Super Bowl, basketball, NFL, MLB, etc.

Hi. First of all, a Christian article about Giants wide receiver David Tyree, who ended up being one of the heroes of the Giants Super Bowl win. This article is from before the game and about how his leadership helped to turn their season around and how his faith allowed him to turn his life around from drug and alcohol abuse. The article also includes Giants linebacker Reggie Torbor. Here's a quote from Tyree:

"This has been a year of grace for us and we need to show God's power in all we do," Tyree said during the Giants media day Tuesday in Phoenix, site of Sunday's Super Bowl XLII.

"It's a bigger issue to give God the glory," Tyree said, "and to believe in God's greatness than anything the Giants have done.”

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5761.

Here's a link to an interview with Tyree on Sports Spectrum Radio that goes along with this article: http://www.rbc.org/radio_and_tv/sports_spectrum/programs/60446.aspx.

Next, a Christian article about several of the Patriots players and how God helps them keep their success in perspective. The Christian players included in the article are tight end Ben Watson, runningback Kevin Faulk, defensive tackle Richard Seymour, fullback Heath Evans, and tight end Kyle Brady. Here's a quote from Watson:

"Five years from now, nobody is going to remember who won this game and most people won't even care," Patriots tight end Ben Watson said as he was surrounded by media members from around the world Tuesday.

"God has given us a perspective as believers that there is more to life than football," said Watson....

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5762.

Here's another article on Baylor men's basketball head coach Scott Drew, a Christian, and his amazing turnaround of the program from the rock bottom: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=ncb&id=3224732.

Also, an article about Bills tight end Kevin Everett, who suffered a severe spinal cord injury early this season and is now walking after doctors initially thought that he never would again. Here's a couple quotes from him about it:

He is, though, trying to figure out where his life will take him next. Though he accepts he can no longer play and already is talking about coaching, there are times it's hard to realize his playing career is, indeed, over.

"I was so used to working out and being around my teammates, that's kind of hard," said Everett, who plans on making an appearance at the Bills' training camp this summer. "But I'll be OK. ... I don't see it as God picking on me or anything. I just see it as one door closes, another one's going to open.

"I just have to figure out what it is." ...

"I have to be honest, in the beginning ... I was like, 'Wow, why did this happen to me?"' Everett said. "But I just prayed, and God just calmed me and let me accept it for what it was." ...

But it's his hands that still give him the most difficulty. Although he can again brush his hair, use utensils and hold a glass, his dexterity and fine-motor skills are nowhere near what they once were. His hands are numb, and he can't tell how hard he is gripping something.

That is something that might return with time and continued therapy. Or, it might not.

"You've just got to go with the flow, just like my whole recovery," he said. "It's a blessing if it does. And it's a blessing if it doesn't because I came this far, I can't ask for much more. I'm up, I'm moving around and walking."

Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=345486.

Here's an article about new Phillies outfielder Geoff Jenkins holding a celebrity charity poker tournament to raise money for the Boys and Girls Clubs. I know that it was for good cause and all, but I'm not to sure what to think about gambling for charity. It's kind of a contradiction to me. Anyway, here's the article: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080128&content_id=2358524&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080131&content_id=2360833&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article about the Giants run to the Super Bowl championship being inspired by an injured Iraq veteran. Army Lt. Col. Greg Gadson was almost killed by a bomb in Iraq, but fortunately only lost his legs, not his life. A friend of Giants wide receivers coach Mike Sullivan from their football days at West Point, Sullivan recommended him to speak to the team when they were in Washington to play the Redskins early this season. His talk inspired the team on their run to the Super Bowl championship. Gadson was also at as many of the Giants games as possible, including the conference championship game in Green Bay and the Super Bowl. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/columns/story?columnist=garber_greg&id=3222397.

Also, an article about Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, a Christian, and the great job that he's done with the Giants defense this year: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=345491.

Here's a Christian article about some of the Christian coaches with the Patriots: strength and conditioning coach Mike Woicik, assistant strength and conditioning coach and team chaplain Don Davis, defensive coordinator Dean Pees, and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Here's a quote from McDaniels:

"My faith keeps me on an even keel and I learned I can lean on it when times get tough," McDaniels said. "It's helped me to know I can stand my ground in whatever I do."

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5763.

Next, a Christian article about some of the Christian coaches with the Giants: defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, strength and conditioning coach Jerry Palmieri, and secondary coach Dave Merritt. Here's a quote from Spagnuolo:

"I think my faith is everything," said Spagnuolo, a regular in the Giants coaches' Bible study. "It's the foundation of what I am." From his faith grows "a belief that God has a hand in all of this," the coach said during the media-intensive week prior to Sunday's face-off with the New England Patriots.

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5764.

Also, an article about CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz, a Christian, receiving the "Pat Summerall Award" for character, integrity and leadership at the annual "Legends for Charity" dinner January 31st as part of the Super Bowl Week events: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5768.

Here's a good Christian blog post about former tennis player Michael Chang, a Christian, being inducted to the International Tennis Hall of Fame: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/chang-elected-to-ithof.html.

Next, a good article about Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, a Christian, and how important his family is to him after he had a troubled childhood himself. He's started a foundation to help women and children from abusive situations because of that. That work, along with other work in the community led to him being nominated for the NFL Man of the Year Award. Here's the article: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/020108dnspocowlede.319ed6a.html (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/5). Here's Whitten's personal website: http://jasonwitten82.com/.

Here's an article about new Angels outfielder Torii Hunter, a Christian, and his plans to get involved in the community in Southern California like he was in Minnesota with his former team, the Twins: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080201&content_id=2362196&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana&partnered=rss_ana.

