basketball, football, MLB, etc.

Hi. First, an article about the importance of Athletes in Action (AIA) for student athletes at Yale: http://www.yaledailynews.com/articles/view/22435 (originally found at: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=255).

Here's a Christian article about how Lambuth University basketball player Mike Beasley, Jr., became a Christian following the death of his father in a traffic accident. The fifth-year senior and his fiancee will be going on the mission field in Sierra Leone after their wedding in May: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5716.

Next, an article about a complaint by the ACLU about Clemson head football coach Tommy Bowden, a Christian, taking his team voluntarily as a team to church once a year: http://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007711290310 (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5722).

Here's three more articles about nominees for Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year Award. Packers quarterback Brett Favre received the award on Monday. The first article is another one about the Rockies giving a playoff share to the family of minor league coach Mike Coolbaugh, who was killed when hit by a line drive last summer. None of the players would take credit for coming up with the idea for giving the share, which ended up being 233,505.18. Here's the article: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/magazine/specials/sportsman/2007/11/28/price.sportsman/?cnn=yes.

Another of the Sportsman of the Year nomination articles is about NC State women's basketball head coach Kay Yow, a Christian, and her public battle with breast cancer. She's continuing to coach even while undergoing chemotherapy treatments, which has been an inspiration to others. Here's the article: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/magazine/specials/sportsman/2007/11/11/anderson.yow/index.html.

The last Sportsman of the Year nomination article is about former Cowboy Everson Walls giving one of his kidneys to his friend and former teammate Ron Springs, who needed a kidney transplant. The transplant was successful, but unfortunately Springs went into a coma during a routine surgery in October. Springs' son Shawn plays cornerback for the Redskins. Here's the article: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/magazine/specials/sportsman/2007/11/28/deitsch.sportsman/index.html.

Also, another article about Redskins safety Sean Taylor, who was murdered in his home last week, this one from the Saved in Sports blog: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2007/11/30/sean-taylor-of-the-washington-redskins-will-be-missed/.

Here's a note about Cubs minor league pitcher and former Notre Dame wide receiver Jeff Samardzija donating uniforms to his high school's teams:

This fall, Samardzija also took care of the Valparaiso (Ind.) High School football team, and donated new Under Armour uniforms to the players. He's going to make sure the baseball team at his high school receives new jerseys, too. The baseball coach now is former Cubs infielder Mickey Morandini.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071130&content_id=2314222&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Next, a note about Braves first baseman Julio Franco, a Christian, and his future with the Braves:

If Franco is going to realize his dream of playing in the Majors through his 50th birthday in August, he will likely have to do it outside of Atlanta. The Braves are not expected to even offer him a Minor League contract.

Hopefully some other team will give him a chance. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071130&content_id=2314244&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Lastly, an article about Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano bringing gifts and cheer to a children's hospital in Chicago last week: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071130&content_id=2314833&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

college sports, MLB, NFL, etc.

Hi. I'm trying to play catch up again. The first article is about Indiana high school basketball player Tyler Zeller, a Christian, committing to playing for North Carolina starting next year. He turned down IU, Purdue, and Notre Dame, which is were his older brother Luke, also a Christian, plays. Here's the article: http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/nov/06/zeller-finds-comfort-in-tar-heels/ (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/321).

Here's a Christian article by Lee Warren about Nebraska volleyball player Tracy Stalls: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2007/11/nu-volleyball-player-tracy-stalls.html.

Next, a couple of articles about MLB players trying to help out in their native Dominican Republic after tropical storm Noel devastated the island. Those that were helping and asking for help were the Mets Pedro Martinez and Moises Alou (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071107&content_id=2295120&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb) and Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071109&content_id=2296948&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb).

Here's a good Christian article about former Nebraska football head coach and current interim athletic director Tom Osborne: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5702. Also, here's the website, included in the article, for the TeamMates Mentoring Program that he and his wife started: http://www.teammates.org/.

Also, a couple of articles about the late Cowboys chaplain John Weber, who died November 1st following a hear attack. The first article is about his funeral in Dallas, which those who attended included many current and former Cowboys, including defensive lineman Greg Ellis, a Christian, and quarterback Tony Romo. Football broadcaster Pat Summerall also attended. Here's that article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5703.

The other article about Weber article is a good article written by a Cowboys website columnist about his friendship with Weber and the funeral: http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?editorialAuthor=1&id=17E260AC-EBD2-060B-2FCFEED2691DFFD4 (http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=254).

Next, another article about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian. The writer of the article seemingly is not a Christian, but she still takes a positive approach to Kitna's outspoken Christian beliefs. I thought that this statement by the writer in the article was very interesting:

Some fancy Kitna as a religious zealot, but if having strong faith is the worst thing we can say about a professional athlete, maybe we're the ones who need to reevaluate our priorities.

I don't agree that being a Christian is a bad thing off course, but even if you're not a Christian, there are athletes doing and saying things on and off the field of play that should be seen as worse by non-Christians. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hill/071107&sportCat=nfl.

Here's an article about Colts cornerback Marlin Jackson and the Fight for Life Foundation that he started to encourage education and wellness in kids: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=e011c704-06b1-4524-859b-2ae2d95bd7d4.

Also, an article about a football player at Landmark Christian High School in Atlanta, Walter Lenard, and how his extended family has helped him: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/highschool/stories/2007/11/08/hsback_1109.html.

Next, an article about the Gardner-Webb men's basketball team's unbelievable upset at Kentuckty last week. Gardner-Webb is a Baptist school in North Carolina. They went on to play in the next round of the tournament that they were in last night, but they were beat in New York by Connecticut. Here's the article about the celebration back on their campus after the game last week: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5707.

