Sports Spectrum

Yesterday longtime shortstop Nomar Garciaparra announced his retirement from baseball.

Although it has been years since Nomar played for the Boston Red Sox, he decided to come back and sign a one day contract so he could retire as a Red Sox. He still loved the game and loved Boston and he wanted to leave them together.

Garciaparra won't be taking to the field this season, but rather to the broadcast booth with ESPN.

Thanks to Garciaparra and the Red Sox for showing that the game can be played with loyalty and mutual respect.

Comments (0)

---

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Prov. 22:6

Read a sports-related devotional by Paul Kelly based on this verse in the Winter 2010 edition of the Training Table. These daily devotionals are included with your copy of Sports Spectrum magazine or purchase a Training Table Devotional online.

---

Carl Edwards received a 3 week probation for his intentional wrecking of Brad Keselowski's car in last week's race in Atlanta. NASCAR's "let the racers take care of business" attitude has become a radical departure from fining for cussing on TV and other disciplinary action for minor infractions.

However, it seems that for the sake of ratings the pendulum has swung too far for NASCAR. A three week probational period for a wreck that caused Keselowski's car to go airborne, shattering into pieces and flung towards the crowd?

Would we be having this conversation if Keselowski had been injured or killed? The same accident could have had a much darker outcome. Are actions going to be judged on their results rather than the action itself?

Carelessness for life and property should be acceptable "paybacks." The costs are too high when you play by those stakes. Revenge shouldn't be played out in wrecks on the track but rather by the skill of the finish of the race.

Cars sailing into the air may make for great TV replays and drama on the track, but since when did ratings become important than human life. I'm sorry NASCAR, "we'll know it when we see it" doesn't work for raising kids, training athletes, training soldiers, Wall Street, or on the tracks of NASCAR. Subjectivity gives no boundaries and no guidance for racers that lack in judgment.

What's your opinion on NASCAR's response to the situation? Do you agree or disagree?

Comments (0)

---

"'Two men owed money to a certain moneylender... Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?' Simon replied, 'I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.' 'You have judged correctly,' Jesus said." Luke 7:41-43

Read a sports-related devotional by Lois Thomson based on this verse in the Winter 2010 edition of the Training Table. These daily devotionals are included with your copy of Sports Spectrum magazine or purchase a Training Table Devotional online.

---

In NCAA football, who do you think of? Reggie Bush's "619," Terrelle Pryor's "VICK," Ronald Johnson's Obama support, Zac Robinson's "Press On" or Tim Tebow's verses?

I'm going to guess that it might be Tebow's eye black that caught the most attention. Google searches for the verses Tebow wore would rank in the top 10 searches on Florida game days.

The NCAA Football Rules Committee proposed a ban on players from putting any words, logos or symbols on their eye black. Many are referencing it as the Tebow ruling.

Many believe that the NCAA's standards on restriction of uniforms would cover eye black. In essence the rule may already exist and the new ruling if confirmed would further clarify standards.

Honestly, while the NCAA may be trying to force conformity for prevention sake - aren't there more important issues that they should be trying to tackle? Compliance? PEDs? Coach abuse? Bribes and bonuses?

I don't see the necessity of the ruling. I do see that a means to share Christ would be lost with the adoption of this standard. I also see the importance of believers to follow the directions of authority (I Peter 2:12-14) unless it conflicts with Scripture.

I'll be praying for Christian players to be able to share their faith by every means possible. Pray with me that their message will not be silenced.

Comments (0)

---

"For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Luke 14:11 (KJV)

Read a sports-related devotional by Brett Honeycutt based on this verse in the Winter 2010 edition of the Training Table. These daily devotionals are included with your copy of Sports Spectrum magazine or purchase a Training Table Devotional online.

---

NBA

• The Magic haven't forgotten how last season ended. They held on to beat the Lakers 96-94.
• Boston came back to beat Washington 86-83.
• Detroit finished Houston in overtime 110-107.
• Tony Parker (Spurs) broke a bone in his hand and will be our for weeks.
• Miami Heat guard Rafer Alston is not happy, as evidenced by the fact he is no longer showing up for work. His response to losing his position as starter has lead to the Heat suspending him indefinitely.

NFL

• It was a big weekend in the free agency market. The most surprising results were the athletes that the Bears aquired. Bold moves from a relatively conservative off-season team.
  Bears - Brandon Manumeleuna (TE), Julius Peppers (DE), Chester Taylor (RB)
  Broncos - Justin Bannan (DT), Nate Jones (CB)
  Browns - Scott Fujita (LB), Tony Pashos (OT)
  Chiefs - Jackie Battle (RB)
  Colts - Gary Brackett (LB)
  Dolphins - Karlos Dansby (LB), Chad Pennington (QB)
  Falcons - Dunta Robinson (CB)
  Giants - Antrel Rolle (S)
  Jaguars - Aaron Kampman (LB), Kassim Osgood (WR)
  Lions - Nate Burleson (WR), Vinny Ciurciu (LB), Will Heller (TE), Jon Jansen (OT), Kyle Vanden Bosch (DE)
  Packers - Chad Clifton (OT)
  Patriots - Tully Vanta-Cain(LB), Stephen Neal (G), Vine Wilfork
  Raiders - Khalif Barnes (OT), Richard Seymour (DE)
  Rams - AJ Feeley (QB)
  Redskins - Phillip Daniels (DE), Casey Rabach (C)
  Saints - Pierson Prioleau (S)
  Texans - Matt Turk (P), Kevin Walter (WR)

NASCAR

• Kurt Busch won at Atlanta, but it was a flying car driven by Brad Keselowski that really took the attention at the end of the race. Carl Edwards was removed for his role in the accident and will likely (and hopefully) face consequences from NASCAR (fines or suspensions) for the incident.

NHL

• Detroit held on to beat the Blackhawks on home ice 5-4.
• Carolina shut out Atlanta 4-0.
• Canadiens came back from 3 down to beat the Ducks 4-3.

NCAA Basketball

• Championship week with lots of great games on tap. Bring on the March Madness and selection Sunday.

Comments (0)

---

"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap…" Ezekiel 22:30 (KJV)

Read a sports-related devotional by Jason Blecher based on this verse in the Winter 2010 edition of the Training Table. These daily devotionals are included with your copy of Sports Spectrum magazine or purchase a Training Table Devotional online.

Comments (0)

---