Lastly, for now, an article on Florida men's basketball coach Billy Donovan, a Christian, and his coaching tree. His coaching tree is his former assistants at Marshall and Florida: Arkansas head coach John Pelphrey, Virginia Commonwealth head coach Anthony Grant, and Marshall head coach Donnie Jones (also a Christian). Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=345987.

more Super Bowl, football, and MLB

Hello! Only one more day til the Super Bowl! Staying with that topic, here's a list that I've compiled of players and coaches on the Giants and Patriots that are Christians. I've compiled this list from articles and things from BP Sports (http://www.bpsports.net/) and Sports Spectrum (http://www.sportsspectrum.com/). I don't know if this is a complete list, and I definitely hope that it isn't and that there are actually more Christians on each team. Here's the Christians that I do know of on the Patriots: Ben Watson (tight end), Rosevelt Colvin (linebacker), Chris Hanson (punter), Kyle Brady (tight end), Heath Evans (fullback), Richard Seymour (defensive lineman), Junior Seau (linebacker), Kevin Faulk (runningback), Mike Woicik (strength and conditioning coach), Don Davis (assistant strength and conditioning coach and team chaplain), Dean Pees (defensive coordinator), and Josh McDaniels (offensive coordinator). The Christians that I know of on the Giants are Tank Daniels (linebacker), David Tyree (wide receiver), Reggie Torber (linebacker), Steve Spagnuolo (defensive coordinator), Jerry Palmieri (strength and conditioning coach), and Dave Merritt (secondary coach). I will include more on most of these players and coaches in this and the next posts.

Also, when double-checking the spelling of Rosevelt Colvin's name I happened upon his personal website: http://www.r59.com/index.php.

Here's an interesting article about Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, and his decision to come back and coach the Colts this year while his family is living in Florida. The article talks to some Christian family experts and some people who have lived away from their family for work or their spouse did. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080127/SPORTS03/801270418/1058/SPORTS03.

Next, an article about new Braves pitcher Tom Glavine, and how he put his terrible start for the Mets in the final game of last season into perspective. The loss lost the division for the Mets, and the media and Mets fans were upset with Glavine because he didn't seem upset enough about it. When asked if he was devastated, he said no, just disappointed, which wasn't enough for them. He later said that it was one of the worst moments of his career, but that there are worse things in life than playing poorly in baseball. He compared it to a friend of his 11-year-old son who is losing his leg from cancer. I thought that this was a great article about how sometimes fans and the media think that a bad performance in sports is the end of the world, when really there are a lot worse things in the world. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080127&content_id=2356949&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym&partnered=rss_nym.
Also, a good article about new Baylor head football coach Art Briles, a Christian, and how losing his parents in a car accident while he was in college has effected the rest of his life: http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/01/27/0127briles.html (originally found at: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/012808aac.html).

Here's a Christian article about Patriots tight end Ben Watson and the importance of faith and family in his life. Here's a good quote from him:

Watson's career is approaching its zenith, yet as he has established himself as a respected member of the Patriots, he simultaneously has answered the call of his faith. Last week, while his teammates enjoyed a three-day hiatus from football, Watson formally kicked off his "One More" Foundation, created to promote educational and enrichment opportunities through charitable programs.

"So much of football relates to Christian life - sacrifice, commitment, discipline," said Watson. "I know God has a plan for me. I don't know what it is. After football? Who knows? My grandmother and my father always said I would end up as a missionary. Well, I feel like I am one now."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2008/01/28/0129_watson.html.

Next, an article about former Braves outfielder and Falcons safety Brian Jordan's daughter Briana, who is a star basketball player at Greater Atlanta Christian School in Atlanta. I don't know anything about their faith other than the fact she's going to the Christian school, but I thought that I would include this anyway: http://www.ajc.com/highschool/content/sports/highschool/stories/2008/01/28/hsgirlfeature_0129g.html.

Here's an article about how Christianity at least seems to have had an effect on the new NFL Personal Conduct Policy that was put in place last year, although the NFL would never admit it. Also, the article tells about several Christian events being held in the Phoenix area in conjunction with the Super Bowl: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5753.

Also, an article about Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker, and his unlikely rise to being an important player on the Patriots because of his lack of size. Again, I don't know anything about his faith, but here's a great quote from his mom Shelley:

... They pray for him a few blocks up the road, in the Welker home, that he'll be safe among 300-pounders and 6-foot-3 burners who belong in the league.

Here, they always believed Wes belonged, too.

"It was all part of God's plan, and we know that," Shelley says. "It worked out just like it was supposed to."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/news/story?id=3214646.

Here's an article about Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon receiving an award because of his work with an organization that helps soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3218378&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines.

Next, an article about Phillies shortstop and reigning NL MVP Jimmy Rollins, a Christian, being named the Most Outstanding Pro Athlete by the Philadelphia SportsWriters Association: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080128&content_id=2358360&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Broncos Pro-Bowl safety John Lynch, a Christian, considering retirement: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3219465&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines.

Also, an article about Giants wide receiver Dominek Hixon, who was hit by Bills tight end Kevin Everett early this season and causing Everett to sustain a severe neck injury. It was originally thought that Hixon would be paralyzed, if he survived. However, with the help of cutting-edge technology Everett is walking again. Although the injury wasn't Hixon's fault and there was nothing that he could have done to have prevented it, he still felt guilty. Hixon was playing for the Broncos then, but later this season was released an signed by the Giants. The two didn't know each other before the incident, but have since gotten together and became friends. Here's a quote about the hit:

As Hixon ran with the football, a powerful force crashed into him, a hit like he had never felt before.

"It was probably the hardest hit I ever had to take," Hixon said Tuesday during the Giants' Media Day activities here for Super Bowl XLII.

