Tebow v. Polamalu



                                           … a tale of two Christians

I have no problem with Tim Tebow being a devout Christian. Conversely, I have tremendous respect for his strong religious beliefs. What I have a problem with is his determination to use the television cameras and photographs of him kneeling down on the field before games knowing that the cameras will be rolling.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a very devout religious player. His name is Troy Polamalu, and he is a fervent Orthodox Christian. However, he does not go through his pre-game ritual on the field. He does it alone in a private space off a hallway where he can have some peace and solitude. He has a regular religious ritual that is important for him. His fellow players -- and the media -- do not approach him during this time.

Troy is a greater NFL player than Tebow will ever be, and he has been NFL defensive player of the year and to the pro bowl eight times. However, he does not look for the TV cameras where he can express his Christian beliefs. He has a special, very private location in Heinz Field where he goes prior to every game. 

I admire Tebow for being a devout Christian in a  very secular society. I just dislike his doing it to make himself seem like he is more religious than any other athlete. Many athletes are members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and some of them will join hands on the field after a game. They are rarely shown on TV, and I have never seen a newspaper photo of them. 

The problem with Tebow is that he comes across as a "holier than thou" Christian. He wore biblical verses in his eye black when he was in college, which attracted a nation of Christian followers to him. Troy, on the other hand, does not call attention to his beliefs. He actually blesses himself with the sign of the cross before every play, but the cameras seldom show that. I have seen it on occasion. 

Today, conservatives are complaining that Michael Sam, the first openly-gay player in the NFL, is being treated better than Tebow was when he was "mocked" for being a Christian. 

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/michael-sam-tim-tebow-conservatives-double-standard

Really? Tebow's Christianity was all we heard when he won the Heisman. Christians around the country basically formed a cult that created  such a ruckus later when he was with Denver and then the Jets that NFL teams will not even look at him today. The only other teams looking at him are in Canada, far from the American media.

In fact, the same should happen with Sam. The Rams may have so many cameras on him that they will regret drafting him. He and Tebow should be treated the same way, as players who can play compete for positions in the NFL. 

The media should just let the Sam story go the way that they eventually treated Tebow. These athletes should be followed for their athletic ability, not their religion beliefs or sexual orientation.

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