I had the privilege of snapping this photo of Jim Tressel in a shoot back in 2008 while helping put together posters, websites, and other promotional products for The Main Event (a Christian event at OSU where he and a few key players shared their faith with a packed arena). Some of my friends know him much better than I do, and their respect for him says quite a bit to me. His book, The Winner’s Manual, wasn’t a lie. He’s a man that deserves quite a bit of respect, and will always get that from me.

After watching the media turn his life upside down, here are the questions I have after all that’s went down in town the past few days:

• Why was he pushed to resign before being given the chance to be disciplined by the university or NCAA officials in a few months? Why not teach him a lesson by placing him on probation for a year, rather than kicking him out? Reminds me of Christian schools expelling high school students for being caught with a beer.
• Do we expect the sports icons in America to live a faultless life, especially if they’re a professed Christian?
• Shouldn’t we teach the youth of this country to start respecting and admiring athletes that aren’t just talented or that get a side job to pay for their rent or other bills while at school?
• What kind of position are these players’ parents putting them in by letting them think their athletic career is more important than their work ethics or future beyond sports?
• Is sports really this important? Is its entertainment value really that high?

I thank God that Jim Tressel is a man of genuine faith. You might think he should be walking the walk he talks about, but if you were put under the microscope he’s under at the moment, I’m sure your filth would look pretty bad too. I sure was looking forward to Beamer vs. Tressel in 2013 here in Columbus, but I’ll continue praying for the future of this great man. This isn’t going to stop him from impacting others in the coming days, I’m sure of that!

Sure, they won just today by a score of 3-1 over Australia, but this video shows just how well our team is representing our country off of the field while in South Africa for the World Cup. Thought I would post the video below to remind us (as Americans) that we really do have the opportunity to bring joy to other countries. I’m looking forward to doing that in a few weeks when I travel with Marla to Cambodia! Thanks for the reminder guys!

Definitely not a fan of golf (won’t go into describing that), but I usually will watch The Masters each year. Thrilled that Mickelson won, and that his wife (battling breast cancer and being in bed the entire rest of the tournament) got to enjoy the victory with him.

Tiger Woods has been through quite a bit the past few months, so I wasn’t surprised at all to see the cameras following his every move. After he messed a tee shot up, his voice raised with “God! Tigurrrrrr…….Jesus Christ!”. Obviously he could have replaced “Tiger” with “Holy Spirit” and the discussion across the web would have been entirely different. Maybe?

I’m fairly certain Tiger’s not a Christ-follower, but at some point Christians need to ask – what’s the point in using our Father’s name like this? Really…..I don’t get it? I’m glad I don’t play golf, primarily for this reason. I’m not above getting competitive and letting my stress show during athletic events. I’ve struggled with that. From my understanding and little experience out on the golf course, many golfers are known for this. The sport requires focus, perseverance and perfection. And it’s not the only sport where we hear this, I’m sure of that.

You find it offensive? Does freedom of speech protect this? Should athletes not be confronted for their words while in the spotlights? Thoughts?

I’m ready to start my new job on Monday at 104.9 The River, but I think this weekend will help quite a bit! Bright and early tomorrow morning, I’m heading to Tennessee with my Dad for three days to hang out with rednecks and racecars. Not sure if you’re aware of it, but I’m a big NASCAR fan (rooting for #29 – Kevin Harvick). He just happens to be leading in the standings this year, so we’ll see if he can hold onto that.

I’m most pumped to just get away from work a bit and hang out with my Dad. Something I don’t get to do too often. He and I will be hanging out in the first row up in the section above the “BRISTOL” area in the photo. Great seats for sure!

What things do you enjoy in life that would recharge you? Have you had an opportunity to escape and relax recently?

This one might step on some toes, but here we go! Surely you’re aware that football season has begun here in America? Obviously, by the hat I’m wearing in this blog’s header image, you can guess that I’m a pretty big fan of sports. My favorite two are college football (go Virginia Tech Hokies) and NASCAR racing (go Kevin Harvick).

Living here in Columbus, OH it becomes pretty obvious how dominating sports can be in people’s lives. But I get it……competition has always been interesting for centuries. But something I REALLY don’t get now is fantasy sports. After years of being sucked into being a part of online fantasy sports leagues, I can finally say that I don’t see the need to be in one ever again.

What don’t I get about it? I already feel like I don’t have a life watching countless hours of a race or football game. I’m guessing you’d have to take that time and double it when you add in the “studying” and “preparing” people put in with managing their fantasy sports teams. And at the end of the week, they have a 50-50 chance of being the lucky one and out-guessing their competitor. Here’s the challenge! Is there something better you could be doing with the time God has given you? When you have to look back on life, are you going to regret things like fantasy football? Is it just me, or have we become numb in more areas like this with our time as our culture shifts?

PRAYING that you and I find a balance of leisure and responsibility. PRAISING God for giving us things to enjoy, while also commanding us to never prioritize anything above Him.