Hixon said he was dazed. But then he saw Everett down. And he didn't see him get up. When the ambulance came to take Everett away, Hixon prayed. He knew it was bad.

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10607339/rss.

Lastly, for now, an article about Dodgers pitcher Derek Lowe speaking to kids about skin cancer and the importance of sun screen, after he had a cancerous tumor removed from his nose five years ago: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080129&content_id=2358736&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Super Bowl, NFL, basketball, and baseball

Hi. This is my first of three posts for this weekend. There are a lot of extra articles and things with the Super Bowl coming up, so I'll divide the articles up into more managable posts. First, a couple of Christian websites for the Super Bowl. The first site is Athletes in Action's Beyond the Ultimate, which is designed as a witnessing tool. It's redesigned to correspond with each major athletic event, including the Super Bowl. Now it has testimonial articles from the Giants David Tyree and Reggie Torbor and the Patriots Rosevelt Colvin and Ben Watson, along with videos from Colts head coach Tony Dungy and Bears head coach Lovie Smith. Here's the link: http://www.beyondtheultimate.com/default.aspx.

The other Christian Super Bowl site is the Baptist Press' Beyond the Game. They have a writer in Arizona covering the Super Bowl festivities from a Christian perspective who has written articles all week. I'll post the articles separtately later, but here's the site to check out now: http://www.bpnews.net/BPCollectionNews.asp?ID=124.

Another general football site is the NFL Players website, which includes short video interviews and more of seven different players, including two Christians: Colts center Jeff Saturday and Dolphins quarterback Trent Green. The whole website is pretty good, but especially the Saturday and Green parts: http://www.nflplayers.com/server/index.html.

Here's a Christian article about Washington State men's basketball head coach Tony Bennett. The article also mentions two Christian players on the team, guard Taylor Rochestie and forward Daven Harmeling. Washington State came from nowhere last year to have great success, and have had an even better season so far this year. Here's a quote from Bennett about that:

So the Cougars march on, unsure if more blessed March Madness awaits them, but intent upon doing things the right way, regardless of their destination.

“God is teaching me, as always, to walk by faith and not by sight because now we’re in a season that’s more in the spotlight,” Bennett said. “We were higher in the preseason expectations. We talk about not worrying about the end result. We have to walk through the process.”

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5749.

Next, a Christian article about Chadron State runningback Danny Woodhead and his winning the Harlon Hill Trophy, the NCAA Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. He is hoping to get a chance to play in the NFL now. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5750 (originally found at: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/danny-woodhead-wins-harlon-hill-trophy.html).

Here's a good Christian article about Tony Dungy's decision to return and coach the Colts for at least one more year. It's talks about one of the reasons for Dungy's return is the platform for sharing his faith that being the Colts head coach gives him. Here's a quote from him about that:

"I enjoy my job, the players, the staff we have here and Bill (Polian) and Jim," Dungy told reporters. "But it is a platform and that's something I talked to my wife and pastor about. I said 'I could stop and start a ministry, but I might not have a platform like this.'"

"I look at this as a job," he said, "but I also look at it as a ministry ... I might not have as effective a ministry as I have right now."

Here's the article: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080124/30960_Dungy_Sees_Return_to_Colts_as_Chance_to_Share_Faith.htm.

Also, a couple of articles on Bengals defensive lineman David Pollack, a Christian, who suffered a serious neck injury in September of 2006. Lately he has been training for a potential return to the NFL at the Ignition group, Christian-oriented facility near Cincinnati. There he has been working with NFL hopefulls, including Southern Illinois quarterback Nick Hill, a Christian. On February 8th, what he's calling "D-Day", he'll meet with his doctor to make a final decision about whether or not returnning to play would be worth the risk of injuring his neck even more severely. So this would be a good prayer request too, that he makes the right decision for his health. Here's some quotes from him about what he's been doing, his decision-making process, and how the injury has changed him as a person:

... He is instructing and training with 11 NFL hopefuls, including four players from the University of Cincinnati, and leading Bible study for them on Wednesday nights at his Liberty Township home. He’s preparing his body and mind for his potential comeback as a player. ...

“I will want to take some time, though, to fast and pray and spend time by myself a lot and try to figure out where God is leading me,” he said. “If it closes one chapter, it opens another.” ...

The experiences of this past two years have changed Pollack.

“I’m always running around. The Bible verse I always think about is: 'Be still and know that I am God.' I’ve never been still in my life,” Pollack said. “I have had time to sit back. It has been a rewarding experience. It’s hard to explain how breaking your neck can make you better.

“I have learned a lot about myself and my wife. I am domestic now, which is crazy. Football players are selfish people. We think we work so hard and have the hardest job in the world. It’s just not true. I had to step out of the box to figure that out.

“Now, I come over here to train, and before I leave I put a load of laundry in. Then I go home and clean and do the dishes. I am more rounded. I help my wife out more. I am a more patient person.”

Here's that article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080124/SPT02/301240057/1066/.

The other article about Pollack has these quotes about his decision-making process:

"Trust me, I'm not going to do anything stupid," Pollack said earlier this week. "If someone says there is a 50 percent chance I'll break my neck [again], I'll never go anywhere near a field again." ...

"Things happen for a reason," said Pollack, who is deeply religious. "I pray a lot, not so much to ask God to allow me to play again, but to help me make the right decision when the time comes. If I'm meant to get back on the field, it will happen. And if not, well, I'm not going to play that what if guessing game. I'll just move on to whatever it is I'm supposed to be doing and attack it just as hard as I do football." ...

"We're getting closer to a decision," Pollack said. "Whichever way it comes down, I'm really mentally, emotionally and spiritually prepared for it."

