I think we can at least partially turn the finger back on ourselves for this one (maybe not you -- just the football fans among us). Even more than winning, team owners are in the business of selling tickets. As long as we continue to support teams with star athletes who are open criminals (e.g., Randy Moss, Michael Vick, Ray Lewis, etc.), football will keep producing those criminals. I know I am through with the Falcons unless and until they make a serious effort to clean up their act. I'll be through with Nike if they don't follow through with severing Vick's contract. New Balance all the way!

Tony,

Thank you for posting. I have been considering this issue for some time now. Here is my conclusion....

It is all Modern day Idolatry. They worshipped Idols in the Old Testament and we think they were idiots. Idol worship still exists today, but in the form of Athletes, Musicians and Actors. Do you really think that George Clooney is worth $20 million per film, while 2 billion children are below the poverty level and one billion of them "survive" on less than $1 per day?!

Our country has brought this upon itself. The only thing that We as Christian can do is to stop worshipping Idols. I am still trying to figure out how to do this in a practical way. One way that I recently came upon was sponsoring two children for $30.00 per month each, through World Vision International. This means that my budget is now changed (and my children's), so that I have less money to spend on those things like movies, sports. Some of my money is now leaving supporting Idols and going to help children. It is a small step, but a first step is how to start. My the Lord give us all clarity when He says "Love not the World, Neither the Things in the World".

Peace,

Jim

Tony,

First, let me say that I am a big fan. That said, I don't see Michael Vick's behavior as any big commentary on sports. Do I see problems with how some idolize professional sports? Sure.

Nevertheless, I believe it is more a commentary on human beings in general and how sinful and degenerate we can be. Is it our love for Jesus that sends a pastor into the arms of a gay prostitute and meth dealer? Is it our love for business that made Andrew Fastow et al embezzle and steal millions at Enron? Ok, forget the "big" stuff. After all, these get attention just because they involve high profile people at large organizations. What about the legions of people who engage in these kinds of activities all the time at all levels or organizations? Is it a commentary on their profession? Is it "because we love our (insert item)?"

Or, is it because they are sinful, degenerate souls who saw a way to do something they found particularly enjoyable or convenient at the time? This tends to be the reason I usually sin anyways.

Travis