I originally posted this on October 26, 2011. It’ received a lot of attention from Muslim activists…
On my radio program we got into a discussion regarding Denver Bronco quarterback, Tim Tebow. Specifically we were talking about his come-from-behind effort on Sunday, during the last four minutes of the fourth quarter, to tie, and then beat in overtime, the Miami Dolphins, 18-15.
It was Tebow’s first start in the NFL, and the first three quarters were pretty rough. Going into the final quarter, with the Broncos in danger of being shut out for the first time since 1992, Tebow was 3-for-8 for 24 yards. He had been sacked four times.
But then in those last four minutes, with the Dolphins up by 15, Tebow made it happen. He connected on his passes, and even ran into the end zone for the first comeback touchdown. He was awesome.
Yet, even after the dramatic overtime victory, commentators on virtually every outlet were ripping him for an el-sucko performance prior to the last portion of the game. And they refused to let go of it.
One of the more gracious commentaries came from the New York Daily News: “In his first game since being named the Bronco’s quarterback, Tebow was horrendous for three quarters, spectacular for one. He didn’t play well. He just won.”
Hey, idiots in the media: the only thing that matters in sports is the score when the clock runs out. Seems to me that Tebow faced adversity head on, and smacked it down. Sounds like a good day at the office to me.
So, why does the media refuse to give Tim Tebow a break?
It’s because he’s a Christian–and an outspoken one at that. My gosh, during the 2010 Superbowl he was in a pro-life commercial for Focus on the Family–the media hated it, because they hate Focus on the Family founder, James Dobson (“He’s a homophobe,” they say).
Put a mic in Tebow’s face and you’ll get an “I give thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” everytime.
And the media hates that too.
But how about if Tebow were a Muslim? How would the media have reacted to his victory on Sunday?
With over the top praise and adoration. I can hear it now: “The Sultan of Sling, Timmy Tebow, with a courageous come from behind win!”
In the post game interview they would ask “the Mighty Muslim” how his faith helped him overcome a tough situation. He would give glory to Allah. Cameras would be following him to his prayer mat on Monday, showing how Islam was a part of his training regimen.
If Tebow were a Muslim the media would glorify him, because they want to make you believe that Islam is the religion of peace, as opposed to the religion that drove eleven men into blowing up 3,000 Americans into pieces.
Even if he someday wins the Superbowl, the media will always have an ax to grind with Tim Tebow, which is why many of us (even those of us who are not Bronco fans) wish him success.