Here's that article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3215632&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines.

Next, an article from an interview with Tony Dungy, with some more about returning to coach since his job is a ministry too:

Q: You said in the press conference that you consider this more than a job. It’s also a ministry. How much did that influence your decision to return?

A: If it was just about football and winning the Super Bowl, we’ve done that and I have said that I’m not going to be in this forever. I do feel like I’m getting close to when I’m going to finish. I have a great deal of respect for (Colts Owner and Chief Executive Officer) Jim Irsay and want to do what would help him, but if it was just that, I probably wouldn’t still be in it. But the fact that you do feel like you’re doing more than just coaching a football team and you can accomplish some things because of the position – you still have to do your job and you still have to win and all of that – but I get to do more.

Q: Is that why you mentioned that missionaries are often away from their families . . .

A: That’s something my wife (Lauren) and I talked about. It’s something that we feel like the Lord has given us right now for this time. He has put us in a great team, a great organization and we feel like there’s a reason for it.

Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=185a6dc9-28c8-434f-aaad-75914207b012&rssrefer=south_bend_tribune.

Here's the article about IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis) men's basketball head coach Ron Hunter, Christian, and the results of his drive to get donations of shoes and money for the Christian organization Samaritan's Feet. He coached one of the team's games last week barefoot to raise awareness of the organization, with hopes of gettting 40,000 pairs of shoes. Because of the publicity about it in the days leading up to the game, he had reached that goal by lunchtime that day, and ended the day with 110,000 pairs and even more promised later! Hunter plans to take the shoes to Africa himself, and some of his Jaguars players have expressed interest in going along too. Here's a quote from the article:

For the record, Hunter's exposed feet weren't stepped on during the game. It bears noting that he almost never sits down when the action -- and the feet -- are flowing.

"My feet hurt so bad," he said after the game. "But imagine a child or a human going their whole lives without shoes."

Hunter, 43, said his month-long association with Samaritan's Feet has already affected him, and he knows it could be on the verge of changing the lives of others.

Several of his players have vowed to join him on the summer trip, which he'd like to take to Cameroon, home to Jaguars freshman guard Christian Siakam. In Siakam's family, shoes are a luxury; not everyone has them.

Now, a man with no ties to IUPUI has offered to charter a jet to fly the team to Africa, pending NCAA approval, of course.

"I knew when I saw Siakam's face we were doing the right thing," Hunter said.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080125/SPORTS06/801250407/1068. Also, here's an article with a video of the news segment from the local news about it: http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7771854&Call=Email&Format=HTML.

Also, an article about Colts safety Antoine Bethea, who was named as an injury replacement for the Pro Bowl last week. Here's some of what he had to say about it:

“It’s a great feeling,” Bethea said. “It’s been a long road, coming from where I came from and how I had to fight an uphill battle. It’s just a continued blessing for me: last year playing in the Super Bowl and now this year, my second year, being selected to go to the Pro Bowl.

“All the hard work you put into it, to get rewarded for it is just a blessing.”

Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=7214cc89-86eb-4609-ae56-e2ea9ff54daa.

Here's a couple more articles about Colts associate head coach/quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell, a Christian, who was named to succeed Tony Dungy as head coach when Dungy retires. The first one is an interview article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=85f25998-5166-4677-adec-a93d0558cb7d, and the other is more a biographical one and about how similar he is to Dungy: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080128/SPORTS03/801280350/1247/NLETTER12.

Next, an article about Cubs minor-league pitcher Donnie Veal, a Christian, and about how he lost his father in a scuba-diving accident last November, almost three years to the day after his mother died from cancer. The article tells about how he's dealing with the deaths, as well as his brother Devin, who is a red-shirt freshman football player at Arizona: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080125&content_id=2355174&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Brewers pitcher Jeff Suppan, a Christian, and the new restaurant that he and his wife own and run in California: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_entertainment.jsp?ymd=20080124&content_id=2354591&vkey=entertainment&fext=.jsp.

Also, another article about retired Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell's (a Christian) 90th birthday last Friday. Here's a quote about some of the things that he's doing now:

He still finds time to stop in at Comerica Park once in a while, occasionally working with Baseball Chapel, other times doing a guest spot on various telecasts....

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080125&content_id=2355587&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's another article about Baylor men's basketball head coach Scott Drew, a Christian, and the success that the team's having this year after turning the program around from the absolute bottom. Here's a quote about the advice about dealing with adversity that his father, Valparaiso men's basketball head coach Homer Drew (also a Christian), gave him when he took the job at Baylor:

"He was very supportive, and he gave me one piece of advice that was really good," Drew said. "When he went to Valparaiso, they never had had a winning season in their Division I history. He said the Book of Job really helped him."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080126/SPORTS/801260433/1247/SPORTS.

Lastly for now, an article about the celebrity charity soccer game that Dodgers 3rd baseman Nomar Garciaparra and his wife, retired soccer star Mia Hamm, held last weekend: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080126&content_id=2356447&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp.

football, basketball, MLB, etc.

Hello! I'm going to have to once again split the articles that I have into two posts this weekend. I just have trouble finding time to post during the week.

First of all, here's a great article about Jaguars quarterback David Garrard, a Christian. Here's a quote about him and having to go through treatment for Crohn's disease:

Garrard admits that, through quarterback controversies and physical setbacks, it hasn't always been easy to stay positive - to remain, as he calls it, a "good teammate."

One test came in 2004, when he had surgery for Crohn's disease, a painful inflammation of the intestines. He takes medication every eight weeks, a 3?-hour procedure; his next appointment is Tuesday, three days after playing the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the playoffs tonight.

"It's a horrible disease, something that a lot of people are affected by," he says. "But I think the Lord blessed me with it, so I could talk about it."

