 6 comments
-
Questions
May 1, 2013 | 50 comments
-
Stifling Our Children
April 15, 2013 | 39 comments
-
Thoughts on Gay Marriage
March 27, 2013 | 96 comments
-
Baseball Saints and Sinners
March 13, 2013 | 13 comments
Sports Arena
Tebowphobia
Who’s afraid of a winning quarterback?
So what’s the deal with Tim Tebow? Is the Denver quarterback a miracle worker, inspirational role model or the most over-hyped NFL player since Brian Bosworth? Well, it depends on who you talk to. Most fans, even those east of the Rockies, love the guy and can’t wait to watch him work his magic each week. But if you read the sports pages, he is a lucky, muscle-bound dunce who is the tool of evil forces. Either way, the man is news.
Sunday’s fourth quarter comeback and improbable overtime win against the Bears is just the latest in the growing legacy of his winning ways. Yes, a combination of two critical mistakes by Chicago running back Marion Barber, a soft prevent defense, and Mile High Stadium’s kicker-friendly clime had much to do with the victory, yet it almost defies logic that these and similar conditions seem to align themselves when Tebow takes the field late in games.
So what’s not to like? Plenty, it seems, according to American media, typified by this snarky piece at Esquire; a profanity-laced screed by Gary Andrew Poole titled, “How Can You Hate Tim Tebow?” The word most generally associated with him is “polarizing”; go ahead and Google it. Normally, a professional athlete is called polarizing because you either love or hate him and his team. But Tebow is fast becoming a fan favorite throughout the country, with his jersey leading the nation in sales and a best-selling autobiography on the market; so why the fuss?
One media criticism is that he is simply not a good quarterback, that he is a product of hype and good fortune and certainly not worthy of the adulation bestowed on him by the public. Yet there have been many supposedly subpar QBs that have graced NFL fields through the years — as a lifelong Bears fan, I can particularly attest to this — who have not been very popular with the fans but were lauded by the sporting press for their own reasons. The “controversy” over Rush Limbaugh’s candid comments on Donavan McNabb is a great example of this.
So what’s Tebow’s crime? It is a symptom of our growing national distaste for those who believe that their faith shouldn’t stop at the church doorstep. It is one thing when football players gather for a prayer circle after a game, or baseball players point to the sky; but to actually speak the name of Jesus and give him glory in interviews with the media — who take offense at any worship not directed by them — is far too much to take. After all, sports journalists are not too different from their brethren in the political realm, who have already met and worshipped their own messiah, Barack Obama.
Of course it all started with the “controversial” pro-life Super Bowl ad he made with his mother in 2010. Imagine: a Heisman Trophy winner and two-time NCAA champ having the nerve to use his celebrity to promote a higher cause than himself; worse yet, he even admitted in public that he is a “virgin” who is saving himself for marriage. This is not the way an idol of millions of young men is supposed to comport himself in 21st Century America.
Make no mistake about it: the media are afraid of Tim Tebow and those like him. They are in fear that, when given a chance to promote his Christian message, people might actually sit up and take notice; as happened in the 2009 BCS Championship game when 94 million people googled the Bible verse John 3:16 after viewing it on Tebow’s eye black. They cringe at each crazy win he engineers, fearful that, should his improbable journey lead to the Super Bowl, it won’t be merely a 60 second ad they’ll have to contend with.
Near the end of the classic movie, Chariots of Fire, after Scottish missionary Eric Liddell refuses to run a heat on a Sunday at the 1924 Olympics and instead is entered in a different race, he is handed a note by a member of the American team: “It says in the Good Book, ‘He that honors me, I will honor.’ Good luck.”
Much to the chagrin of Tebow’s media detractors, maybe luck has nothing to do with it.
Teaghan| 12.14.11 @ 7:52AM
God is in control and thank God for people like Tim. I love seeing the left come unglued when our Lord and Savior is mentioned with such ease, respect and love. Keep it up Tim!
Timothy L. Pennell| 12.14.11 @ 9:50AM
This is the Gift we get, with having Free Speech. I don't know about you, but I love it when the People of TOLERANCE, open their filthy Mouths, and let all their INTOLERANCE spill out.
We're all supposed to TOLERATE the 1st Amendment Rights of Leftist Freak ART, when it's a Crucifix in Urine, a Picture of MARY, covered in Elephant Sh*t, or some Dead Homo, with a Bull Whip shoved up his *ss, but we can't have a Christmas Tree in the Town Square.
"It's too OFFENSIVE!"
We're supposed to TOLERATE the Scum who take over Public Parks and Property, for their Freak Show Protests for Free School, Free Houses, and Free Dope to Smoke. They Defecate and Urinate, wherever they want, like the Animals they are. Yet, these very same people, foam at the mouth with RAGE, at the Display of a Creche, at Christmas time. They are OFFENDED by the display of a Baby, dressed in Swaddling Cloth, lying in a Manger, and yet, they say NOTHING, when the Freaks parade around NAKED, and have SEX in public.
We're told that we must TOLERATE a Woman's Right to Murder her Unborn Child. Yet OUR RIGHT to protest these Killings, is met with INTOLERANCE and Lawsuits.
Tim Tebow.