Lastly, a couple of Christian notes from Sports Spectrum's The Daily this week. The first is about retired LPGA golfer Betsy King, and the missionary work that she's doing to help orphans in Rwanda:

KING KEEPS GIVING: Betsy King put together a Hall of Fame career on the golf course. Put now that she has mostly retired from the game, she is using her fame, her contacts in the golf world, and her Christian faith to do something of much more eternal value. She has created an organization called Golf Fore Africa, which is a mission to Rwanda to assist the children of that war-ravaged, disease-torn country. Recently, King and several others LPGA golfers returned from a visit to this tiny African country just east of Congo . King has teamed up with World Vision to provide essential services to the suffering folks of Rwanda . One of the major problems King is trying to address is the huge numbers of orphans. There are an estimated 1.3 million of them in a country of 9 million people. An atrocious attack on the Rwandan citizens by ruthless warriors in 1994 is one of the reasons for these orphans. Hundreds of thousands of people were killed. Also, AIDS has taken thousands of other parents from their children. If you wish to help King in her efforts, go to www.worldvision.org to find out more.

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071112.php.

The other note is about a Christian outreach at tomorrow's Ohio State/Michigan game that' being run by a Christian former football player from both schools:

RIVALS NO MORE: Shawn Lazarus played football for the University of Michigan. Joel Penton played football for the Ohio State University. That should make them . . . brothers? Well, the fact that they suited up for rival schools doesn't make them brothers, but their shared faith in Jesus Christ does. And they want others who relish the rivalry to join them in knowing the freedom of salvation. So they have teamed up to form Rivals Team Up, which will have a presence in Ann Arbor on Saturday when the Buckeyes roll into town to face the Wolverines at the Big House. While 111,000 people or so will have their minds set on enjoying another reenactment of one of college football's favorite border wars, Penton and Lazarus will be trying to tell some of those people about winning the most important battle ever-the battle for the human soul. Find out more about what these two former rivals and their friends have in mind. Go to http://www.rivalsteamup.com/ to find out more.

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071116.php.

More tomorrow!

MLB, basketball, and college football

Hello! First of all, a note about now former Brewers outfielder Corey Koskie, a Christian, who might be attempting a comeback after missing the last season and a half because of post-concussion syndrome (page down some): http://www.startribune.com/twins/story/1496748.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071022&content_id=2275925&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about Indiana high school basketball star Tyler Zeller, a Christian, after his recruiting visit to Purdue. He's also considering IU, North Carolina, and Notre Dame: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071023/SPORTS0602/710230390/1070/SPORTS0602.

Next, an article about San Diego State athletes helping out at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, an evacuation center for those evacuated from their homes because of the wildfires there. The athletes thought that since their housing and food was taken care of by their scholarships that they would help those who had neither. Two of the athletes that helped were football players Chaz Schilens and Mike Kravetz. Here's a quote from Schilens about it:

Added Schilens: "We've been blessed to go to school here and most of us are on scholarship. So while other people's houses are being evacuated, you just think, 'hey, we can do something about this.'

"You can't just sit around."

Here's the article: http://media.www.thedailyaztec.com/media/storage/paper741/news/2007/10/23/Sports/Athletes.Help.In.A.Time.Of.Need-3051196-page2.shtml (originally found at: http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3077025&searchName=feldman_bruce&campaign=rsssrch&source=bruce_feldman&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fespn%2fblog%2findex%3fentryID%3d3077025%26searchName%3dfeldman_bruce%26campaign%3drsssrch%26source%3dbruce_feldman).

Here's an article about Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew, a Christian, and his family and hometown in southern Georgia: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2007-10-22-drew-hometown_N.htm?csp=34.

Also, an article about Hornets guard Chris Paul, a Christian, and how important he is to both the Hornets season and the team getting back a fan base in New Orleans after they played most of the last two seasons in Oklahoma City after Katrina. It also tells about how he learned hard work by working at his grandfather's filling station growing up. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-chrispaul102307&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's another good article about Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, a Christian, and how he went from failed baseball phenom to successful manager: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2007/news/story?id=3075136.

Next, a blog entry from IU tailback Bryan Payton from the weekend before last, after they got beat by Penn State. The first part is about him and his good friend Josh Gaines, linebacker at Penn State, who he grew up with. Here's a quote from him about Gaines and his family:

I spent so many nights over at their place, went to church went them, ate meals with them and went on trips with them.

He also talked about some shopping he did the day before his post too:

I bought some button ups, T-shirts, jeans, khakis and some church shoes.

Here's the post: http://insideiufootball.blogspot.com/2007/10/footballshoppingand-good-friends.html.

Here's an article about the Red Sox donating some fun electronics to the Children's Hospital in Boston. Helpling out was Red Sox pitcher Kyle Snyder. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071024&content_id=2280650&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Also, in case you haven't seen it yet, here's the video of the amazing 15-lateral game-winning touchdown play by NCAA Division 3 Trinity University in San Antonio last Saturday: www.yahoo.com/s/722983.

Lastly, a Christian note from Monday's "The Daily" from Sports Spectrum about recently-hired Yankees manager Joe Girardi:

KIM’S PEP TALK BEARS RESULTS FOR JOE G: It appears that the NY Yankees will still have a Joe at the helm. Reports are indicating that Joe Girardi will be named to replace Joe Torre as the Yankee skipper. Girardi was the 2006 National League manager of the year in his rookie managerial season in Florida. If Girardi indeed takes over and leads the Yankees into fall success, the team can thank Joe’s wife, Kim. In the mid-1990s, Girardi was traded from the Colorado Rockies to the New York Yankees. Girardi, born in Peoria, Illinois, was not a big-city guy, and he was hesitant about going to the Yankees. Throughout his first season in the Big Apple, he felt uncomfortable. But Kim came to the rescue. “It was amazing what Kim did for me,” Girardi said in the book Safe at Home 2. “We had times when I really struggled. She always seemed to pick me up and let me know that God had me there for a reason. ‘Don’t give up,’ she would say. ‘Fight this through. If you do, you’ll see later in your life that God put you here for a reason!’ ” Did He ever!

