Am I no longer a Detroit Lion fan? And a question for you.

By: Steve Huston

The Detroit Free Press writer Jeff Seidel did the Detroit Lions no favor in writing his tongue in cheek expose of their first round draft pick and the number one NFL draft choice.

http://freep.com/article/20090810/COL38/908100318/Special-maneuvers-show-Stafford-s-skill

Seidel did, however, give us a glimpse into an aspect of their young new star athlete.

One person wrote the following:

What else do you expect from “professional sports”(as if there could legitimately be such a thing)…Its been a sewer for a long long time……None of them will even publically denounce SI swimsuit edition……”put away childish things” like the Bible says………when people don’t do that, this is the stuff that results…..Adults pre-occupied with kid-games….nothing good ultimately comes of that.

Jim

How many others are weary of these prima donna athletes that are elevated as so-called stars but are engaged in depraved behaviors? Shouldn’t we be weary of their sexual trysts, drugging, womanizing?

Another very good friend raised this question:

Bill,
Does that mean you are no longer a Lions’ fan? …

My answer to my friend follows.

I got my initial undergrad degree with a major in physical education.
My father took me to football, basketball and baseball games throughout my growing up years though only one time did he take me to a Detroit Lion game.

I do follow sports scores and sport news. I know there are many athletes who are true Christians. There are athletes, too, that are non-Christians who have conducted themselves with decency and honor who have so much regard for the game and for their fans – young and old – that it would pain them to do anything to diminish the game or to hurt their fans by an indiscretion of any kind.

At the same time, there are numbers of athletes (and we read about them regularly) that live lawless lives. We don’t have a clue as to what goes on behind the scenes but quite regularly we do get a glimpse and often it is disgusting and despicable: Drugging, involvement with sex shops, womanizing, assault and battery charges rendered on girl friends and/or their very own wife, steroid usage from record breaking athletes who make setting new records a mockery and contribute to cynicism – significant cynicism.

Am I a Detroit Lions fan? No.

Though I like the game of football very much I am regularly disgusted by the arrogance of particular players and teams including how some wed their teams with sexually erotic calendars of dance teams and cheerleaders.

I once was a huge University of Michigan football fan. No longer and haven’t been for the last year.zzz

See recent news as of today:
http://bit.ly/vONlD

My friend’s question is a tough one because I have enjoyed sports as many of you have, but I have also seen the sports culture deteriorate and degenerate significantly.  One way of getting at the question not just for me but for you is this way:

What would Jesus do regarding following or not following professional sports?  Would Jesus be a fan?

Now there is a good polling question.

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Poll question results from the last several days:

Given the opportunity to attend a Friday/Saturday conference. What type would you be most likely to attend?

53.8% One that features a blend of music and challenging messages
23.1% One that features challenging, informative messages
23.1% Nothing that you would host

Match Grant Challenge —

$8,779.55 have been raised as of yesterday.  $6,220.45 yet needed to reach the goal!

We still have 35 days. This is a difficult challenge. Read the details below and see why.  I hope you’ll help us reach it if you can.

Here are the details of this important challenge.

1.  it must be new money–from someone who hasn’t given in 2008 or 2009.   Or, any amount given in 2009 which was more than what someone gave in 2008.  E.g. donor gives $400 in 2008 but cumulatively gives $1000 in 2009 by the end of the match period, we will match $600
2.  we will match up to $15,000
3.  the funds must be received between June 15 and September 30.

https://secure4.afo.net/ada/main.php?f=donate/display9

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American Decency Association
Bill Johnson, President
P.O. Box 202
Fremont, MI 49412
ph: 231-924-4050
http://www.americandecency.org
http://www.twitter.com/billwjohnson

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