Tuesday, 12 February 2008

2006_06_01_archive



Should Pro Teams Have Religious Identities?

Spurred by a story on ESPN radio based on this USA Today piece about

the Colorado Rockies' efforts to promote Christian values among team

mebmers, there is an interesting conversation developing about the

business and legal aspects of religious affiliations for pro teams at

Prawfsblawg. According to USA Today, "On the field, the Rockies are

trying to make the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons and only

the second time in their 14-year history. Behind the scenes, they

quietly have become an organization guided by Christianity -- open to

other religious beliefs but embracing a Christian-based code of

conduct they believe will bring them focus and success."

Former Rockie (now Giant) Mark Sweeney: "...I've never been in a

clubhouse where Christianity is the main purpose. You wonder if some

people are going along with it just to keep their jobs. Look, I pray

every day. I have faith. It's always been part of my life. But I don't

want something forced on me. Do they really have to check to see

whether I have a Playboy in my locker?"

UPDATE: Michelle Malkin, who thinks the Rockies' move is "refreshing",

reports that some players have been backing away from the USA Today

story.

UPDATE #2: On a related topic, see this story from Friday's New York


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