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071029.php.

MLB LCS, etc.

Hello! First of all, just an interesting tidbit about Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, a Christian. His senior year of high school, he was rated one of the four best high school quarterbacks in the country, along with fellow Christians Carson Palmer (now with the Bengals) and Drew Henson. Palmer (at USC) and Henson (at Michigan) went on to be two of the top college quarterbacks when they played. But I think that Holliday, who is one of the two leading candidates for the NL MVP and won the NLCS MVP, made a good choice going with baseball. Here's the article: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1011holliday1011.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071012&content_id=2262438&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article with more information about Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano's (a Christian) new biography The Big Z: The Carlos Zambrano Story. Here's a couple of quotes from him:

''At first, nobody thought I would become anything like the baseball success I became,'' Zambrano said. ''I was too clumsy and skinny. So I started out as a benchwarmer who played only during garbage time.

''But thanks to my faith in God, my hard work and God-given talent, I became what some people call a big star.'' ...

''But remembering where I came from keeps me humble,'' he said. ''Hopefully, my book will inspire other kids who started out poor like me that they can also be a success with talent, hard work and faith in Jesus Christ.''

Here's the article: http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/598309,CST-SPT-bigz11.article (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071012&content_id=2262438&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article on another baseball book, Pitching with the Papelbons, which was written about the Papelbon brothers to raise money for a good cause. The Papelbon brothers are Jonathon, who's the Red Sox closer, and his younger twin brothers Josh, who pitches for the Red Sox Class-A Greenville Drive, and Jeremy, who pitches for the Cubs Class-A Peoria Chiefs. The book is to raise money for the C2 Mission Foundation, which "benefits children and families affected by cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis." Here's the article: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071012&content_id=310491&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp and here's the book's website: http://www.pitchingwiththepapelbons.com/.

Here's an inspiring article about a girl who's a college golfer despite many physical problems. Katie Walker was "born with a heart murmur, one kidney, an improperly formed gastrointestinal tract and a missing tibia in her left leg that eventually led to it being amputated." However, with a prosthetic leg, she's able to play golf and is a freshman on the golf team at Cal State Bakersfield. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2007/10/13/walker_1014.html

Also, a good quote from Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, a Christian, about the Rockies amazing run the last month to end the regular season and through the post-season so far:

"Faith," Hurdle said, "is believing in things that you can't see, you can't touch. From a sporting mentality, there's certain things you just gotta believe in. Man, you just hold onto them. You keep fighting the fight, and you just keep showing up.

"Our players have been so good at that."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071013&content_id=2264711&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Indians outfielder Trot Nixon, a Christian, and the importance of both his leadership and example to the young Indians team this year, which helped them reach the ALCS: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071014&content_id=2265615&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle&partnered=rss_cle.

Next, an article about the importance of Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, a Christian, as the leader of the pitching staff. The pitchers give him all the credit, while he always says that it was the pitchers, not him. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071014&content_id=2265434&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Here's an article about Diamondbacks pitcher Micah Owings, before pitching game 4 of the NLCS against the Rockies, about his ability as both a pitcher and a hitter. He was one of the best if not the best hitting pitcher in baseball this season. Here's a quote about his hitting prowess this year:

There was the Aug. 18 game Owings started in Atlanta in which he connected for two home runs and two other base hits on his way to a six-RBI game, the most RBIs in a game by a pitcher in more than five years. He also scored four times in the game.

Then came that start in Pittsburgh, where on top of limiting the Pirates to four base hits, Owings contributed four hits and three RBIs in the winning effort.

"I just enjoy being in the box," said Owings, who hit .322 in his two collegiate years. "I've been blessed to play the game not only as a pitcher, but to be able to swing it, too. Whenever I get in there, I enjoy it."

Owings finished the season with a .333 average, 11 extra-base hits and 15 RBIs in 60 at-bats.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071014&content_id=2265961&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, a good Christian article about Rockies pitcher Jeremy Affeldt from Lee Warren of The Christian Sports Blog. The article was from a couple of years ago when he was with the Royals. Here's the article: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/jeremy-affeldt-adventurous-christian.html.

Here's an article about Washington High School (Indiana) senior basketball star Tyler Zeller, a Christian, and his recent recruiting visit to Notre Dame. His older brother Luke, also a Christian, will be a junior on the Notre Dame team this year. Zeller is also considering IU, North Carolina, and Purdue. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071015/SPORTS0203/710150347/1057/SPORTS02.

Lastly, after Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, a Christian, was taken out after 7 innings in game 6 of the ALCS Saturday night, he was interviewed during the 8th inning. When he left the game, the crowd in Boston gave him a standing ovation. Schilling could leave the Red Sox after the season as a free agent. Here's what he had to say about the fans' reaction (or something like this): "I want to thank God for the chance to pitch in front of these fans and for this organization."

MLB, football, etc.

First of all, an article about Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, a Christian, credentials for the MVP Award. Two of the top candidates for the NL MVP Award are Christians, with Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday along with Rollins. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070930&content_id=2242483&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi&partnered=rss_phi.

Here's an article about Royals 1st baseman/DH Mike Sweeney taking out a full-page ad in the Kansas City Star last Sunday to thank the Royals fans and organization for all their support over the many years that he's played there. This could have been Sweeney's last season with the Royals, as he is a free agent. Here's a quote from him about it:

He has said he would like to play another year, taking a reduced role. But club officials have been noncommittal both to him and to the media.

"I talked with [general manager Dayton Moore] yesterday and he said he wasn't sure what direction they'll want to go in," Sweeney said Sunday. "But if this is my last game with the Royals, I know I've been blessed like very few people have ever been blessed. I've loved every minute of it."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3043675.