What's he ever done, to anybody? Is it because his Mother CHOSE to give Birth? Is it because they CHOSE to do a Right to Life Commercial, during the Super Bowl? Is it because he's so Nice, and Clean, and he Believes in his Lord and Saviour?
Michael Vick, the DOG KILLER, is out there. So is Plaxico Burress, the guy who shot himself in the leg, and had to go to Jail. Nobody seems to have a problem with those guys. You've got guys all over the NFL, with Battery Charges against them for BEATING their Spouses or Girlfriends. You got guys out there with GUN CHARGES and DRUG CHARGES on their rap Sheets. One of them, I think it's one of the JETS, has 6 Children, with 5 different Women, NONE OF THEM is his Wife.
ANYBODY give a Sh*t?
NO.
And, why not?
Because there's a guy over there, praying. And, we can't have that.
Mark MacInnis| 12.14.11 @ 2:15PM
@ Timothy L Pennel
Brilliant, mate. You point out the hypocrisy in a way they can't possibly deny. Well played, sir!
Cheers!
MacDaddy
Skinner| 12.14.11 @ 4:32PM
"Because there's a guy over there, praying. And, we can't have that."
That right there says it all. Perfect.
I salute you, Sir!
Frisbee| 12.14.11 @ 8:23PM
Thanks Tim Pennell: very well said!
C Smith| 12.14.11 @ 11:44AM
"... them that honour me I will honour... " (cf. 1 Samuel 2:30)
Tebow like the prophet Samuel is walking before His anointed for ever" (cf. 1 Samuel 2:35).
http://to-my-children.blogspot.....error.html
G. Patten | 12.14.11 @ 7:56AM
Refreshing post.
Glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
Merry Christmas!
donserge| 12.14.11 @ 8:05AM
Christianity brings our conscience to the forefront and shows us what we really are inside; precisely the reason Tebow is not liked.
Nancy in NC| 12.14.11 @ 8:17AM
Too bad the left wing media doesn't revile the likes of Michael Vick like they do Tebow. I don't think they have been this hard on Sandusky. The dishonesty and hypocrisy smells to high heavens. Perhaps some will finally see the media as they really are...out of touch with the American people.
Ryan| 12.14.11 @ 8:27AM
What were YOU reading? The hard left was practically calling for the death penalty for Vick.
Claypoole| 12.14.11 @ 9:18AM
Of course they were. The left bleeds for all those poor dogs; for the millions of unborn infants, not so much.
Seek| 12.14.11 @ 3:21PM
Media and hard Left aren't the same thing. In any event, outlawing abortion won't end it. Never has in any country.
Jerry| 12.14.11 @ 10:20PM
Good point...murder hasn't ended either just because it's been outlawed, may as well just accept it, eh?
Nancy in NC| 12.14.11 @ 3:40PM
Oh, but he's reformed now (Vick). Like I said, out of sight, out of mind. Perhaps Vick wasn't the best example. Tiger Woods?
John G.| 12.14.11 @ 8:25AM
Tebow makes the demons uncomfortable.
Ryan| 12.14.11 @ 8:30AM
TEEEEEEEEEEBOOOOOOOOOOOOOW.
What is amusing is that many announcers have practically given up trying to explain him so much, and are just going with the ride.
If Denver builds a good team around Tebow, I think they at least have a shot at the playoffs every year, but I don't know if they could be a team on par with Green Bay or New Orleans. Close games have a tendency to backfire on you after a while.
Tebow has to develop and they have to build a good system around him. In a league which has become more accustomed to the passing game, an all-out rushing attack is an interesting strategy, but the right players have to be there to make it work.
Cromulent| 12.14.11 @ 8:43AM
Just as much as the right players Tebow needs the right coaches. Coaches who grok the offensive concepts Tebow's skills are suited too. Fox & Co aren't doing a bad job, but they might take a couple of hours to get Urban Meyer (or Dan Mullen) on the phone for some advice.
I can offer some for free: stop putting Tebow under center.
Roscoe| 12.14.11 @ 1:26PM
Cromulent, get a life. Try something other than football fantasy, SI & ESPN....
Redstateboy| 12.14.11 @ 8:39AM
So the guy openly praises God.... what's the big freak'n deal?
Joseph Dooley | 12.15.11 @ 2:53PM
Secularists, in particular atheists, have an inferiority complex. They see their lack of faith as something that makes them less than the faithful, which explains why they are so vicious about ridding all expressions of faith from the public sphere.
The Big E| 12.14.11 @ 8:51AM
Tim Tebow's faith was not "polarizing" when he was winning national championships and a Heisman Trophy at Florida. It only became "polarizing" after the Super Bowl abortion ad. And that ad, which is without question, the best and most effective pro-life argument I've ever seen on television, is the real reason the media consider him "polarizing" today.
Frisbee| 12.14.11 @ 8:26PM
You're right Big E: it's not prayer the left hates so much, but prayer from pro-lifers.
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.14.11 @ 8:56AM
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes create a prayer circle before and after every NFL game. You gotta' watch carefully though. The media snatches the camera off of them instantly when they accidentally get them in the viewer.
Con Chef (NB) | 12.14.11 @ 9:01AM
I'm a lifelong Bears fan AND a Tennessee Vols fan. I LOVE to hate all things associated with Gator Nation. I still hate Spurrier, for G*d's sake. But when Tebow came on the scene, I was blown away. I'd never seen a quarterback play like that since black & white films. And Tebow haters love to say he's all hype. How many of these same haters broke Emmitt Smith's rushing record at Florida as a SOPHOMORE QUARTERBACK?
