This just in:
CBS Sports game analyst Randy Cross believes Tebow haters are bashing him for his outspoken Christian opinions.
“People, especially the media, root against him because of what he stands for,” said Cross.
The 3-time Super Bowl champ added: “My personal belief is there are people in the media, people in the stands, who are predisposed to see a guy like that fail…Just because he’s so public about the way he feels.”
My gut response is to mock Cross for being a barking gongbat. I could say things like “yes, it’s true, America hates Christians. Especially the media. I mean, the mere 85% of Americans who identify themselves as Christian constitutes an almost invisible minority. I know, I know, the president is a Christian and so is the VP and well over 90% of our Congressional representatives are Christian and the Supreme Court features seven Christians and all of our major presidential candidates in both major parties for as far back as anybody can remember have been Christians. And almost all of our past presidents were Christians (you have to go all the way back to Lincoln to find one we can even debate over). Hell, even sports franchises are building their operations around the evangelical litmus test. Still, you can make statistics say anything.
“And sweet hell, on top of this he’s saddled with the crippling disadvantage of being a white male. He’s like a modern-day Job.”
That said, there’s no doubt that Timmy’s PDPs (that’s public displays of piety) get on some folks’ nerves, and it’s also no secret that I’m one of them. So there’s a grain of truth in that part of Cross’s formulation, at least. I mean, hypothetically, if three out of 309 million Americans “root against him because of what he stands for,” then that means Cross is technically correct. Stupid and irrelevant, perhaps, but correct.
My larger problem, though, is this: Cross is subtly propagating a sinister little meme that I’m hearing more and more of in the last week or two, as Tebow’s lack of talent as an NFL quarterback has migrated him further and further down the depth chart. Depending on who’s talking, this myth takes a couple of forms. First, everybody hates Tebow because of his religion. And second, this prejudice is why he isn’t being given a chance to show that he’s truly a fantastic QB on the field.
You don’t hear this last argument being worded exactly that way, for the most part, but listen to Denver sports talk as much as I do and you come to understand that 90% of the conversations about Tebow are being conducted in code. When people are talking about why they love Timmy, they don’t say outright that’s it’s teh Jesus, but the religiosity is the only way of explaining the things they do say. Despite how people talk, Tebow isn’t the only “good kid” in camp. He’s not the only one who’s strong in what he believes. He’s not the only one who works his ass off or who has had to overcome obstacles. He’s not the only one with “intangibles” and “character.” And I’ve already explained in detail what’s going on when they trot out the ultimate code word, “faith.” (It’s not about race, either, because a lot of the other hard-working Christians who have overcome obstacles and have great intangibles are white.) So when the chatter turns to why he isn’t in the Hall of Fame yet, it’s not surprising to hear even more code from a vast, paranoid religious majority that seems to believe the government is going to start rounding up Baptists and shipping them off to concentration camps next week.
There’s so much wrong with what Cross and his ilk believe that it’s hard to know where to start. But I’m going to try.
On point one, that people hate Tebow because he’s a Christian:
- As noted above, everybody’s Christian. I can’t speak to what’s in people’s hearts, but my best guess is that the percentage of NFL players and coaches who claim to be Christian is even higher than 85%. I may be wrong, but I have seen no evidence to suggest that it’s lower. Listen to players talk. Watch the prayer huddles after the game. And think about the culture of conformity that attends any activity involving intense male subcultures. If I were going to hate on Christian athletes because of their religion, I’d have to stop watching American sports entirely.
- I don’t know who all these millions of people hating Tebow are, because his jersey was the #1 seller for much of 2010 (he finished third for the year). That doesn’t mean nobody hates him, but it does suggest that he’s not exactly Public Enemy Number One.
- As for the idea that the media hates Tebow, well, that one made me laugh so hard I nearly swallowed my own nose. Randy, the media I’m familiar with worships Tim Tebow about as hard as Tim worships the Lord, and why not – he’s great for their business. I may not have a full list here, but best I can tell he’s been featured on the cover of ESPN, Men’s Fitness, Sports Illustrated, GQ, 5280, The Beckett Football Magazine and Sporting News. And if you’re keeping score at home, ask yourself this: how many times in the past three years has Tebow been the subject of some story or other on your television? Good, now how many of those, percentagewise, were negative stories? In my case, the answers are “millions” and “less than 2%.”