Next, a good Christian article about recently retired Panthers safety Mike Minter, who is now going into the ministry: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2007/10/01/minter-retires-into-ministry/. Also, the article includes a link to Minter's website: http://www.mikeminter.com/index2.html and a link to the Ruckus House Learning Center in Harrisburg, North Carolina, a Christian based daycare/preschool/afterschool program that he runs with fellow Christians Panthers defensive end Mike Rucker, Rams runningback Stephen Davis, and Bears wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad: http://www.ruckushouse.com/.

Here's several new articles this month from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes' Sharing the Victory Magazine. The first one is about Padres pitcher Jake Peavy, a favorite for the Cy Young Award this year (includes video): http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=60ECE133-3E2D-430B-B0FCBDE53AEBEA3A&method=display. Here's a short note about him and a friend of his, former MLB player Turner Ward, too: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=46498FAB-F957-46B8-BC86948E7CB173B2&method=display.

The next FCA article is about Clemson football head coach Tommy Bowden and how his faith helps him to deal with all of the pressure of his job (including a video): http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=D5F71ED2-33F7-43E1-864A78650FFEA0AA&method=display. Also, the article includes a link to the FCA's Bowden Breakfast (http://www.bowdenbreakfast.com/), which is held annually the morning of the Clemson/Flordia State game, where Tommy Bowden coaches against his dad, Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden.

Here's an FCA article about Olivia Brock, the kicker for the Conner High School football team in Kentucky. Yes, she's a girl playing football. Here's the good article about her: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=E5079E65-22FA-490C-B4FF2F4953AE4128&method=display. Someone who's helped her with her kicking has been former Bengals kicker Doug Pelfrey, who's now involved with FCA and his own organization Kick's for Kids: http://kicksforkids.org/.

Also, an FCA article on Auburn football chaplain Chette Williams and his new memoir Hard Fighting Soldier: Finding God in Trials, Tragedies, and Triumphs. Also included in the article is former Auburn and current Giants linebacker Reggie Torbor. Here's the aritcle: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=710FE6B0-36F6-4AEF-BE0E22476E0D6C5B&method=display.

Here's an FCA article about a father-son retreat led by Rogers (Arkansas) High School football coach Ronnie Peacock for the senior players on his team: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=9453B812-8727-42FD-93B3950AA7FCD250&method=display. His former/current players include Missouri State's Cody Kirby and future Wisconsin player Jake Byrne.

Lastly, a few short FCA articles by Southern California offensive lineman Sam Baker (http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=CDA7DA59-0CEF-418C-976A10129566EB1B&method=display), Browns runningback Jason Wright (http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=B34FED23-4553-4EDC-81C5B76B7968DAB7&method=display), and Notre Dame volleyball head coach Debbie Brown (http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=BD53DE94-9657-4664-87F212118E471646&method=display).

basketball, NFL, MLB, and Petty

Hi. First, an article about Heat guard Dwayne Wade helping to get the word out about the importance of recess at school. Here's a quote from him:

"I've been extremely fortunate and blessed to work with people who've helped me along the way, so I've made it a priority to give my time and energy back to young people whenever I have the opportunity," said Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat guard and 2006 NBA Finals MVP, who has signed on to serve as the national spokesperson for Rescuing Recess.

Here's the article: http://www.nba.com/news/wade_cartoon_070924.html?rss=true.

Here's a Q & A article with Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, a Christian. Here's a quote from the article:

Cole: How hard is it to get time at home during the season? I know guys like (Miami Dolphins linebacker) Zach Thomas stay at the facility until very late studying film and (Indianapolis Colts quarterback) Peyton Manning is watching film at home.

Polamalu: First of all, I'm a Christian so my prayer life really comes first. Second of all, I'm a husband so my wife comes before anything else. If I have time to do anything else after that, I do it, but I don't sacrifice any time with her.

Cole: A lot of guys do it the other way around. Football comes first. They say family and faith come first, but they really do the football first. How do you reconcile it?

Polamalu: It's really easy for me. I love my faith and I know that's first. …. I really think I know what's important in my life and that's my faith and my wife.

Cole: So football is a really focused activity. There's no wasted time, right?

Polamalu: Actually, it's a lot of fun and it's something I enjoy. It's not like when I'm here it's business time and then there's family time. Football is, for me, it's something I do. It's like for you, you're a reporter. It's what you do, not who you are. Football does not define me. How I am with my faith and how I treat my wife is what truly defines you as a man. That is my goal in life to live that way and believe in it. It would be cowardly of me to say that I enjoy my time with my faith and my wife if I really didn't spend that time with them.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AtrZ9jkJomfqeWtAbDroov05nYcB?slug=jc-tuesdayconversation092507&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Next, an article about the New York Giants having a wounded Army officer come talk to the team to get the team fired up. Lieutenant colonel Greg Gadson, a Christian, spoke with the Giants the night before their game September 23rd against the Redskins at the request of friend, West Point classmate, and Giants receivers coach Mike Sullivan. The speech got the Giants going, as they beat the Redskins that Sunday for their first win after two losses to start the season and then went on to beat the Eagles last night too. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10371676/2.

Here's another article about Washington (Indiana) High School senior basketball player Tyler Zeller, a Christian, after his official recruiting visit to IU. He still has yet to visit Purdue and Notre Dame, as far as I know, after having already visited North Carolina too. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070925/SPORTS0203/709250383/1069/SPORTS0601.

Also, an article about Braves pitcher John Smoltz, a Christian, being named the winner of the Branch Rickey Award for humanitarian service: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3035785.

Here's an article about former NBA player Corliss Williamson retiring from the NBA to take an assistant basketball coaching job at Arkansas Baptist College: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3036363.

Next, an article about how much success and fun that Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, a Christian, has had since coming to the Braves from the Rangers on July 31st. Here's a quote from him about his success:

"I have to give credit to my teammates," he said. "The guys have been unbelievable. I've been getting good pitches to hit. It's great to be doing it in a playoff race."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070926&content_id=2230527&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife Patty, both Christians, talking about starting another Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City to go along with the one that they already have in North Carolina. The camp is for seriously ill children. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/rumors/post/Pettys-consider-kids-camp-in-Kansas-City;_ylt=Ah7ttGQP8R.0LPDkJ32Ebb1.T4h4?urn=nascar,47300.