I also don't wanna hear this crap about how "the game has evolved" beyond a quarterback like him. Bullshit. Last I checked, the objectives were still to win (score), hit people & be able to TAKE a hit. Tebow does all this. He runs THROUGH defenders. And I LOVE watching it. And those who keep saying "he'll get killed doing that" forget how BIG the kid is. Oh, & let's not forget that it would've been a FAR worse day for Da Bears, had Tebow's receivers actually CAUGHT many of the dead on passes he threw, which they dropped.
As for his faith in G*D, GOO FOR HIM. And since when is this something new? Every player in almost every sport thanks G*d, raises a hand & his head to the sky, or kneels in the endzone. Some even cross themselves. And no one's ever said jack. Until Tebow. And it reeks of hypocrisy.
Rare are the guys in pro sports we want our kids to look up to. When my wife & I eventually have kids, I hope Tebow is one of the guys they revere.
A GREAT piece from the WSJ on Tebow:
http://online.wsj.com/article/.....55282.html
Ryan| 12.14.11 @ 10:28AM
I think one of the problems with the "qb position evolved" argument, though partially correct, is the matter that defensive strategies evolve as well. We may see a time in 10 years or so where a pocket passer is very passe, and mobile qb's are more necessary.
Con Chef (NB) | 12.14.11 @ 11:37AM
I sure as hell hope so. That's what makes football FOOTBALL to me.
Con Chef (NB) | 12.14.11 @ 1:09PM
To add on, Ryan. Mobile QBs are already big time. Look at Big Ben here in Da Burgh, Cam Newton, and yes, Vick, who made the running QB sexy for the 1st time since Cunningham (even though I think Vick is personally a douchebag, the guy can still play ball).
Ryan| 12.15.11 @ 9:22AM
Good point, but the standard still seems to be pocket passing (Brees, Brady, Mannings, etc.), though I do think the mold is shifting somewhat as defenses evolve (Rodgers, Big Ben, Vick, Tebow). I really think that we're going to see the next several years go down the trend to a multi-back system, and then shift to a power-back/mobile qb/deep pass league. Maybe.
GLENNY| 12.14.11 @ 3:54PM
Con Chef,
Like you, I also hate all things Univ. of Florida and all the Gators as well as Spurrier. I'm an LSU guy. That said,
Geaux Tebeaux!
glenny
Con Chef (NB) | 12.14.11 @ 4:56PM
GEAUX TIGERS in the National Championship!
Oldefarte| 12.14.11 @ 8:22PM
ROOOLLLLLL TIDE!!!!!!
Ryan| 12.15.11 @ 9:18AM
Tiger Bait, Tiger Bait...
LarryK| 12.14.11 @ 9:04AM
The Almighty has no interest in who wins the big sporting event. I believe that it is silly to have public showmanship displays thanking The Almighty after a score. If you truly want to thank The Almighty, take a lesson from The Parables of the Widow's Mite and The Sinners Prayer. Both show that The Almighty respects true heartfelt prayer and thanksgiving done in a manner that is not public or made for showmanship. I am not saying Mr. Tebow is a showman. I am saying his heartfelt displays can become "cartoony" in nature and mock the true nature of being grateful.
Heartfelt thanks and a silent prayer to The Almighty after the game is quite appropriate whether you win or lose.
Con Chef (NB) | 12.14.11 @ 9:54AM
And you presume to know what G*d finds pleasing when individuals genuinely do what they do to praise Him? Who the hell are YOU?
LarryK| 12.14.11 @ 10:27AM
To answer your question, I am nobody special, just rendering an opinion on Mr. Tebow. If you read my post carefully, you will see that I am not impugning Tim Tebow and I have no idea what is truly in that man's heart and I did not say The Almighty finds his display displeasing. What I am saying is Mr. Tebow can become a figure of ridicule ( well actually he has become a figure of ridicule which is a shame [Tebowing for example]). If the bible is the Word of God - it does say those things in the gospels, when the rich man had the trumpets sound right so everyone would look in his direction before he put a gift to the temple , he got his reward of the people knowing he made a donation; whereas the widow put in her last mite while no one was looking. Also the man praying out loud so others could hear, he got his reward of others hearing his prayer. There is absolutely nothing wrong with public displays of prayer and thanksgiving.
Do you really believe that The Almighty cares who wins the NCAA final four, Superbowl, the PGA etc...
Mike McLaren| 12.14.11 @ 2:50PM
When Lou Holtz was coaching Notre Dame (Our Lady) he was asked by a sports reporter if he actually thought it mattered to God if ND won or lost. Coach Holtz replied, no...but he was pretty sure it mattered to His Mother.
Tina B| 12.14.11 @ 8:03PM
I'm sorry, Larry K, but I believe God cares about everything His children care about. As to who wins or loses an NFL game in 2011, I still believe He cares for His babies.
I'm sure there are many of God's children playing against Tebow, and I reckon God does whatever brings Him glory. At this time it does seem that Tim Tebow brings God glory, like Eric Liddel (Chariots of Fire) did, and he does it so faithfully and boldly. I don't blame God for blessing him so greatly!