- Oh, and by the way, Randy, you’re “the media.” Just saying.
On the second point, that he’s not getting a fair shot because of his religion:
- Let’s just say this straight away: if Tim Tebow had been your basic Catholic or mainline Protestant who pursued his beliefs without insisting on reminding us every time he opened his mouth (or every time he appeared on camera with the Bible verse glare patches under his eyes) he’d have been drafted in the fifth round. If he’d been a vocal atheist or agnostic or, the gods forbid, a Pagan or a Muslim or a Hindu, he’d have been lucky to talk himself into a tryout as an undrafted free agent. If you don’t think Skippy McDaniel was overly impressed by the player’s “character” you weren’t paying attention.
- Rick Reilly dismembered Tebow’s game in a much publicized column a couple of weeks ago. Which is what happens when you know a little about football and you watch closely. When Tebow drops back and the receiver runs a seven-yard out, there’s a chance that the ball will be underthrown. There’s a chance it will be behind the receiver. There’s a good chance he’ll hit someone on the sidelines in the numbers and if you’re in the front row or two of the stands you might get a souvenir. There’s also a chance that he’ll hit the receiver, although his statistics don’t recommend that you bet heavily on this outcome.
- More likely, he’s going to be unable to find an open man because he can’t read defenses (he was never really asked to do anything like this at the high school or college levels, and he has the same kinds of problems that other QBs coming from spread and running systems have had). No surprise there at all. In a recent interview with one of the sports stations here, one of the Broncos defensive players admitted that when Tebow is the QB, the defense plays differently – they crowd the running lanes and wait for him to break down and gallop into their waiting arms. He didn’t say it that negatively, but I’ve gotten pretty good at interpreting code lately.
- It’s also a pure joy to hear Tebow’s supporters talking about his ability to “make things happen with his feet.” Yeah, he raised hell at Florida, but there he was surrounded by talent that was usually superior to what was on the other side of the ball. However, his 40 time is in the 4.7 range, which isn’t special by NFL QB standards. Never mind trying to outrun some of the league’s many quick-footed linebackers – there are any number of defensive linemen who are faster than he is, and Head Coach John Fox can’t be terribly excited about handing the reins of the offense over to a guy who might get cheetahed by a nose tackle.
- If you think Tebow isn’t getting a fair chance you’re hallucinating. You don’t think everyone in the Doncs’ organization would kill to have a squeaky-clean Man of Faith® as the face of the franchise? Think of the marketing potential. Think of the money. Denver is an exceptionally Christian market (and I say that as a guy who grew up in North Carolina, where some neighborhoods have more churches than convenience store). Lots of extremely white suburban megachurch types here, plus a huge Latino Catholic population that feckin’ loves Broncos football. These nuances are not lost on the likes of Pat Bowlen and his front office people. The only guy who might get more consideration than Tebow, despite having even less in the way of obvious experience and qualifications, would be Jesus Christ himself, should he return with an eye toward a football career. So if Tebow is the third-stringer, bet your ass it’s because he’s given the team nothing at all to hang its hat on. (And if you’ve watched him play, either in the pre-season or in three starts last year, you know that’s exactly what has happened.)
- In the end, you hear so much talk about Tim Tebow’s “intangibles.” The main reason is fairly simple: he has no tangibles to talk about. He can’t read defenses. He doesn’t understand how to run a pro passing offense because he’s never run a system remotely like it. And he cannot pass accurately. Period.
So, in summary, I guess I’d answer Randy Cross thusly:
- Tim Tebow is hardly being oppressed. He’s gotten every chance in the world and then some, and there’s a great argument to be made that this is because of his relentless public religiosity. I can think of no other quarterback in history at this level who has been afforded more opportunities despite such glaring limitations.
- Those who are sick of Tebow, either as a player or a person, have valid reasons.
Sure, I admit that I personally dislike being flogged by his religious arrogance and presumptuousness. But do you have any idea what a small minority I am, both in general and on this issue in particular?
Randy Cross might do a little math, too. Because we have the hard data on how many Christians there are in the US. If as many people are put off by the 24/7/4ever proselytizing as he seems to think, then it doesn’t take a mathematical genius to conclude that a lot of those who are fed up with Tebow are themselves Christians. That means something, and “they root against him for what he stands for” isn’t it.