To Mary Garrard, her husband's Christian faith is a key to both his personality and his playing style. "About 95 percent of his temperament comes from his faith," she says. "We're both Christians: There's a higher power, God is in charge of everything, there's no reason to worry about anything."

Here's the article: http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/010508/met_231653371.shtml (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/15).

Here's a great article on the importance of prayer and their Christian faith for several players on the Packers. Those mentioned as Christians in the article are defensive ends Aaron Kampman and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, wide receiver James Jones, and head coach Mike McCarthy. Here's some quotes from Kampman on the topic:

It's not a stretch, then, to wonder about the team in the other locker room and logically ask, why isn't God a fan of their team?

"I do believe that God is sovereign and he does orchestrate or know what's going on, yes,'' said Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman, the acknowledged spiritual leader of the team. "Do I think that God cheers more for one team than the other? No.

"I think that our ways are on his ways. So the outcome of a game, while very, very important, could be part of his plan to achieve something. But a loss could do that. It's a lot bigger than trying to put God in a box for the NFL playoffs. It's the other way around. Everything filters down from God.'' ...

No one knows what will transpire at Lambeau on Saturday, but Kampman is sure of one thing: If you're looking for assistance from above at this point, you're either too late or just don't understand.

"This is my opinion, but I think if a person turns it up more, maybe they didn't understand the principles from the beginning,'' he said. "I go back to a verse in Colossians (3:23) that says 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as though you were working for the Lord and not for men.'

"To me what that means is applying that to all aspects of your life, my marriage, this job here, my parenting. Work at it with all your heart. Not for the external outcomes that men will give you but for your internal gratitude for what you've been given."

Also, here's a quote about McCarthy:

Kampman leads a Bible study group on Thursdays in the team's defensive meeting room. On the eve of the game, a half-hour interdenominational chapel service will be held in the team hotel — usually led by someone associated with Athletes in Action — and then a full Catholic mass. That the mass begins 4½ hours before kickoff is a tradition handed down through the years.

The two services used to coincide but Baraniak said since Mike McCarthy, an Irish Catholic, has become head coach, the two are separated so he can attend both.

"He wants to hear what the team is hearing,'' said [team chaplain Rev. James] Baraniak, adding McCarthy uses bits and pieces from both services and weaves them into his address to the team each week.

"He pulls it all together so beautifully.''

Here's the article: http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080110/APC0101/801100589/1979 (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5741).

Next, an article about a great program that the Diamondbacks have began for the upcoming season. They are giving season ticket "scholarships" for families that apply and are having hard times. Here's the article: http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10571485 (originally found at: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/080114.php).

Here's a Christian article about Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry, who grew up in the projects of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Here's a quote about his life:

Henry has come a long way from the mean streets of Michigan Links Court. When you survive the perils he did, life is all about perspective. Playing football is good. Being alive is better. Being alive in Christ is best.

“Growing up like that made me realize a totally different relationship with God and being thankful for what you’ve got,” he said. “Being a pro athlete with money, sometimes you take it for granted. But I want to stay focused and know that God has blessed me to be where I am, but that I also need to care for other people.”

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5740.

Also, a good article about how Baylor men's basketball head coach Scott Drew, a Christian, has helped turn around the men's basketball program after one of the worst team scandals in NCAA sports history. It was especially bad since Baylor is a Baptist college. Here's a quote from athletic director Ian McCaw, also a Christian:

"People were still shocked from the scandal when I got here," said McCaw, a Baptist deacon whose faith and belief in Baylor's mission convinced him to leave his post as athletic director at Massachusetts, his alma mater. "The hardest thing to overcome was the morale. It was incredibly low."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=oneil_dana&id=3189351.

Here's a good article about recently retired Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, a Christian, and why he decided to retire to spend more time with his family: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/11/AR2008011102493_2.html?hpid=topnews.

Next, an article about Cowboys outside linebacker Greg Ellis, a Christian, being awarded The Associated Press 2007 NFL Comeback Player of the Year last week. He won the award after coming back this season from an Achilles injury to be a huge part of the Cowboys defense. Here's a couple of quotes from him about it:

"It's been great," Ellis said. "I thank God for blessing me, letting me get out there and have a good support group, starting from the doctors. We have good people here, the coaches have done a good job working me back into it. They've been telling me 'You're fine, you're fine.' It was just getting the confidence to get out there and do it." ...

"Guys will tell you the correct thing -- you don't seek after those awards," Ellis said. "But when you're blessed to get any award on a national level ... our (linebackers) coach, Paul Pasqualoni, says the respect of the game is one of the reasons everybody in the NFL plays. And he's right.

"So once you've got the respect of everybody in the country, if you will, at doing something -- whether it's for your efforts on coming back or for your just play on the field, whatever it is -- it's a great award to get, obviously."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=ArMpT1RfAGTjMifg3YncDXc5nYcB?slug=ap-comebackplayer&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's an article about the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Chick-fil-A Senior Bowl Rally, one of the largest FCA rallies in the nation, that is held next weekend in conjunction with the Senior Bowl. Two of the featured speakers at the event are also participants in the game -- Alabama All-SEC defensive end Wallace Gilberry and Auburn All-SEC defensive end Quentin Groves. Here's the article: http://www.seniorbowl.com/2008/news/2008fca.htm (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Also, an article about Colts owner Jim Irsay offering Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, some flexibility if Dungy would decide to return as coach. Irsay would be willing to give Dungy more time off to travel to visit his family in Tampa, etc. That's how badly Irsay wants Dungy to return. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080113/SPORTS03/301130019/1058/SPORTS03.