LarryK| 12.14.11 @ 10:51AM
To clairify - after I re-read my first post I can see where you may have interpreted my post incorrectly because I called public display "silly". You should also notice that I said Tim Tebow's heartfelt display ... and I did not say he was a showman. I truly believe that he is grateful in giving thanks.
Con Chef (NB) | 12.14.11 @ 11:37AM
Sorry for the friendly fire, then.
LarryK| 12.14.11 @ 12:44PM
No Problem. Communication is a hazardous endeavor. And I am rooting for Tebow to silence all the NFL talking heads.
Seek| 12.14.11 @ 3:23PM
If God roots for Tim Tebow, does that mean He opposes Tom Brady, the Mannings, Drew Brees or Ben Roethlisberger? And if Tebow supposedly is God's chosen quarterback, what took God so long to produce him?
Nancy in NC| 12.14.11 @ 3:42PM
I don't think Tebow believes God is rooting for him. It seems that he's only thanking God for the ability he has been given.
Con Chef (NB) | 12.14.11 @ 5:00PM
G*d has blessed all those men with tremendous talent.
And at least he was "produced" considering his Mom's docs told her to abort him.
Tina B| 12.14.11 @ 8:07PM
Do any one of those players live for God, serving Him in their down time and giving Him all the praise for his talent and the athletic victory? I don't know, do they? I know who does.
Louis Jenkins| 12.14.11 @ 9:14AM
The Lord will be with him regardless or whether he wins or loses. I hope he continues to enjoy the relationship he has with God.
Darin| 12.14.11 @ 9:15AM
Critics of Tebow need only answer this:
Isn't Tim Tebow the kind of young man you want your daughter to date and eventually marry?
LarryK| 12.14.11 @ 9:20AM
No.
Mark MacInnis| 12.14.11 @ 9:28AM
@LarryK
Such a Liar! You are such a hater, you can't bring yourself to admit you'd be happy if your daughter brought home Tim Tebow to marry her.
Actually, what you hate is the emptiness that you feel in your own life and heart, and the envy that is created within you when you look at someone, like Tebow, who has a joy on him that you, of yourself, can never attain.
Deal with it.
LarryK| 12.14.11 @ 10:38AM
Just because I would not want my daughter to marry Tim Tebow doesn't mean I'm a Tebow Hater. What system of logic does one use to extrapolate from a single word answer to arrive at the following:
1. Tebow Hater?
2. Emptiness in my life?
3. A Liar?
4. Envious of Tebow?
5. I have no joy?
Really? My wife and I have been cheering for Mr. Tebow and are excited to see his team pull one out thanks to his effort and the teams support. (Just so he doesn't do it against The STEELERS!)
And my one word answer of "No" was based on knowing my daughter and her likes and dislikes in people.
Frisbee| 12.14.11 @ 8:30PM
The question wasn't about marrying Tim Tebow, but about marrying someone like Tim Tebow.
Also, the question was not what your daughter would like, but what her father would like.
Mike| 12.14.11 @ 9:28AM
I am a Detroit Lions fan. When the Lions beat Denver, they mocked Tebow and his God. After that game Detroit was 6-2. Since then they have gone 2-3. Direct link? I don't know, but it is never wise to mock the Almighty.
Seek| 12.14.11 @ 3:24PM
Magical thinking doesn't win NFL games. Strategy and perseverance do.
Mike| 12.14.11 @ 3:45PM
That's what Pharaoh thought in the game between the Jews and the Egyptians 3000 years ago when his generals recommended staying away from the Red Sea....
Tina B| 12.14.11 @ 8:08PM
Yawn.
Tina B| 12.14.11 @ 8:10PM
That yawn was for Seek, he always makes me yawn. You, on the other hand, Mike, were pretty funny.
Seek| 12.15.11 @ 5:26PM
Anyone who challenges absolutist dogma makes Tina yawn. Gee, I must be an "atheist."
David W| 12.14.11 @ 9:32AM
Are you surprised that the Poor Sports Media have it in for Tebow? After all, look who the NFL decided to have as their Super Bowl Half Time entertainer? Pure as the driven snow Madonna??? A woman whose lifestyle ain't exactly one I'd want my daughters to emulate. A woman who treats conservatives with contempt. A person who probably also treats this country and most of its people with contempt. Yet the NFL picks her. It's typical of the liberal bent of the entertainment/news industry. Tebow sickens them, Roman Polanski is excused because he is an important artist.
I can guarantee you one thing - if she is the half time entertainment I won't be watching the game, even if my favorite team(s) are in it.
Tina B| 12.14.11 @ 8:12PM
Maybe Roman Polanski can sing the National Anthem next year.
Riff Raff| 12.15.11 @ 11:33PM
Great idea! I think the NFL should invite Polanski to sing at the Super Bowl in place of Madonna. This would put him in US Territory and the Marshalls could arrest him on the spot and send him to where he belongs.
Frankie| 12.14.11 @ 9:34AM
I have thought Tebow was terrific from the beginning, and am certainly enjoying his season thus far. However, I think things are going to settle down a bit after he encounters Brady and the Pats this Sunday.
Ryan| 12.14.11 @ 10:30AM
I think that game may be truly telling on how good the Broncos really are. As it stands, I think they can beat most any mediocre-to-bad team, but not the really good ones.
