Recently watching an episonde of "Behind the Lines," and all these athletes who pray to God on the sports field, I was struck by the image of Quarterback John Kitna as he was explaining himself. He seemed to be one of those people who suddenly lose it and go on a murderous spree killing 50 people? The man had wild eyes like Charles Manson.
I would feel uneasy playing with Kitna. I would feel uneasy having him as my leader on the field. The guy comes accross as a wacko. Most religious fanatics do come across as maniacs.
God cares as much about a football game as Britney Spears cares about her kids.
These atheletes who profess their spirituality on the field are just trying to create an image. They are successful of creating an image of a fanatical ####.
I'd disagree with your assessment to the extent that "all" athletes are trying to create an image by professing their faith. Not to mention, classifying anyone doing so as a fanatical ####, as you put it, demeans those that genuinely care about their faith.
I also misspelled across. Although the term really is typo.
Whether it is genuine or by design, it is offensive on an intellectual basis and they should pray in church. Further, it's these religious fanatics on the field who demean the true believers.
Jon Kitna's faith is his own, and yes he chooses to be very out with it. The way he professes his faith is up to him, and I think it is wrong of you to say that he is an ####. Plus, do you think he cares what you, or anybody else would say about the way he practices his faith? Kitna ability or inability to be a good QB has nothing to do with his faith, he has said himself that his faith is way more important to him then being an NFL quarterback.
Poetry Man
Every man has his own belief system regardless if it's a belief in a higher being or not.
What I'd prefer to see however is a player going out there with his physical talents and doing the job that's required of him.
After the event itself he can give praise to whomever he pleases. What happens if a teammate of his chooses not to join him in prayer ? Does it make him any less of an athlete or a man ?
He may or may not be a maniac, I don't know. But religious zealots are not the only ones who lose it and go on killing sprees.
The BYU team prays together on the field, or maybe more often in the locker room. They are representing a religious school, and most of their players are not maniacs.
Many make it in the NFL, and try not to be ostentatious in their faith as others seem to be...
Also, I think that you underestimate how much Britney cares about her kids. You seeming to know this "quantity" about her personal life, which is about as informed as most organized religions.
Top,
As usual, you have posted the best comment. I agree 100%. Athletes like Kitna trivialize religion and turn it into something creepy ... as far as I'm concerned.
The Rest of you,
Look a the Super Bowl Winning Coach Tony Dungy. I'll betcha Kitna is no more religious than TD. You don't see him all wild-eyed on some talk show explaining his position. The man has great dignity and is an awesome represenative of those who believe.
Why do you think the U.S. Supreme Court took prayers out of the public schools? It is offensive to some people.
Kitna and his ilk should keep their faith quiet. God could give a good hoot about whether he completes a pass or not.
BYU is different. However, some of the same complaints apply if not more. Not everybody who goes to BYU does so because of religion I'll wager. Maybe I'm wrong. Praying before and after the game is fine. Still, what are they praying for? They should win and their opponents should lose? How trivial.
In high school and college I led my teams as a middle line backer, running back, and point guard. Now, I'm known for my poetry and other arts. Still like to talk sports on any level.
