A few weeks ago George Weigel wrote that the Denver Bronco’s third-string quarterback Tim Tebow “draws hatred because he is an unabashed Christian, whose calmness and decency in the face of his Christophobic detractors drives them crazy.” Many sports analysts are starting to draw a similar conclusion :
“‘Inside the NFL” analyst and former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Cris Collinsworth concluded that much of the hatred against Tebow was based on his religious beliefs. Responding to a question from fellow host James ‘JB’ Brown, Collinsworth showed his disgust for Tebow’s treatment: ”It’s unbelievable, though, JB, that one of the best kids - just pure kids that’s ever come into the NFL - is hated because of his faith, because of his mission work, because of the fact that he wears it on his sleeve, because of the fact that he lives his life that he talks about.”[ . . . ]
NBCsports.com commentator Jelisa Castrodale argued: “The NFL’s other backup-turned-starters don’t generate this type of negativity.” And CBS analyst and former 49ers offensive lineman Randy Cross blamed the media for anti-Tebow coverage: “‘People, especially the media, root against him because of what he stands for.”