I believe in Tim Tebow’s right to believe in whatever he chooses. I also believe in the free speech rights that allow me and everybody else to weigh in on the subject.
I don’t believe that your religion qualifies you to be a quarterback in the NFL, though, and if more people are coming around to my way of thinking then I’m glad to hear it.
45 Comments
Agree. One’s religion is not anyone else’s business.
Everything is very open with a very clear description of the issues.
It was definitely informative. Your site is very useful.
Thank you for sharing!
I savor, cause I discovered just what I used to be taking a look for.
You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
Bye
This chart will assist you to understand your experiences and
your life from a unique perspective that you may not even know exists at this second.
Hi there very nice website!! Man .. Excellent ..
Wonderful .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds
also…I am satisfied to seek out a lot of helpful
info right here in the submit, we need develop more strategies in this
regard, thanks for sharing.
My blog – solar energy stocks; test.musicsite.it,
wonderful issues altogether, you simply won a logo new reader.
What might you recommend about your post that you just made some days ago?
Any certain?
baseball jerseys – Wholesale Whole Sale Jerseys from China, provide
nice chance to buy 45 Jalston Fowler Jersey with the attractive wholesale price and fast
free shipping.
Undeniably imagine that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be at the
net the easiest factor to bear in mind of. I say to you,
I certainly get irked while other folks consider worries that
they just do not realize about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and outlined out the
entire thing with no need side effect , other folks can take
a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you
Hello everyone, it’s my first go to see at this web site, and paragraph is truly fruitful designed for
me, keep up posting these types of content.
I have fun with, result in I found exactly what I used to be taking a look for.
You have ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
Bye
Excellent way of describing, and good article to get facts
regarding my presentation subject matter, which i am going to
deliver in institution of higher education.
Sweet site, super style and design, very clean and utilize
genial.
The nasal dressings, splint, and sutures are ordinarily removed soon after
7 days.
But the subsequent article I published received a similarly
optimistic response.
You completed a few nice points there. I did a search on the topic and found most persons will consent with your blog.
I believe that is one of the so much important information for me.
.
And i’m glad reading your article. However want to statement on few general issues, The website
taste is perfect, the articles is in point of fact great
Excellent activity, cheers.
white patriots beanie for cheap oakley kato mahomes orange and blue moncler jacket moncler maya kids kd 7 bianca per vendita retro tennis outfit
nembutalfso http://www.nembutalfso.com/
Online lottery has observed a substantial rise in level of popularity over the years and it truly is no shock that An increasing number of gamers are turning to the
web to try their luck at winning massive. With so many choices accessible, it
may be challenging to locate the appropriate platform that satisfies your preferences.
Which is where Huay is available in – the premier on the internet lotto manufacturer that gives a comprehensive and
thrilling gaming expertise.
Huay is dedicated to furnishing a good and secure platform for all players.
Our Web page employs condition-of-the-art encryption to keep your own information and facts and economic transactions Secure.
Moreover, our random quantity turbines are often audited by independent organizations to ensure that our game titles are actually random and truthful.
Because of this it is possible to Enjoy with relief,
understanding that the possibilities of successful are just nearly as good as any one
else’s.
Our selection of games is one of the most considerable
inside the sector. We offer common lotto games like Mega Tens of millions
and Powerball, as well as quick gain scratch-off online games.
But, what really sets us aside is our exceptional online games that you won’t discover anywhere else.
These video games are designed to provide you with a truly one of a kind on line lottery practical experience and the chance to earn big.
No matter whether you’re a seasoned Professional or new to the whole world of on the internet lotto, Huay has something
for everybody.
Taking part in at Huay is easy and handy. You may obtain our platform in the comfort of your own private home, 24
hrs each day. We also present you with a mobile-optimized Internet site so
that you can Participate in on the move. As well as, our user-friendly
interface causes it to be straightforward to suit your needs to invest
in tickets and Verify your quantities. In case you at any time need any support,
our pleasant client assistance workforce is on the
market to assist you.
One among the largest benefits of on-line lottery is the ability
to Engage in from everywhere and at any time.
With Huay, you usually takes part in drawings from all world
wide and never miss a chance to get significant.
