A great deal of attention has been given to Richard Sherman’s post game interview following Seattle’s victory over San Francisco this past Sunday. In this interview, Sherman loudly and rather obnoxiously disrespected an opposing player. His rant has “turned off” most football fans, myself included.
But as I have had time to think about this throughout the week, I have raised a question in my own mind.
Which has more potential to do harm to our impressionable children who watch the NFL and look to its players as role models…is it the obnoxious sideline rant that disrespected another player, or is it the mild mannered response to an interview in which the winning quarterback stated that he can’t wait to get a “Bud Light” in his mouth?
You see, Richard Sherman wasn’t the only person interviewed this past week. Peyton Manning was also interviewed and asked if his upcoming neck exam was weighing on his mind. His response was, “what’s weighing on my mind is how soon I can get a Bud Light in my mouth after this win.”
The more I’ve thought about it, the more I’m convinced we struggle with “selective outrage.” Our disgust, abhorrence, and condemnation of an action is often dismissed or challenged, condemned or overlooked depending upon the identity of the offender.
I certainly don’t have an axe to grind. I live in Knoxville, TN where Peyton Manning is loved and admired more than maybe any other city in the nation. I’m not trying to topple any statues. I’m just saying let’s use this recent event as a reminder of our loyalties. They should reside in God, not any man.
So back to the question contained in the title of this article. Which is more dangerous to our impressionable youth…an obnoxious rant that disrespected another player by a player known for his taunting, or a mild-mannered, much loved quarterback normalizing the use of alcohol?
Here’s how the Bible addresses both issues…
“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise (Proverbs 20:1).
What do you think?
So very timely. Very good thought provoking. What is most impressional to our young people. Both are so wrong but, I often think folks look for permission to do things. If only it was just the master they wanted to emulate.
Thaks for Your desire to cause us to.think
Well…I am just going to go get a diet mountain dew…and ponder what you wrote. Good article Steve. Sports in General has taken a horrible turn…I personally blame the media…they will post or play anything that will sell! That is too bad about Manning though. I am a AFC fan so I am hoping the Broncos will win…but I just want to see a good game. If these “sports hero’s only knew what they were doing to the next generation…That is why Tebow may never get a shot…because of his Beliefs…
Agreed. Everyone got so upset with what he said, which was loud and unsportsmanlike, but not vulgar. Yet, rarely a word was said about the Chevy commercial played repeatedly through the game with a vulgar profanity in it.
Agreed. Everyone got so upset with what he said, which was loud and unsportsmanlike, but not vulgar. Yet, rarely a word was said about the Chevy commercial played repeatedly through the game with a vulgar profanity in it.
The question was asked, “Which has more potential to do harm to our impressionable children who watch the NFL and look to its players as role models…?”
The only way to save our children is to see to it that their role models are the great heroes of the Bible—especially Jesus Christ.