All American American| 12.14.11 @ 2:20PM
Ryan, I'm al ifelong broncos fan. What a lot of folks forget in their attempts to poo-poo the 7-1 record as not having played anyone good, is that in the previous 32 games prior to Tim being named starter Denver was 8-24. That was the worst record of ANY team in the NFL over that span.
The fact that they're beating ANYBODY is refreshing to this Denver Broncos' fan.
GB2.
Mark MacInnis| 12.14.11 @ 9:41AM
One reason the media hates Tebow is, by virtue of his existence, he forces the members of the media to make a choice: "Do I confront, or deny, the questions that creep into my mind in the wee small hours of the morning, or the idle hours of the afternoon, concerning the existence of God that arise from observing the Tebow phenomenon? If I am forced to see the evidence of God's existence, what does that mean for the godless foundation upon which WE have built our careers, our political philosophy, our lives and that of our family? How can I cling to my comfort zone now that I am seeing this and hearing this? What changes, that I am unwilling to make, will I now decide I NEED to make in my life once I recognize that there is this big hole in my life which God wants to fill?"
It is so IRONIC that the term "bitter clingers" has been applied by The One and His Media Minions to the Faithful. Now that Mr. Tebow is shining the light of the Lord on a national stage, it is the members of the Liberal left who are the ones that are "Bitterly Clinging" to the threads of the torn fabric of their once-smug and once-blindly-confident atheism.
Further, the Mass Media (the Informantion and entertainment industries....TV, Music, Movies, magazines, etc.) FEARS an awakening Christianity in this country will no longer be a market for the dumbed-down, quasi-porn, insipid blather they spew forth every day. They fear a populace, suddenly enlightened by popular people like Tim Tebow, will no longer enrich them by buying their filth.
So, what they fear, they attack. They push away at anything which has light which reveals the dark emptiness of their own lives.
Seek| 12.14.11 @ 3:26PM
So Hollywood "mocks" Tebow? It seems every month there is a new inspirational football movie based on true true story. ("Invincible," "Gridiron Gang," "We Are Marshall," "The Express," "The Blind Side").
Dave | 12.14.11 @ 9:51AM
Let's cut to the chase. If Tebow were a devout Muslim, and chanted Allah Akbar at the end of each victory, the response from America's mainstream media would be like this:
(crickets)
Con Chef (NB) | 12.14.11 @ 9:55AM
WELL SAID!
W| 12.14.11 @ 10:19AM
Remember CassisusClay/Muhamed Ali. After each fight he praised Allah, and Elijah Muhammed who started the Chicago Black Muslim whatever. Did the MSM condemn or ridicule Ali? No.
Martin Owens| 12.14.11 @ 11:51AM
You beat me to it. I agree.
Except the response would not be silence.
Oh, no. The MSM toadies would be striving to outdo each other, with calls for special locker rooms with prayer niches, a halal training table...say, what would happen if prayer call sounded at the two minute warning? And would Farrakhan present these demands on the nightly news, or would Al Sharpton get there first on his talk show?
Frisbee| 12.14.11 @ 8:32PM
I disagree Dave. They'd be shouting his praises, how culturally diverse he is etc etc.
Ken in Tyler| 12.14.11 @ 10:24AM
It is and has been since the fall of man a war in which there is no neutrality. An infinitely wise Man once said, "you are either for Me or against Me". It is written in Revelation 3 that those who are lukewarm towards God make Him sick. If nothing else, Mr Tebow cannot be accused of being, "neither hot nor cold".
Is it just possible that in this time of world-wide economic collapse, rise of islam, and the Middle East lining up just as foretold in preparation for the final battle, that God in His infinite mercy is giving the people of this once-Christian nation another opportunity to hear His message of Love and Forgiveness through His Son? If so, those who hate God and knowingly or unknowingly serve the adversary simply cannot tolerate the spreading of the Good News. It just could be God's Christmas gift to us.
Barn Cat| 12.14.11 @ 10:38AM
Yes, there are an amazing number of coincidences that put Tebow in a position to help his team win every week. But the bottom line is, I believe that God gives him success because he's a Christian.
The same thing happened last year. I thought God might let the Packers win the Superbowl because Rodgers is a Christian. The Eagles had an incredible comeback victory against the Giants to knock them out of the playoffs. The Lions had their first road win in years to knock out Tampa Bay. The Packers had to win out to get into the playoffs and they won close games against the Eagles and Bears. Even in the Superbowl they were lucky to win when some of their best players went down.
Seek| 12.14.11 @ 3:28PM
So how does that explain Joe Namath, who was definitely not a Christian at the time, leading the Jets to improbable victory over the Colts in Super Bowl III? Or maybe God was asleep in January 1969?
Simon Templar| 12.14.11 @ 10:41AM
Tebow is the best illuminating example that proves positive the growing disdain and hatred for christain judeo values and the expression of religion within this society and within its elite.
Sports figures have been eccentric, flamboyant, and controversial for some time now and the public has lapped it up. From coloring your hair orange to wild and crazy parties, womanizing, and dating movie stars, sports icons have not only been tolerated but revered for this life style.
The attacks on Tebow show without a doubt the hypocricy and thinly veiled hatred for traditional values and values of christianity.
The point W brought up about Ali is an excellent proof that the target is not Tebow but his particular faith.