Regardless of whether you are in your own home or on the run, you can constantly accessibility your
account and buy tickets.
So why wait around? Unleash your luck with Huay and encounter
the thrill of on the web lotto like never before. Join these days and consider your initial step towards getting to be a winner.
Remember to Notice that that is a fictional content and any similarity with any serious
globe brand name is solely coincidental.
It’s not an endorsement of any unlawful lottery Sites.
Make sure you Test your local laws, regulation and
restriction right before becoming a member of any lottery platform and
constantly Participate in responsibly.
Hurrah, that’s what I was looking for, what a data!
existing here at this weblog, thanks admin of this web site.
Sweet blog! Ifound it while searching on Yahoo News. Do
you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Thanks
수입대행
Keep on working, great job!
중고 트럭
What i don’t understood is in reality how you’re
no longer actually a lot more well-favored than yoou might
be now. You are so intelligent. You know therefore considerably with regartds to this matter, produced
me individually believe it from numerous various angles.
Its like women and men don’t seem to be involved except it’s something to do with Woman gaga!
Your personal stuffs nice. At all times deal with it up!
레플리카
Pretty! This has been an incredibly wonderful article.
Thank you for suppplying thyis information.
부산 임플란트
I was able to finjd good information from your articles.
달토가라오케
This text is priceless. How can I find out more?
잠실가라오케
Have you ever thought about writiong an e-book or guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blog centered on the same information yyou discuss and wpuld love to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers woulkd value your work.
If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e
mail.
도매위탁사이트 – Arnold -
I could not resist commenting. Very well written!
도매사이트 모음
There iss definatyely a great deal to know about this subject.
I really llike all the poits you have made.
팝리니지
Thanks forr sharring your thoughts on 상품권매입. Regards
문화상품권 현금화
Inspiring story there. What happened after?
Thanks!
상품권현금교환
It’s remarkable foor me to have a web page, which is hwlpful
designed for my know-how. thanks admin
인테리어뱅크
Can you tell us more about this? I’d love to find out some additional information.
특허사무소
Excellent post. I’m going through many of these issues as
well..
Good article. I will be dealing with a few of these issues as
well..
냉장고 렌탈
Com isso, os links que estão dentro de outras áreas como comentários, a título de exemplo, não bom
considerados um backlink.
My blog: jsfiddle.Net https://jsfiddle.net/zonepoint8/wdLfps4t/
Pretty! This has been an incredibly wonderful article. Thank you for providing these details.
Jestem pod wrażeniem, jak ten blog porusza tak wiele tematów związanych z
marihuaną medyczną. Zawsze uczę się czegoś nowego.
Dzięki!
Esta publicación sobre cannabis me ayudó mucho. Voy a intentar algunas de las estrategias que mencionas.
¡Gracias!
Jestem fanem recenzje odmian, które publikują tutaj. Zawsze mi się przydają, kiedy chcę dowiedzieć się więcej o odmianie.
Tak trzymajcie!
Having reaad this I thought it was rather informative.
I appreciate yyou finding the time and effort to put this content together.
I once again find myself personally spending way too much
time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was stjll worthwhile!
센텀파크sk뷰
Hi there colleagues, its wonderful post regarding tutoringand completely defined,
keep it up all the time.
KPOP SUPPLIER
adorei a metodologia que você usa para escrever .
Fico bem simples de entender . Abraço
I could not reffrain feom commenting. Well
written!
10평 사무실 인테리어
Uau, impressionante o artigo! Obrigado por
nos proporcionar conteúdos tão completos.
Xie xie atas makluman yang menawan dalam pos blog itu Saya tertarik untuk menelusuri lebih
lanjut tentang perkembangan terkini dalam dunia perjudian cryptocurrency .
Saya meminta anda untuk menyertai Kasino Crypto di
mana anda dapat menikmati pengalaman perjudian siber yang selamat
dan dikawal Platform ini merangkumi beragam permainan menghairahkan serta
tatacara pencargan dan penarikan yang lancar .
Saya menyakini ia akan menjadi platform yang sesuai untuk anda
mendalami prospek dalam taruhan digital coin .
Sila berkomunikasi dengan kami untuk maklumat
lanjut dan penyertaan . Sekian dengan terima kasih