Lastly, an article about Saints quarterback Drew Brees and his wife Brittany donating $2 million to his alma mater Purdue to build an student athlete academic center there: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070928/SPORTS0602/709280667/1247/NLETTER12.

MLB, basketball, NFL

First of all, an article on Reds pitcher David Weathers, a Christian, who would like to come back as the team's closer next year, but ultimately wants to do what the team wants him to do. Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070918/SPT04/709180343/ (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070919&content_id=2217840&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article on Indians outfielder Trot Nixon, a Christian, who started a tradition with the team of putting pies in the face of the player doing the post-game interview. The team then made a video of the pies-in-the-faces, which they show on the big screen on the scoreboard to get a rally going. Whatever works, I guess. Nixon has became known as the "Pie Guy" in Cleveland. Here's the article: http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/119019223612800.xml&coll=2 (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070920&content_id=2219938&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, another article on Washington, IN, senior center Tyler Zeller, a Christian, this one on his being recruited by IU. He's also being recruited by Notre Dame (where his brother Luke, also a Christian, plays), Purdue, and North Carolina. Zeller made his official visit to IU last weekend, going to the IU/Illinois football game. Here's some quotes from the article from the Indiana Daily Student, the IU student newspaper:

One look at Tyler Zeller's Facebook profile and you can get a good sense of what drives him.

Favorite Quotes: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Philippians 4:13.

Activities: "I love to play basketball. I play it all of the time." ...

... Sure, he wants to be the best basketball player every time he steps onto the court. But he also wants to stay humble, something he has learned from his faith.

"The Bible teaches to stay humble," Zeller told the Indiana Daily Student on Wednesday, "and you will be blessed." ...

He said it is possible he would leave college early to enter the NBA. With players earning $3 million in signing bonuses, he admits it would be hard to pass that up.

Money is important to Zeller -- but for a reason different than most. Zeller wants to build a Christian camp with his brothers and his dad, an idea they've been thinking about for the past couple years.

He said he has been given a gift, and that he must use that gift for good.

"I'm seven foot for a reason," he said. "I didn't do that by myself."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news;_ylt=AjWgXaejmwiMniKOdSyQMOY5nYcB?slug=uwire-iuafterstatestophoopsrecru&prov=uwire&type=lgns.

Here's another article about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, and his miraculous healing from a concussion during their game against the Vikings on September 16th. This is a great article questioning why some people are so skeptical about Kitna's healing being a miracle from God. Here's a good quote from the article from Bengals Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz, also a Christian, talking about what Christians are called to do:

"That's our calling," Munoz says. "To share the story. People hear the story all of the time, but what they are really looking for is someone who walks the talk. The weird thing is when someone doesn't walk the talk, they call him a hypocrite, and when he does, they call him a crazy fanatic."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=granderson/070921 (originally found at: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=249).

Lastly, I happened across this website for Astros catcher J.R. Towles, who was called up this month from the minors. The website really caught my eye because on the homepage it includes Philippians 4:13 and Ecclesiastes 5:3. There is also a couple of links of the church functions that he's involved with included on the "My Interests" page. Here's the website: http://www.jrtowles.net/ (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/programs/player_sites.jsp).

MLB, NFL, and basektball

First of all, a couple of articles about Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, a Christian, and his MVP-like season. The first article is about his teammates campaigning for him for the MVP Award: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213555&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

The other article about Holliday is about him winning the NL Player of the Week Award for the week ending September 16th: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213899&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, a good Christian article about Christian athletes and coaches to look up to with all of the trouble that some athletes, coaches, and others in sports have been getting into lately. The Christians included in the article are Indians pitcher Jake Westbrook, Magic center Dwight Howard, North Carolina women's basketball head coach Sylvia Hatchell, Colts head coach Tony Dungy, and PGA golfer Zach Johnson. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5665.

Here's a couple of articles about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, and his miraculous return from a concussion during the Lions/Vikings game last Sunday. He suffered a concussion during the 2nd quarter of the game and returned in the 4th quarter to lead the Lions to an overtime victory. All of his concussion symptoms had disappeared and he checked out with the doctors and convinced them and the coaches that he was fine to return. Here's a quote from Kitna about it:

"It was a miracle," Kitna said Monday. ...

"I've never felt anything like that, and for it to clear up and go right back to as normal as I can be, is nothing short of a miracle," Kitna said. "I just definitely feel the hand of God. That's all it was. You can't explain it.

"I have no headaches, no symptoms, no lingering effects. But that was the worst my head has ever felt, and the worse my memory was in the second quarter. Yet, after halftime there was nothing."

Here's that article, including a video of the post-game press conference: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3024381 (originally found at: http://www.timellsworth.com/).

The other article about Kitna is about what he did to bring the Lions back after his return from the concussion and how he inspired both his teammates and the fans: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070917/SPT02/709170357/1066/.

Also, an interesting note about Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis, who is Jewish, starting the Cubs game this afternoon with Yom Kippur starting at sundown today. He was happy that it was an afternoon game and that he would be done pitching by sundown. But what I thought was interesting was what he had to say about religion, family, and baseball:

"I look at it that religion is an important part of my life, but so is family and baseball," Marquis said. "To me, family takes precedent over all aspects of my life. Baseball and religion fall into place, and I try not to make one more important than the other."