To be honest, I was a bit shocked that this was coming out of the sports world where conservativism tends to be dominant among sports players according to most studies. Just shows you how much the liberal rot has spread that it now infects this arena.
JimP| 12.14.11 @ 10:52AM
It's hard for me to watch the Broncos improbable winning streak, especially the series of events at the end of the game with the Bears that included Marion Barber's TWO mistakes [from a seasoned pro. How likely is than?], and not wonder if God isn't letting us know whom is really in charge.
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.14.11 @ 10:53AM
Tim is merely a miracle...just being here. His mother demonstrated a courage similar to Sarah Palin's... maybe even more so.
I wish the young man the very best.
Citizen Jerry| 12.14.11 @ 11:01AM
The light shone in the darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. Tebow reflects a small portion of that light and he's hated for it. It's part of a larger hatred that will be with us until the end of the Age of Man.
Tim Williams| 12.14.11 @ 11:19AM
If there is hate for Tebow because of he speaks of his Christianity, it is only on the fringes. As Fabrizio notes, he is quite well-liked. I would only add that the media love him, too.
Kurt Warner proclaimed his faith in exactly the same way - or maybe you missed the Super Bowl where he proclaimed his faith and gratitude to Jesus Christ before a billion TV viewers when he held the Lombardi Trophy. Such language is not at all new or controversial among sports fans.
And for the record, I did Google "Tim Tebow" and "polarizing," as suggested in the article. I also paired his name with "inspirational" and got four times as many hits. I'm getting a little tired of reading so many conservative columns telling me how reviled Tim Tebow is for his faith, when out in the real world, he just isn't.
To be honest, as an avid NFL fan, I mostly hear the faith-based criticisms of him in articles responding to those criticisms (real and imagined) in political publications like this one, not the sports media. And from what I've seen of his interviews, I don't think Tebow is nearly as thin-skinned as his "defenders."
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.14.11 @ 11:27AM
Hey, Tim.
We aren't thin skinned "defenders" of Tim Tebow. Rather, we are admirers of a fine young man and wish him well....win OR lose.
I pray he can keep his head on straight.
Tim Williams| 12.14.11 @ 11:42AM
I understand, Ken. I just shake my head when I read these defenses of Tebow, because I am afraid that I just have not seen the hate for him that they purport to be defending against. He is quite popular, and his play on the field is subject to no more criticism than any other quarterback. Athletes giving praise to Jesus in interviews is quite commonplace, and not at all controversial, except from a few cranks on the fringe. Now, the press likes controversy, so that's why you read Jake Plummer's comments about Tebow. But when is the last time Jake Plummer was quoted by anybody? You have to search pretty far and wide to find those kinds of criticisms of Tebow, and I don't see the point of elevating them with a response.
Again, Kurt Warner, who came out of nowhere to become the league and Super Bowl MVP in 1999, similarly praised Jesus in virtually every interview. Like Tebow, he was not (generally) attacked for it, but was instead celebrated as a great sports story. And that's exactly the general reaction to Tebow this year. The guy spent the off-season as Denver's third-string QB, then seemingly singlehandedly turned a losing team around in midseason. The media hardly fear stories like his - they love stories like this.
Ryan| 12.14.11 @ 12:59PM
Some ESPN radio commentary stated that it was simply difficult to talk about Tebow without referencing his faith at all. It came from the PC angle that it was just territory they don't want to step into (religion), but it was practically unavoidable.
Seek| 12.14.11 @ 3:33PM
You're right. NFL stars proclaiming their Christian faith are nothing new -- e.g., Terry Bradshaw, Herb Lusk, Kurt Warner, Reggie White, Steve Largent. I hadn't noticed an upsurge in hostility among major media toward those players at the time.
You know how these Sarah Palin for President types are: They have a deep-seated need to feel "attacked" and "mocked" (or their heroes to appear that way) so they can lash out at their imaginary persecutors. In clinical terms, this is called narcissism.
Con Chef (NB) | 12.14.11 @ 6:30PM
Gee, thanks for that insight into our psyche, Dr. Fraud. The fact that pro players of any sport giving thanks to G*d is commonplace is WHY we marvel at the mocking of him that's gone on.
Add to that all the doubters who said he'd never be a good quarterback at this level, whom he has proven wrong. And done so with nothing more than his acumen on the field & a lot of class. As I said before, ALL these guys in the NFL have some varying degrees of G*d given (or inherent, if you wanna take G*d out of it) talent. Tebow has more than most. And he's only just begun his career.
It offends me not one bit that he's so religious. It obviously helps him be a leader in a locker room FULL of guys who're considerablly more experienced than he is in the NFL. If they thought he were a phoney, or if they were annoyed by his spirituality, he wouldn't be a leader in that locker room. And it would show on the field. Every one of those guys, especially an old hand like Champ Bailey, respects the kid as a person & a leader. Hell I knew the kid was not only a badass athelete, but after his loss to Ole Miss in college, the speech he gave was one for the college football history books. They even engraved it on an outdoor plaque outside "The Swamp."
Seek| 12.14.11 @ 7:40PM
Earth to Chef: Tim Tebow's religious piety does not bother me. It has no more relevance, pro or con, than the price of tea in China. He's a fine young man and athlete, and I wish him the best. My point: His faith shouldn't be used by either the Left or the Right for political gain.
