The sports media has always been very uncomfortable with athletes in college or the pros expressing their faith in God. When interviewing they quickly and uncomfortably turn to another subject. After many games it is customary for athletes from both teams to gather, hold hands, and say a prayer together. The TV cameras, almost without exception, turn away from the prayer gathering and ignore it. Instead of extolling what a great positive that it is in sports, the media chooses to ignore it. One sports writer, in a national publication, went so far as to write a full column suggesting that there is NO PLACE for God in sports.
In college Tim Tebow was one such athlete who frequently expressed his faith in God. Since he was one of many, at first it was ignored as was the case with all the others. As he became more prominent, however, the sports media became increasingly uncomfortable. The tipping point was the 2010 Super Bowl ad that he made with his mother where in a very low key manner it was suggested that they were glad that his mother had him vs. an abortion. It was an innocuous ad, not attacking any position on the subject. The critics, however, came out of the woodwork with widespread criticism. This ad was also the turning point in the "perception" of Tim Tebow's athletic abilities, especially heading to the pros. Prior to the ad there was wide acclaim about him being a great leader, a great athlete and quarterback, and a winner. Suddenly this changed almost overnight. Many of the sports media then began claiming that he didn't have it for the pros, he didn't throw right, couldn't take a snap from center...almost anything they could conjure up. Tim Tebow was no longer great. They hang on any little thing that they can criticize him for.
Recently Boomer Esiason was WAY out of line in condemning Tebow's abilities even going to the extent of criticizing the Denver Broncos for even drafting him. Other sports media have done the same. These are many of the same people who said that Kevin Durant would never make it in the NBA...too frail, too this, and too that. Yet I haven't seen or heard one of them say they were wrong since he has proved himself to be one of the best players in pro basketball,
There is one person who holds more weight than all the sports media put together. Hall of Famer, Joe Montana. He respects Tebow's athletic abilities and has stated that he feels he can become an excellent NFL quarterback.
The sports media is uncomfortable with God. So be it. If I were an NFL owner or coach Tim Tebow would be my quarterback. He is a great leader, a great quarterback, and a winner. I would form my team around him and his abilities all the way to a Super Bowl Championship. I vote for Joe Montana's opinion, not Boomer Esiason's. Tim Tebow will be a great NFL quarterback if given the opportunity.
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