Now, I know that this is the opinion of only one Jewish person, but what he said is completely counter to the order that most Christians put their faith, family, and sports in. Most Christians would say God, family, and then sports. I just thought that his quote was very interesting. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213853&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's a happy article about Braves pitcher Peter Moylan being reunited with his wife and daughters for the first time since he left his home in Australia for spring training last spring. His wife gave birth to their second daughter in July, but Moylan decided to stay with the team because of all of the time it would take to get home to Australia and back. So last Monday night he got to meet his daughter for the first time. He also got to see his 6-year-old daughter too. Just a side note: Could you imagine travelling by yourself from Australia to Atlanta with a 6-year-old and 2-month-old?! Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213915&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about the "Further Adventures of Tyler Zeller". Zeller, a Christian, is a 7'0" senior basketball player at Washington High School in Washington, Indiana, and the younger brother of Notre Dame basketball player Luke Zeller, also a Christian. He's one of the best high school basketball players in the country this year and is being recruited by his top four schools IU, North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Purdue. Here's an article about his official visit to North Carolina last weekend on his first official visit of the four schools. UNC conveniently had fellow Hoosier natives and former UNC players Sean May and Eric Montross there to meet him, among other current and former players. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070918/SPORTS0203/709180376/1057/SPORTS02.

Lastly, a Q & A article with former Knicks forward Allan Houston, a Christian. Houston is trying to make a comeback to the NBA after being retired the last two years. Here's a quote from him about his playing days with the Knicks:

Question: The Knicks had a long and storied history before you got there. Now you hold some of the team records and are mentioned in the same breath as Willis Reed, Walt Frazier and other greats. What is that like?

Houston: I get chills when I think about what that means. I really do. When people come up and say that to me, that they mention me in the same sentence with those guys and the history of the Knicks, it just means a lot. All I ever wanted to do was just get better every year I played. I had no goals in terms of going down in history. Every year I played I just wanted to continue to get better. To know that you are even part of history like that, I don't take it for granted. I look at it as a special, special thing and I thank God for it. It was a blessing to be a part of it every single day. I look at who I got to play with, and even lasting in New York that long was a miracle! (laughs)

Here's the article: http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/houston_070918_interview.html?rss=true.

NFL, MLB, and basketball

First, a Christian article about former NFL quarterback Jay Schroeder sharing his faith at a church in Utah a couple of weeks ago. Here's the article: http://thespectrum.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070910/NEWS01/709100303 (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Here's an article about Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett holding a celebrity charity bowling tournament to raise money for his Josh Beckett Foundation and Children's Hospital Boston: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070913&content_id=2207285&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about Tyler Zeller, a Christian, who is a senior basketball player at Washington High School in Washington, Indiana, and the younger brother of Notre Dame basketball player Luke Zeller, also a Christian. Tyler is one of the top high school players in the country, and has narrowed his college choices down to Notre Dame, IU, Purdue, and North Carolina. At 7'0", he'd be a great addition to any team, but as an IU fan, It would be great if he'd go there! However, I would totally understand if he follows his brother to Notre Dame. Just as long as he doesn't go to IU's arch rival Purdue or North Carolina. Here's a quote from him:

Tyler said his parents taught him the order of life was God, family, school and basketball. "But Luke and I voted to flip the last two," he said.

Here's the article, which also includes a video: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070914/SPORTS0203/709140470/1057/SPORTS02.

Here's an article about Colts safety Matt Giordano, a Christian, and how he has made the most of his playing time as the back-up safety. Here's a great quote from him about that:

“The best thing right now I can do is when I’m not in there I need to be rooting and praying for those guys,” Giordano said. “In the end, we’re teammates, so that’s what matters. You pray and you hope that no one gets injured.

“If someone goes down, I have to be ready to step up and play at the same level as those guys and as the coaches expect me to play at.”

Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=d334ea75-79b6-46aa-a0f7-396546169b10.

Also, an article about Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez and how leaving the Mariners to play with the Royals for a time helped him out by giving him more playing time. He then returned to the Mariners after a few years as a better player. Here's a quote from him:

I was the 25th guy every season and never really got a chance to play that much. So I was fortunate and blessed to get to Kansas City a few years later where I played for about two and a half years. When I came back here, it was in a totally different role.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070914&content_id=2207840&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article about a strange situation during a Yankees/Blue Jays game last week involving Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon. After catching the final out in an inning, a heckling fan offered Damon $20 for the ball. Damon took the $20 bill and then gave it to a boy in the stands. Here's the article, which includes a video of it: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070914&content_id=2208101&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, a Christian, and his start against the Cardinals last Friday, which he won for his second straight win. Here's a quote about him and his socks:

Zambrano (16-12) did that and has now matched his career high in wins. He gave up one run, on Albert Pujols' 31st homer, over eight innings. Big Z, who wore his socks high for the second straight start, struck out three. He's 2-0 with the high socks, but he'll be wearing long pants next time.

"I don't believe in superstitions, I believe in God," Zambrano said. "That's the only man I believe. I will go with my long pants my next time. I know God will be there with me."

However, he must have changed his mind between then and his next start Tuesday night, because he wore his socks up again. Ironically, he lost the game to the Reds. Maybe God was trying to send him and others a message about his socks and luck. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070914&content_id=2208046&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Here's an article about a visit by some of the Braves to the White House to meet with President Bush last Friday afternoon while they were in Washigton to play the Nationals. Those that went were general manager John Schuerholz, pitchers John Smoltz (a Christian) and Tim Hudson, outfielder Jeff Francoeur (a Christian), and catcher Brian McCann. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/09/14/braveshouse_0915.html.

Also, an article about former Giants defensive end George Martin helping to raise money for medical expenses for 9/11 rescue workers in New York with a cross-country walk from New York City to San Francisco. He started the walk last Sunday. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2007/09/15/martin_0916.html.