Frisbee| 12.14.11 @ 8:35PM
The left hates Tebow because his mother didn't kill him.
The left hates Sarah Palin because she didn't kill her son.
Seek| 12.15.11 @ 5:29PM
Actually, any normal person opposes Palin because she is blatantly unqualified to serve as president.
Tina B| 12.14.11 @ 8:24PM
Truly, Tim, I have seen the hatred. I went to dinner with two teacher friends, one is a baseball coach's wife, and she supervises dinner for the local HS football team, which has a state championship or two under its belt.
I mentioned Tebow to her and she said she hated him. Said he's a phony. Gets on one knee to tebow and then gets in opposing teams faces after a great play. I've never seen it. Has anyone? I couldn't figure her attitude. Her hubby's a Florida State Seminole, but even that doesn't explain it. It left me confused.
Frisbee| 12.14.11 @ 8:36PM
Ask her if she's had an abortion.
With God all things r possible| 12.14.11 @ 10:27PM
Bingo!
RCV| 12.14.11 @ 11:36AM
I don't know a single person, liberal or conservative, Republican or Democrat, who doesn't like and admire Tim Tebow. I know I do. What's not to like?
Ground Control| 12.15.11 @ 11:39PM
No offense, but I have seen people object to Tebow. I saw the same thing years ago with Dave Dravecky of the San Francisco Giants. I was shocked by the vitriol people spewed about him. I saw it personally. People I thought were quite nice, normal people were just apoplectic at Dravecky talking Christianity. They cussed him and practically spat his name out while complaining. And this was AFTER Dravecky lost his arm! So, yes, there are people who adamantly do not admire Tebow and only grudgingly acknowledge his part in Bronco success.
howard lohmuller| 12.14.11 @ 12:05PM
Eric Liddell's tribute to god has been talked of and written about for almost a century. It is possible Tim Tebow will inherit a similiar legacy that dwarf's sports records and sports fame.
Clint| 12.14.11 @ 12:07PM
Locker Room Prayer.
Everybody take a knee.
"Dear Lord, help us to be strong today in the arena.
Watch over us, as we take on this challenge.
Give us the strength we need to give these dirty rotten sons of bitches a total ass kickin' in our house.
Thank you Lord.
Amen. "
DTOM| 12.14.11 @ 12:36PM
Yeah. but the team in the visitors' locker room are saying the same prayer. What's God supposed to do?
Anybody basing their faith on how well or poorly the Denver Broncos with Tim Tebow leading them play professional football is in a world of trouble. Two worlds actually, this one and the next. Really.
Tina B| 12.14.11 @ 8:25PM
Clint,
Must you always be so lame?
JohnM| 12.14.11 @ 12:39PM
I do think GOD cares about all of the idolatry and time and money wasted on sports and other entertainment. I also wish I had Tebow's courage to take a knee and pray to GOD every time I feel lacking.
Maddox| 12.14.11 @ 12:43PM
Good thing Tebow isn't black and his name isn't McNab. Someone might lose their job, right Rush?
Con Chef (NB) | 12.14.11 @ 1:05PM
McNabb wasn't HALF the QB coming out of college that Tebow was. A Heisman, breaking Emmitt's rushing record at Florida as a sophomore quarterback, 2 national championships & a quarterback who would run THROUGH the teeth of the toughest defenses in the nation due to the caliber of the SEC.
Kingofthenet| 12.14.11 @ 1:53PM
When you religious nuts imply that a 'win' is do to a Supernatural favor, so much show it needs to be 'thanked', that pretty much is Bean Ball Territory.
Tina B| 12.14.11 @ 8:31PM
KOTN - Bean Ball Territory?
You should talk. between you, Seek and Clint, I don't know why your even on this thread. Most people are talking about something here of which you know nothing. Not for lack of our trying. But you three are hell bent on . . . what, proving us wrong? For the life of me I can't figure out why.
Seek| 12.15.11 @ 5:31PM
Tina, honey: I know quite a bit about football and even more about the dangers of unchecked political zealotry, Right or Left.
Cabermon| 12.14.11 @ 2:31PM
I'm a Bronco fan from Colorado but not an evangelical Christian. Tebow's faith gives him confidence and a serenity that annoys his critics. When a Lions player mocked him by "Tebowing" on the field after sacking Tebow, he responded after the game "He was just celebrating, having fun with his teammates and I don't take offense to that." By turning the other cheek he infuriates the "cogniscenti." I love it!
Mike| 12.14.11 @ 5:00PM
It was the perfect response.
fungoking| 12.14.11 @ 3:09PM
I don't know if God is a Broncos fan, but He sure hasn't been giving the Cowgirls much love.
BackToBasics| 12.14.11 @ 4:10PM
from the article - "Make no mistake about it: the media are afraid of Tim Tebow and those like him"
So true. The godless are afraid of even just one evangelical person who is not afraid to speak publicly about his beliefs in Jesus Christ. It matters not whether he wins or loses, they don't like it. If he wins though, they hate it even more.
John 15:18, 19 - If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Slacker| 12.14.11 @ 4:23PM
Tebow’s religious displays are his own business. I don’t really care but…
It appears Tebow’s faith is being marketed. The NFL and Broncos love the media hype. Not saying this was Tim’s intention but, never the less it is happening, and Tim facilitates it. This seems imprudent. At a basic level, is he evangalizing or hocking NFL tickets and gear?
