Jesus told us that we cannot serve two masters or we will hate the one and love the other. For many years now, we have seen examples in professional sports where money, rather than truth or justice, seems to determine actions. This is of course contrary to how God would prefer we act.
We need to help our children aspire to righteous goals in their own sports experience as participants and as spectators. We and our children should do what Jesus would do in all our life experiences, and sometimes this means sacrifice.
Unfortunately, more often the example set today in pro sports is to do whatever will bring in the most money. Here are some examples of virtues with high-profile pro athletes that are being corrupted but also some examples of athletes who have supported the truth.
Justice and courage
Los Angeles Laker star Lebron James has a great influence over young people’s views. He has become a billionaire largely due to Nike and communist China, with whom he has a massive equipment deal. When the well-known issue of widespread human rights abuses in China is brought to his attention, he does not criticize China but instead attacks his own country. He also insults those who oppose his views. All in the name of the almighty dollar. This is possibly the biggest hypocrisy in sports history. The social damage James is doing is enormous.
Kudos to Daryl Morey (former Houston Rockets general manager) and Enes Freedom of the Boston Celtics, who were the few voices who spoke up against James and the National Basketball Association (NBA) policy towards China. The result for Freedom was that he was benched and may have no future in the league. We know, however, that he is ultimately the real winner in this story.
The new LIV Golf Tour is being run by money from Saudi Arabia, whose human rights record is almost as dismal as China’s. However, the Saudis are throwing huge amounts of money at the top golfers in the world. Sadly, several of the top names, including Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and organizer Greg Norman are okay with selling their souls for the almighty buck. These players already make plenty of money on the PGA Tour, but out of pure greed they will give up their values.
Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy have led the opposition to LIV. McIlroy says that the players who joined have made their bed, and now they must sleep in it.
Loyalty and commitment
Another NBA legend, Kevin Durant, has a humungous contract with the Brooklyn Nets, which pays him a ridiculous annual salary. However, he has decided that he doesn’t want to honour the last two years of that contract because he would rather play elsewhere. He has no loyalty to the team that sacrificed so much for him. Neither is there any consideration of his teammates, who were hoping to build a future alongside him. A big part of this relates to money. Despite his shameful actions, many teams are fighting over trying to trade for him. No thank you.
I prefer to think instead of the athletes who have accepted “hometown discounts” to stay in the city that they have forged a relationship with. In Vancouver, the Sedin twins have helped the community so much, including making huge donations to the children’s hospital.
Sportsmanship and respect
Last week at Wimbledon there was a circus of a match between Australian bad boy Nick Kyrgios and the increasingly unpopular Greek Stefano Tsitsipas. There were temper tantrums galore, a ball hit dangerously into the crowd, constant verbal exchanges with officials, and two attempts by Tsitsipas to hit Kyrios’s body with 100 mile an hour shots. Both of their post-match press conferences were equally accusatory and pathetic rather than acknowledging any wrongdoing. The worst part is that many in the media are suggesting that this is good for the sport because it brings in the ratings. Tennis has been through this before in the days of John McEnroe. The Association of Tennis Professionals would not default McEnroe from matches because he was a big sell at the box office. Again it is about money, money, money.
Fortunately, many current and past players, like former Grand Slam champions Mats Wilander and Alex Corretja, immediately spoke up against this demonstration and the idea of trying to sell the game this way. They argued that the immense talent on display in today’s game is more than enough. They suggest that the game must be built properly with respect for officials and opponents.
Humility
Many around the National Football League believe that seeing over-the-top, sometimes crude celebrations that often taunt opponents is a good thing for ticket sales. They see it as entertainment.
Fortunately, there is pushback from some, including Baltimore Raven coach John Harbaugh, who is a devout Catholic. He believes this is a poor example for young people, which of course it is.
When you are enrolling your children in sports, pay close attention to the behaviours and attitudes being permitted or even encouraged. If virtuous behaviour is not being taught, then talk to the coach and if necessary the association. If necessary, pull your child out and find a program that will support having your child act like another Jesus.
