It would seem that every week there is a new ‘scandal’ involving sports stars. What has happened this year that makes it any different to past years? Is it that people now understand that the media love these stories as they sell papers and help the TV ratings? Are there more people out there who have access to cameras through their phones and know there might be a quick monetary reward for the luck?
What should our response be to the events that continue to swamp us through all the media channels? Well, we shouldn’t be shocked. Why would sports stars be immune from temptation? Last time I went out in public, there was no one patting me on the back telling what a great player I am, there was no one buying me drinks, there were no girls throwing themselves at me, I had responsibilities and a family to get home to, and the last time I checked, I don’t seem to have a lot of time to just do what I want. This is the environment our sports stars find themselves in. We could even be a bit sympathetic. Often, we don’t even know the full story. Shock horror, sometimes the media get it wrong! But then it is too late. Our opinion has already been formed. We seem to somehow want to forgive a sports star but sack politicians for the same behaviour (but then again, poor analogy, we find it hard to like politicians, and they very rarely bring in any joys to our lives, unlike sportsmen).
Then there are the fans. Many of them, not all, but some, are willing to excuse some behaviour as long as the player in question plays for their team. Earlier this year, a leading sportsman was involved in an alleged sexual assault. The next week, when his team was playing (he wasn’t), a supporter’s sign summed up the attitude of many. The sign said, ‘I’d trust you (alleged player) with my daughter any day’. I’ve got a feeling this supporter had never met the mentioned player. Is it any wonder many of our sportsmen find it hard to understand the attitudes when things go off the rails!
Many will cry, ‘ah they’re paid very well, they should know what comes with the territory’. Really? Does a lot of money all of a sudden keep your sinful natures in check? Does it stop you believing that you are a champion in your field? I would like to suggest that the opposite may actually happen. That is, the extremely high salary gives a sportsman a much higher opinion of themselves and actually deceives them into thinking that their behaviour is excusable because of who they are. What club has not in the past tried to cover up immoral behaviour? Rather that stop the behaviour it has unwittingly swept it under the carpet and the green light is given to the wayward player.
I believe our response should be like that of the Apostle Paul, who says in 1 Corinthians 5 verse 12 ‘What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?’ Who are we to judge those that do not belong to the church? We don’t excuse the behaviour but rather, we should positively use the opportunity to talk about such behaviour with those around us. It’s always a talking point. And remember, what we would be like in that same situation?
Finally, Moore College hosted Ashley Null for its Annual Lectures last month. Ashley has served as a chaplain for the last 2 Olympics for the U.S. track and field team. He spoke to a small group outside the lectures about sport chaplaincy. Among many interesting things he spoke about was the great need for chaplains within the sports in general. He spoke of the Olympic village being full of people who had their dreams smashed. Their life was a mess because they weren’t able to deliver. He spoke of the depression that falls upon the medal winners the day after the events. There is a sense of ‘is this it?’, ‘what do I do now?’ All the partying you see is not really what it is like, it is just hiding the truth.
It was also interesting to hear how many of the athletes do not cope when they come back to the normal lives. They feel that people only want to know them because of their achievements. Perhaps we should think a bit more deeply about this. It only goes to prove that we all desire something and that desire is not met fully until it is met in Jesus.
The great void that elite sports people feel when the competing finishes is immense. Prime example was that of Scott Miller, who this week was sentenced to 100 hours community work (a lucky boy, I think) after being found guilty of supplying ecstasy. He said he turned to alcohol and drugs to "numb the pain of being finished" after winning a silver and bronze medal for Australia at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
So, perhaps we should be praying more for those who are involved in sports chaplaincy. We should be praying for ourselves as we have contact with those around us because sport is one of those subjects that many will relate to (warning: not everybody, so be tactful) and is often a great starting point for conversation.
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Hi Garry - A sports nut I certainly am not. I like to watch a bit of cricket now and again, but really I couldn't care less about most other sports, including football. But I DO work with a bunch of guys who seem to live for little else. That places on me a need to be at least a BIT interested because I love them, and want to reach them.
ReplyDeleteAs an outside observer, it doesn't surprise me that there is so much controversy and corruption of various types in the football world. As you rightly point out, if you take sinful people and give them money and power without much restriction or accountibility, I would expect the results to be exactly what they are. And this applies not just to sport, but business, politics, church and family.
The wake up call for me is that I need to be more ready to discuss these things with my work mates and point out what it says about the human condition, rather than sitting back in my comfort zone.
Hi Garry, I am a sports nut (!) and believe that much of the bad stuff comes from a lack of perspective and getting the wrong focus. Even at the grass roots level I hear a lot about the fact that we are only human and aggession and/or retaliation and bad (sinful) behaviour is inevitable / expected / acceptable. It's up to Christians in these situations to provide an alternate point of view. Call it for what it is - sin. If the professional sportsman are role models we are all in deep trouble. It's possible to play sport for the love of it and in a way that benefits others, both your team mates and those you play against. Same with coaching kids. Trying to show the example of Christ's love in these situations is hard work but well worth it.
ReplyDeleteJon