Here's an article about Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez starting a scholarship program for college-bound high-schoolers from a section of Detroit: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080113/SPORTS02/80113080/0/BUSINESS01 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/113).

Next, an article about the Detroit Ignition of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) helping to raise money for a couple who's home was destroyed and they were injured. The couple, Dave and Jan Goble, are also raising their grandchildren. Lions wide receiver Mike Furrey, a Christian, was also at the game and donated one of his jerseys to a silent auction for some of the money that was raised. Here's a quote from Dave Goble:

"God is providing all of our needs," Dave Goble said.

Here's the article: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080113/CFP02/801130452/1057/SPORTS (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

Lastly, an article about a children's book that former Braves outfielder and Falcons player Brian Jordan has written, called "I Told You I Can Play". Here's a quote from him telling what the book is about, and it sounds like it should be pretty good:

"It's about believing in yourself," Jordan told the group before he began reading.

The story is about young Brian, who wants to play with his brothers, who don't allow him to because they think he is too young. They do everything they can to avoid him until one day he gets a chance. Brian not only plays, but scores a touchdown.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080113&content_id=2344870&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

MLB, NBA, football, and lots of Tim Tebow

Hi. I'm going to post some tonight and finish getting caught up this weekend hopefully. The first article is one about Phillies shortstop and new NL MVP Jimmy Rollins, a Christian, donating computers and launching a computer lab at a high school in Philadelphia: http://www.philly.com/dailynews/sports/20071127_Technically_speaking__Rollins_also_an_MVP.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071128&content_id=2312828&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's another article about Lakers guard Derek Fisher, a Christian, taking less money to play with the Lakers so that he would be in a city that could provide the medical treatment that his daughter needed for cancer. He was nominated for the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Award for that, but Packers quarterback Brett Favre won the award on Monday. Here's the article: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/magazine/specials/sportsman/2007/11/20/kennedy.fisher/index.html.

Next, an article about Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester, a Christian, winning the 2007 Tony Conigliaro Award, which is given annually to a Major League player who has "overcome adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination and courage." Lester overcame cancer last winter to make a successful return to pitching with the Red Sox. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071128&content_id=2313203&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Here's a good Christian article about SEC football referee Steve Shaw, a Christian, and how important integrity is on and off the field (includes a video and quiz about college football rules): http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/276322.aspx.

Also, an article about Baylor naming former Houston head football coach Art Briles, a Christian, as its new head coach. Here's a couple of quotes about Briles:

"My charge to Director of Athletics Ian McCaw was to locate a championship caliber head football coach who embraced Baylor's Christian mission, and could lead, inspire and win with integrity," said Baylor President Dr. John M. Lilley. "Ian has done an outstanding job and brings forward in Art Briles a person who can begin a new era for Baylor University football." ...

"Art Briles embodies all of the qualities that we seek in our head football coach," said Baylor Director of Athletics Ian McCaw. "He is a Godly man who believes in the Christian mission of the institution, and demonstrates great personal character, integrity and commitment to education. ..."

Here's the article: http://baylorbears.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112807aam.html (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5718).

Next, another article on murdered Redskins safety Sean Taylor, this one from the Christian Sports Blog about how Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, a Christian, knows that Taylor was a Christian. Here's a quote from Gibbs about Taylor:

"He had a growing relationship with the Lord and the reason why I say that, I didn't spend a lot of time talking to him about that, but I witnessed his life, but Brett Fuller, who is one of our chaplains, I want everybody here to know that we have the greatest group of guys working with us. We have Brett, Lee (Corder) and Jerry (Leachmen) working with the coaches and then the players. Brett had spent a lot of time with Sean over the last couple of years. Brett has handled the coaches here when he came and spoke to us earlier yesterday his feeling is that Sean had a great relationship with the Lord and he feels like he (Sean Taylor) has gone home."

Here's the article: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2007/11/sean-taylor-christian-according-to.html.

Here's a few articles about Florida quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Tim Tebow, a Christian. The Heisman Trophy Awards show is on Saturday at 8:00 Eastern on ESPN. First, an article from an interview with him. Here's a quote of the first question asked ("MM" is the interviewer Meghan McMahon):

MM: What role has your Christianity played in your athletic career and your life, and how has it been tested in college?

TT: My faith has played a huge role. It's the No. 1 thing in my life, above school and football. Being a Christian totally changes your perspective on life, priorities, and how you treat people. Really, it's a guideline for how you live your life, even in football and school. It does get tested every day with stuff at college, but growing up in a strong Christian family and having positive influences has really helped me stay grounded.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AiP44jbwRiBW5Zpi.537stA5nYcB?slug=uwire-interviewtalkingtotebow&prov=uwire&type=lgns.

Next, an article from another interview with Tebow. Strangely enough, it's an interview of the Florida quarterback on a sports radio show in Houston and printed on an University of Arkansas sports website. Go figure. Anyways, here's a couple of quotes, the first one about Tebow's broken non-throwing hand, which he suffered in their last regular-season game:

Sean & John: I have heard the news last week. Let me ask you, how’s the hand?

Tebow: It’s doing fine. It is healing, it is casted up, and it will be off in a few weeks. It’s not a big deal; I guess that’s why God gives us two hands.

The other quote is about the "H word", which the interviewer means as the "Heisman Trophy", but Tebow takes a different view of it:

Sean & John: Speaking of relationships did you ever get the chance to talk with former Gators quarterback Danny Wuerffel about the expectations placed on a University of Florida quarterback even the “H word”?

Tebow: I have had the chance to talk to him and about the H word, I don’t know if it’s the same word your are talking about. We talk more about humility. He is a great guy and it has been fun getting to know him.

Sean & John: Well that was the word I was talking about…humility. Tim, I don’t know what you are thinking about.