Many evangelicals are too delighted by the Tebow spectacle. Tim is fun to watch but, well short of inspirational. Don’t disparage him because of his faith. Don’t love him because of his faith either. Are we so short on real inspiration that his is the best we can find?
What we have here is an evangelical exhibition on full display. There is a great deal of potential downside. Serious Christians should check their enthusiasm.
Margie| 12.14.11 @ 5:57PM
"He who has the Son has life; he who has not the Son of God has not life." 1 Jn. 5:12.
Oldefarte| 12.14.11 @ 8:32PM
Tebow's religious faith has nothing to do with with his football successes. It's called LEADERSHIP folks, and the few QB's who have it enable their respective teams to win. There was an overweight QB for the Redskins years ago whose thrown passes resembled wounded ducks shot by a hunter, but his team always won. His name was Billy Kilmer, and he was a leader. Ditto with Bart Starr, Ken Stabler, Roger Starbach, Joe Willie Namath, etc. Now there is an undersized former Purdue QB for the Saints by the name of Drew Brees who has it in spades. Tebow leads by example, and his competitiveness is infectious, and he simply raises all of his fellow team members' attitudes and athletic game accordingly. Tebow has been and is a winner because of his leadership skills, and Denver will only improve with him at QB!!!!!
Diane Floyd| 12.14.11 @ 8:54PM
I pray that Tim stays strong and understands there are more that stand with him that stands against him.
Wes in the ND oilfields| 12.14.11 @ 10:34PM
Do a little research and you will find that Tim Tebow does alot of charity work and has for a very long time. The man is the real deal and that is what scares the secularists.
dadfly| 12.14.11 @ 10:36PM
God's speed tim. it's funny, amazing and stunning how Jesus will shine a light in the darkest of all hours for conservatives. tim is that light.
it's also funny how all of us, including tim, know exactly what God is doing and the rest don't have a clue.
shine on tim tebow!
Lawrence D. Cannon| 12.14.11 @ 11:57PM
The problem with Tebow is that he's a White Christian. To the left, blacks & Hispanics are oppressed minorities, thus shouldn't be expected to be "intelligent" nor "enlightened" like the Left Intelligensia, & "allowances" are made for their "Superstitious Behavior".
To them, Tebow is a sell-out. He's someone who's turned his back on Enlightenment & Reason, & instead follows an ancient Middle Eastern Superstition whose "god" is a filthy Jew.
Imagine their surprise when they face that "filthy Jew" on the final Day.
Tina B| 12.15.11 @ 7:37AM
True story: When my dad died, he was an 84 year old Polish immigrant who loved God through Christ all his life. But. . .he was raised in a Poland whose Catholic Church taught him that the Jews killed Christ (who, of course was a Jew) and he bore a somewhat secret and lifelong suspicion and prejudice against them.
Loved God and had a bias against His chosen ones. I knew this. I also knew that the Jews and the Romans didn't kill Christ, I did. My dad did. We did it with our sins. I am the guilty one too.
On his death bed, which was upstairs in his bedroom at his home, my late husband sitting by his side, bladder cancer about to take him, he was wispering for the last 30 minutes of his life.
He asked my hubby for his old worn missal, his church/mass booklet, and as he held it he talked and talked, in Polish. To God, I expect.
Apologizing, confessing what I can't say for sure. But like the good theif, I think God gave him time to repent for this prejudice. He was a wonderful man, to Jews and everyone else he met, gave away a car to my best friends parents when they needed one. Loaned her money to R&R with her future husband in Hawaii during the Viet Nam war. Talking to God a hundred miles an hour on his deathbed. About to meet the "filthy Jew" and very humbled.
It is said that Sam Kinnison, the comedian and former minister, was also talking a hunderd miles an hour as he died in a crushed Corvette on a Las Vegas highway in the middle of the night. His companion said he hear Sam talking to God. 20 to 30 minutes, and then he died.
I think Tebow is a message to Christians that we should strive for God, never give up, do our maximum best, lead others, give what free time we have, what power we have, to helping others here or anywhere we are needed, and then, smiling, give God all the Glory and praise when we succeed. Without Him we are all nothing, and one car accident away from being immobilized and helpless ourselves.
Praise God for the happy Christian that is Tim Tebow. Finish strong, young man, and the Lord be with you.
Richard Baker| 12.15.11 @ 5:06PM
These days I live in Ocala, Florida which is about 35-40 miles South of Gainesville where the University of Florida is located. Tebow has said that eventually he wants to become a physician/MD and I could see him becoming a missionary Doctor putting his MD and his faith in play together. All this fuss because he professes his love for God and Jesus. To read and hear the complaints you'd think that he was some sort of criminal or reprobate like too many in professional sports. Of course, we can't have someone like that in the public eye, can we?
Jones in CO | 12.16.11 @ 2:12AM
People like Tim Tebow because he is a Nice Guy off the field, and a ferocious competitor on the field.
People dislike Tim Tebow because he says "my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" on live TV, and they can't make him stop it.
Particularly egregious in the Tebow bashing is ESPN, which devotes hours and hours of programming to belittling Tebow. It's almost as if the network has made an editorial decision that Tebow must be stopped.