Lastly, an aritcle about A's pitcher Joe Blanton and his mom, a breast cancer survivor. His mom through out the first pitch before the A's game last Saturday, which was Breast Cancer Awareness Day there. Blanton himself was the starting pitcher that day, so both he and his mom shared the mound that day. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070915&content_id=2209933&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

MLB, football, basketball, and music

First of all, an article about Cubs outfielder Matt Murton, a Christian, and how he's been playing more and hitting better lately: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070811&content_id=2143460&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Here's a good article about Georgia defensive end Michael Lemon written in first-person format. In the article, Lemon tells about his mom, who was killed by her boyfriend, who then set fire to their house. His younger brother barely got out alive, and they're both orphans now basically. I can't imagine having to deal with all of that as a teenager. Here's the story: http://www.ajc.com/uga/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/08/11/lemon_0812.html.

Next, an article about the next game for Athletes in Action in Australia, which they also lost. The team includes the following players: Josh Carter, Texas A&M; Ray Shafer, Oregon; Luke Zeller, Notre Dame; Jason Holsinger, Evansville; Wes Johnson, Iowa State; Jimmy Graham, Miami; and Brian Stamer, Colorado Christian. Here's the article: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stories/081207aab.html.

Here's an article about how this is the year of the comeback in Major League Baseball. First there was Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian, coming back from drug and alcohol abuse (By the way, can a player win Comeback Player of the Year without having played in the Majors before they made their comeback? Just wondering.). Then there was Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester, also a Christian, coming back from cancer. And then last week there was Cardinals pitcher-turned-outfielder Rick Ankiel returning to the Majors after learning how to play the outfield. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10292920.

Also, an article about Pistons forward Amir Johnson and guards Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo playing golf to help raise money for a church's youth activities: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070812/SPORTS03/708120641/1051 (originally found at: http://www.nba.com/news/443458.html?rss=true).

Lastly, here's a couple of websites for a good new Christian music artist that I've discovered, John Waller, whose song "The Blessing" is out now: http://www.johnwallermusic.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/johnwaller.

football, MLB, & basketball

First of all, an interesting Christian article comparing Cowboys Hall-of-Famer Michael Irvin and Giants outfielder Barry Bonds: http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/men/11550349/.

Here's a quote from Cubs manager Lou Piniella about a team meeting he held before last Thursday's game:

Piniella calls team meeting: The Cubs had a team meeting for the first time this season before Thursday's game to address the club's recent struggles.

"I don't really like meetings all that much, but I thought we needed one here," Piniella said. "We've gone through some adversity here with the injuries and some tough luck we've had. I just wanted these kids to continue to believe in themselves and to keep having fun. Use your God-given talents and have fun with it."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070809&content_id=2140060&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Next, an article about Georgia football head coach Mark Richt, a Christian, taking a dive off the high dive to inspire his players on a hot day of practices. He did "a perfect back flip in the layout position". Here's a quote from him about it:

Richt said he hadn't done his patented back layout in at least three years.

"I've been visualizing it for about two days because I knew we were going to do this," he said. "Actually I was thinking about sneaking in last night and practicing because I knew there'd be a lot of cameras and people here. But I couldn't get the time, so I did a lot of praying and positive visualization and it came out pretty good."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/08/09/richtdive_0810.html.

Here's a couple of articles about Cardinals pitcher-turned-outfielder Rick Ankiel and his inspiring return to the Majors last weekend. He hit 3 homers in his first 3 games. The first article tells about what he's gone through the last 7 years to get to this point: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070809&content_id=2139385&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

This article is about Ankiel's homer during last Thursday's game: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070809&content_id=2140369&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about some NBA players, including Rockets guard Mike James (a Christian) in particular, learning how to plan financially for their retirement: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/5042761.html (originally found at: http://www.nba.com/news/442513.html).

Here's a couple more articles about the Bengals/Lions pre-season game last week, which included the Bengals reunion with former quarterback Jon Kitna (a Christian), now with the Lions. Here's a quote about Kitna and his friendship with current Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer (also a Christian) from Bengals tight end Reggie Kelly, who's also friends with Kitna:

"He meant a lot to this team, and guys like that are hard to replace," said tight end Reggie Kelly, one of Kitna's closest friends with the Bengals. "Not only was he a great player on the field, but he was a spiritual leader. He took on challenges and didn't back down from nothing. That's what you need out of your quarterback position, and I think we've got another quarterback like that now in Carson."

The divergent paths taken by Palmer and Kitna make their friendship and relationship all the more compelling. Palmer was the first overall pick in the 2003 draft, the golden-armed quarterback who would be the face of the franchise. Kitna was signed as a college free agent out of Central Washington by the only team that took a look at him, the Seattle Seahawks, and burrowed his way from the bottom of the depth chart, through NFL Europe, before finally becoming a starter in the league. He's made 95 starts in 108 games for three different teams in his 10 seasons in the league.

"That just shows you the character of both players," said Kelly. "It shows you that, yeah, we are here to compete but there is something bigger than competition. Actually being there for each other, actually being a cheerleader along the way and being good teammates and friends. That's what they were and that's what they are today. They'll hang out together still. Yeah they were competing for a job but it's bigger than that and you can see that Kitna and Carson had the right perspective."

Here's the article: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AE/20070809/SPT03/708090309/1022/.

The other is a note about the Bengals reaction to Kitna before the game: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070810/SPT02/708100337/1066/SPT.

Next, a Q & A article about Colts linebacker Tyjuan Hagler. Here's a quote:

What do you do to take your mind off football?
"I'm a strong man in Christ. I always pray and just talk to my girlfriend on the phone. That's pretty much it."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070810/SPORTS03/708100500&theme=.

Here's another Q & A article, this one with Heat forward Alonzo Mourning Here's a quote:

HI: Because you play so passionately on the court, it looks like you can play for another three or four years. If you wanted to, would your body allow you to play beyond this season?

AM [Mourning]: “Yes, it would. But as a professional athlete, you want end your career on your own terms. The good thing about that is I'm able to do that now. God has really blessed me with the opportunity to come back and play this game at a very high level considering all the obstacles I've had to overcome, and now I'm in a position to end my career on my own terms. I want to go out on top. I feel like we have the capabilities as a team of doing that. I'm excited about the opportunity ahead. I know that all good things must come to an end and I've had an incredible ride. I just want to end it on the right note.”