Well, we’ll stay away from using the exact word. We know the team’s accomplishments are what motivate you above all else. However, what would it mean to you, being in consideration for the most prestigious award in college sports, what would it mean to bring the Trophy home to Florida?

Tebow: It would mean a lot and it is such an honor just to be mentioned with that award. The opportunity to go would be a huge honor and it would mean a lot. I grew up watching guys like Danny Wuerffel and other guys like that who’ve won it. It would mean a lot and again it is such an honor to be mentioned.

Here's the article (you might have to go to the print version to read the whole interview): http://arkansas.scout.com/a.z?s=10&p=2&c=706508 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/209).

Here's a good Christian article about Tebow that I included another time, and was reprinted from the Florida Baptist Witness since Tebow's up for the Heisman: http://www.floridabaptistwitness.com/8145.article (originally found this time at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/209).

Also, a couple of news articles about Tebow, the first about his being named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AtDfdPs7iG8iz8pBZXZC0nE5nYcB?slug=ap-heismanfinalists&prov=ap&type=lgns. The other article is about him winning the the Maxwell Award, given to the nation's best all-round player, and the the Davey O'Brien Award, given to the nation's top quarterback, tonight: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3144727.

Lastly, here's a short article with five reasons why former Florida Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Danny Wuerffel, also a Christian, thinks that Tebow should win the Heisman:

It's been 11 years since a Florida quarterback won the Heisman Trophy, as Tim Tebow is in the running to do Saturday. The last Gators passer to pull that off, 1996 winner Danny Wuerffel, gives us five reasons Tebow is deserving of college football's top individual honor:
——————————
1. He ran for 22 touchdowns this season; it would have taken me 20 years to rush for 22 touchdowns.
——————————
2. He cares more about impoverished kids at the Tebows' orphanage in the Philippines than winning the Heisman Trophy.
——————————
3. Tebow is the only person I know that scares Jack Bauer.
——————————
4. He is a very humble and soft-spoken Christian man and yet he still has as much fun as Brett Favre on the field.
——————————
5. He is the second-rated passer in college football this season – and he's built like Brian Urlacher.

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2007/12/06/gimmefive_1207.html.

Sunday Post #2: football, basketball, MLB, etc.

Hello, again. Here's the second post from tonight. I'm trying to divide up all the articles and stuff that I have to post so that it won't be so overwhelming for everyone. First of all, a great Christian article about the Lions and how last season God used starting quarterback Jon Kitna, then back-up quarterback Josh McCown (now with the Raiders), and wide receiver Mike Furrey to bring the team together and win souls off the field, even as they struggled to win on the field. Now the team is having an amazing season this year, today's loss to the Cardinals not withstanding. Here's the article, including a couple of vidoes with Kitna and Furrey: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=D5C73473-97BD-484A-8AEBFDC539C2150E&method=display.

Here's a Christian article about Baylor track star Nichole Jones: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=AC8A85E2-99A5-4CD7-8062DA0C4C47EB87&method=display.

Next, a Christian article about Delaware State men's basketball head coach Greg Jackson, and how the death of his wife made his faith in God stronger: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=BEB647A3-407E-48A6-8AE09717BA277706&method=display.

Here's a Christian article about Boise State soccer player Nicole Tadman, who is also the wife of Boise State football player Marty Tadman: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=EC581394-7932-4589-9AA9AA8E67695936&method=display.

Also, a first-person Christian article by Columbus Crew defender Jed Zayner, who I just have to point out went to college at IU: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=5099C84F-29A1-4C62-B49A90591BBF6D65&method=display.

Sticking with IU, here's a blog post by IU runningback Bryan Payton, a Christian, and an excellent essay that he posted about late IU football head coach Terry Hoeppner, a Christian. Hoeppner died last June from complications from brain cancer, and the essay is about Hoeppner and his effect on Payton and the team. Here's the end of the essay:

God works in mysterious ways. I’m not sure why God took Coach Hep from us but I do know that there was a purpose for it. Hep feels no more pain, no more suffering; he has no worries, no sickness. Knowing that was, and still is, very comforting. I believe that God placed Coach Lynch as Hep’s assistant head coach for a reason. Coach Hep had full faith in him and so do the players.

Terry Hoeppner was an extraordinary man. He had such a positive impact on so many people’s lives and he will never be forgotten. We miss him dearly and this season is dedicated to him.

Here's the article: http://insideiufootball.blogspot.com/2007/11/coach-hep-remembered.html.

Next, an article about NC State women's basketball head coach Kay Yow, a Christian, and how her fight with cancer has inspired others. Here's a couple of quotes from her about inspiring others:

"When they say that, it really gives me a lift because it's at that time I know for sure that I'm not going through it for nothing," Yow said. "That means a lot to me. I have to go through it. I accept that, and I'm not panicked about it because the Lord is in control. But it just would be so saddening if I had to go through it and I couldn't help people.

"But then I see I'm helping others in a greater way than I ever have," she said, tears welling in her eyes. "That's the amazing thing, you know?" ...

"If you start to dwell on the wrong things, it'll take you down fast," Yow said. "Every morning, I wake up and the first thing I think of is I'm thankful. I'm thankful for another day."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaw/news;_ylt=AsoIwk4Tl7lw3eIgNSVvsU5.T4h4?slug=ap-ncstate-yowsfight&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's a Christian article from the Saved in Sports Blog about Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2007/11/02/kurt-warner-the-first-thing/.

Also, a Christian article about former Yankees player and current broadcaster Bobby Murcer, and his battle with brain cancer: http://www.guidepostsmag.com/WEEKLY_FEATURE.ASP?DATE=11/19/2007.

