Yep, Reggie Bush. If you're even slightly interested in the world of athletics, and haven't been living under a rock, you've probably read more than you ever cared to know about this current NFL and former USC football player. One of the fastest, most celebrated football players in college football history who seemed to never be caught on the field has finally been caught off it.
Reggie has recently been on the front page, and in the blogs of almost every sports news outlet on the planet as the first athlete in 75 years to return the prestigious Heisman trophy due to many NCAA violations deeming him ineligible for his last college season (which he completely denied until recently).
Fame, money, status, scandal, deception, cheating, pride, and selfishness have been constant descriptors of huge recent ethical sports scandals, including Mark McGuire and Marion Jones to name a few. It is facinating to see how almost everyone, even those who may have never even watched the sport, seem to want to call the "ethical police," and become volunteer professional counselors as they all weigh in on the polls with the "right response" and healing path needed for each of these athletes.
It's also interesting how as human beings we all seem to have some definition of what justice, right and wrong is, and how we get frustrated if that justice is not being served - even if the situation has absolutely nothing to do with us. Our opinions range from black and white demanding the most extreme consequences to those we see in the wrong, to others saying we need to simply mind our own business.
As a college athlete I have had a behind the scenes look at the unique pressures, combined with personal hurts and wounds for myself and these high profile athletes, and I have become less judgmental than I used to be. What is it in us though that immediately feels like we have a right to judge someone else or express our opinion on others circumstances when we don't know them, don't have all of the details, and often haven't assessed the same fallen aspects of ourselves? If like author Jay Adams we were strictly using the Bible to evaluate these situations, what does it say a person needs to do to make things right in God's eyes and how are we to respond?
Reggie's recent response seems to be putting the past to rest saying, "Now that that is behind me, I look forward to the future and winning more awards and championships in New Orleans. Who dat!" After reading this, my prayer is for a Christian friend or counselor come along side him to encourage him, guide him, and build him up, instead of tear him down ... helping him change his exclamation "who dat!" to the question "who dat?" and introduce him to the One who will give the ultimate award that never has to be given back.
Oh it makes me so sad to think that as Christians we still struggle with being so quick to point out others flaws and ignore our own personal sins. After reading this blog, I too have been reminded of what it felt like to be a Christina athlete who was judged and criticized for not being perfect. It's amazing how sometimes it takes us actually experiencing the lack of support and love from other Christians when working through a mistake or sin we have committed, for us to learn not to do to others what was once done to us. I also pray that Christians can see this opportunity to really show Christ love, forgiveness to Reggie, and support him through his healing process instead of turning away.
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