Here's the article: http://www.nba.com/heat/news/insider0708_mourning_interview_070808.html.

Also, another article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian. This one's also a Q & A one. Here's a couple of quotes:

DH: You were the first draft pick overall in 1999. How hard is it to explain to some people that it’s just as hard to deal with success as it is to deal with failure?

JH [Hamilton]: It all comes down to the choices you make. When you have failure you’ve got a lot of the same choices to make as when you have success. When I got drafted I got almost $4 million to play. The pressure form everybody else really didn’t get to me. It was the pressure I put on myself to perform. That was the main thing. At that time it didn’t matter how much I had going or how much money I had or how many things I could get, I was never happy. I ended going down that road that I went down. Ever since I surrendered and gave it all over to the Lord, it’s been unbelievable how much happier I am. The last couple years out there I had nothing -- just my wife and kids -- but I put them through hell. Now the last year and half I’ve been happier without material things than I have been my whole life. ...

DH: When you see what’s happening to somebody like Doc Gooden, what goes through you mind?

JH: I feel sorry for the guy. I know there’s a way out. I feel sorry for the family because I know how much pain it puts the family through. Really I just pray for the guy who is still going through the things he’s going through. There’s nothing anybody can do for that person unless that person wants to do it for themselves. All I can do is pray. I hope they turn their lives around and I know there’s something they can do to do that. It just makes me realize how fortunate I am to have started making the right decisions and living responsibly.

DH: You were the first draft pick overall in 1999. How hard is it to explain to some people that it’s just as hard to deal with success as it is to deal with failure?

JH: It all comes down to the choices you make. When you have failure you’ve got a lot of the same choices to make as when you have success. When I got drafted I got almost $4 million to play. The pressure form everybody else really didn’t get to me. It was the pressure I put on myself to perform. That was the main thing. At that time it didn’t matter how much I had going or how much money I had or how many things I could get, I was never happy. I ended going down that road that I went down. Ever since I surrendered and gave it all over to the Lord, it’s been unbelievable how much happier I am. The last couple years out there I had nothing -- just my wife and kids -- but I put them through hell. Now the last year and half I’ve been happier without material things than I have been my whole life.

Here's the article: http://sports.aol.com/mlb/story/_a/hamilton-says-hitting-bottom-worth-it/20070809112009990001.

Here's an article about Georgia football offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. He and his wife's 5th child is due in October, and they already have a 3-year-old and 18-month-old triplets. Here's the quote from him about his wife:

"My wife, bless her heart, I'm just blessed to be married to such a good woman. She's the one that has the tough job."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/uga/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/08/10/bobo_0812.html

Next, an article about former Marlins pitcher Chuck Smith helping to coach a teenage baseball team: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070811&content_id=2142873&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about an Athletes in Action team playing in Australia last week. The team included Josh Carter, Texas A&M; Ray Shafer, Oregon; Luke Zeller, Notre Dame; Jason Holsinger, Evansville; Wes Johnson, Iowa State; Jimmy Graham, Miami; and Brian Stamer, Colorado Christian. Here's the article: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stories/081107aac.html.

Lastly, an article about Padres catcher Michael Barrett, a Christian, going on the disabled list last weekend: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070811&content_id=2143007&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

some sports misc.

First of all, an article about Heat forward Alonzo Mourning raising money for his charity foundation to help underserved youth by hosting a basketball tournament. Heat center Shaquille O'Neal and Donald Trump are helping to: http://www.nba.com/heat/news/zo_milliondollar_070807.html?rss=true.

Here's an article about Oklahoma State wide receiver Artrell Woods miraculously quick comeback from a severe back injury caused by a weight-lifting accident in July. It was feared that he would be paralyzed, but he's walking without any support now. Here's a quote from him about it:

Then came the ray of hope: The morning after his surgery, the sophomore receiver was wiggling his toes.

"It was like a miracle. It was a blessing," Woods said. "When it happened, I really just thought I'd never walk again."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=ArofvTBPFTMZHrB5BADRYt5.T4h4?slug=ap-oklahomast-woods&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, an article about Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, a Christian, and his becoming a leader on the team: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Av_NG6EieUqvSTLVI3f.7V45nYcB?slug=ap-bengals-palmer&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's a Q & A article about Colts defensive back Brannon Condren. Here's a quote about some of his tattoos, which I wouldn't normally include anything about, but this is good:

What are all the tattoos?
"I've got a lot of different tattoos. 'With God All Things Are Possible.' 'Faith.' 'Blessed.' There's a cross with some angel wings on it. Got the 'Faith' one a month ago. ...

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070805/SPORTS03/708050427/1058/SPORTS03.

Also, an article Notre Dame football head coach Charlie Weis and a residential center for developmentally disabled adults that he and his family are having built. His daughter has global development delay, a form of mental retardation. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070805/SPORTS06/708050368/1247/SPORTS.

Here's an article about Brewers pitcher Scott Linebrink, a Christian, and how grateful he was to the team for allowing him a few days to be with his wife when she gave birth to their first child: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070805&content_id=2131370&vkey=news_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil&partnered=rss_mil.

Lastly, an article about how the IU football team is still dealing with the death of their head coach Terry Hoeppner in June with the start of practices last week. Sophomore starting quarterback Kellen Lewis also had to deal with the death of his high school coach while he was on campus going to the memorials for Hoeppner. Here's a quote from wide receiver James Hardy about it:

Receiver James Hardy has put Hoeppner's picture in his locker, spoken with Hoeppner's wife and relied on his religious faith.

"I try to stay busy when I'm free because otherwise you think about it all the time," Hardy said. "I've talked with Jane about her experiences and what we're both going through. It's real painful."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AuxENDtz2cEVF4.OLyDaq3t.T4h4?slug=ap-hoosierscope&prov=ap&type=lgns.