Lastly, an article about Bills safety Donte Whitner, who hosts a contest for single mothers to win a day at a spa. He does it to honor his single mother and grandmother that raise him. Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071102/SPT02/711020346/tbd/.

That's all for tonight. I'll add some more later this week.

basketball, MLB, and football misc.

First of all, an article about the candidates for the WBNA Rookie of the Year Award. This article's writer picks Sparks and former Tennessee guard Sidney Spencer, a Christian, as the favorite to win the award. Here's the article: http://www.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/stories/082307aad.html.

Here's an interesting article on NC State women's head basketball coach Kay Yow, a Christian, on recruiting players: http://www.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/uwire/082307aad.html.

Next, an article on Reds outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr.'s charity bowling tournament in Cincinnati next week for the Cincinnati Children's Hospital. He's also holding a charity golf tournament in Orlando to raise money for the Florida Children's Hospital. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070822&content_id=2163937&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about retired Knicks guard Allan Houston, a Christian, trying to make a comeback to the NBA. He was talking about his comeback on the same day that he was sponsoring a Father Knows Best Retreat, "a faith-based event in Harlem designed to strengthen father-son and mentor-mentee relationships" through his foundation. Here's a quote about it:

Though Houston hasn't played in two years, this will be the fourth year for his Father Knows Best Retreat. He said the inspiration for the retreat came from his relationship with his father, Wade Houston, who was his coach at Tennessee.

"He's been a good example as a man, a father, a friend and the head of the household," Houston said. "People are starting to come back and treat the father role serious. … Our purpose is to bring light to that and encourage fathers and sons (who are) trying to do that."

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-08-23-AllanHouston_N.htm.

Also, an article about Colts rookie wide receiver Trent Shelton out of Baylor. He's trying to catch on with the Colts as a gunner who covers punts on special teams. Here's a quote from him about that:

“My focus is to do what I can do and put it in God’s hands,” Shelton said. “I can only do so much. I just go out and give it my all. On special teams, right now, I’m a gunner. If I can make a name for myself there, I know that’s the key to getting on this team, is at gunner.”

Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=aa7ec573-406e-4f1c-b620-f7731305bd29.

Here's a great article about different things that college football teams do to promote unity on the team. They varied from fun activities to helping out the community. Some examples from the article are Georgia Tech had "a four-part 'Team Time' series, run by team chaplain Derrick Moore". Michigan ran a women's football academy and car wash to raise money for head coach Lloyd Carr's Coach Carr Cancer Fund. Central Michigan played water polo to have fun and get in shape. Notre Dame had an Iron Man competition and took part in "'Tackle the Arts,' a community service event where underprivileged South Bend youth came to campus to participate in crafts, poetry, music and painting with the team." Vanderbilt had team bowling tournaments. Lastly, Middle Tennessee State helped to build a home for an elderly couple with Habitat for Humanity. There are many more examples given too. Here's the article (includes a link with more pictures too): http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/cory_mccartney/08/23/bonding/index.html.

Next, an article about Rockies utility man Jamey Carroll, a Christian, and his ability to play all over the field: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070823&content_id=2165581&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col&partnered=rss_col.

Here's an article about Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb's (a Christian) 42-consecutive inning scoreless streak that came to an end last week: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070823&content_id=2165701&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about a baseball clinic that Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran, a Christian, ran for underprivileged children from East Harlem: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070823&content_id=2165993&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, an article about how Colts safety Matt Giordano, a Christian, has improved his play in the pre-season because of more playing time due to injuries to the starter: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070824/SPORTS03/708240428.

past sports misc.

There aren't any new articles for today, so here's some more sports articles from the past, back in November. First, an article about Colts defensive back Marlin Jackson paying to bring 20 kids and chaperones from his hometown in Pennsylvania to a Colts home game: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061111/SPORTS03/611110480/1100.

Here's an article about the Cubs catcher Michael Barrett, a Christian, hosting a baseball camp for kids in Hawaii in gratitude for being able to play in the Hawaiian Winter Baseball League when he was in the minors: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061108&content_id=1737066&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Next, an article about Red Sox (at the time at least) outfielder Trot Nixon being awarded the Ernie Tavilla Award recognizing outstanding character and leadership on the field and in the community from Athletes in Action New England. Nixon is a currently a free agent who might return to the Red Sox or go elsewhere. Here's a long quote from the article:

With 500 VIP guests in attendance, Nixon accepted the award, which was previously given to Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin and his wife, Dawn, in 2005, along with Patriots linebacker Don Davis, and former Patriots defensive end Anthony Pleasant.

Nixon serves as spokesman for Red Sox Kid Nation presented by Hood, and is a spokesman for the annual Red Cross Blood Drive held on Sept. 11 at Fenway Park.

"Athletes do this because it's something near and dear to their hearts," Nixon said. "For Kathryn [his wife] and I, you can't ever tell God how much he's meant in our lives and how special He is."

Not surprisingly, the subject of whether Nixon, who filed for free agency on Oct. 29, will return next season came up. Showing his trademark honesty, Nixon didn't shy away from discussing the issue.

"One thing Tony Clark said to me was that the next breath isn't guaranteed to us so you need to take full advantage of all of our resources out here, but, for me, it's in God's hands," he said. "That's the way I look at it. If it's playing somewhere else, it's playing somewhere else. I'm going to play the game the way it should be."

Here's the article: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061106&content_id=1735445&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Lastly, an article about Baylor men's basketball coach Scott Drew. He's the son of Valparaiso men's basketball coach Homer Drew and a Christian like his dad. Here's an article about Baylor's upcoming season and how they should be improving after recovering from major sanctions resulting from severe violations under the previous coach: http://proxy.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=2648179.

That's all for now!