I've recently been accused of being stuck in the '80s, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that when I read about Tommie Harris' religious reawakening the first thing I thought of was the Pilgrim Baptist Church on the Southeast side of Chicago.
That's where Jake and Ellwood Blues saw the light while James Brown led the congregation and Chaka Khan stole the scene with her cameo.
Now I'm not implying that Harris' revelation wasn't sincere. I don't know Harris at all, and the truth is I've admired his candor and personality during certain interviews. I think he is being truthful.
It's just that soooo many athletes and politicians, media types and others have tried to feed us this line about being religious and then end up in the police blotter for less-than-holy acts.
Harris hasn't been in that kind of trouble. Apparently he's had a child out of wedlock. It happens. As long as it doesn't become a pattern, I'm not ripping him for something that could have happened to most of us.
Basically, Harris said he lost his focus and believes reconnecting with his spiritual side will help him on the field. My money says it will.
Don't we all need something to spur us on? For me, it was joining Chicago Cares to do some charity work. It is reconnecting with a side that makes us feel stronger or happier or more confident.
So Harris, whose father is a preacher, is reconnecting with his spiritual side. It's ok to by cynical, but motivation can be a funny thing. Especially for someone with Harris' skills.
See the light? I say he does.
Whatever it takes for Tommie to get his act together on the football field, then I'm fine with this spiritual revelation. Although I get the feeling that he's just playing games with the media again because that's what he always seems to do ever since he's been a Bear. He clearly has the talent so just perform up to the abilities that he was blessed with, that's all I care about. And don't play hurt!
Roman responds: I agree with the "don't play hurt" theme, because I like how Idonije, Adams and Harrison are playing.
I'm all for Harris looking for some hope while he goes through this tough time. And kudos to Harris for being a good teammate and apologizing. Too often, millionaire athletes will scoff at the notion that they did anything wrong, saying they would do it again, or did nothing wrong in the first place (Plaxico Burress ex).
who cares? baby making, car crashes, arrests,....I am only concerned about what a player does when he is in his uniform. this constant fascination with players lives borders on idol worship. T.Harris's state of mind is relevant to his play but is not as important as what he does. I look to the sports media to keep me informed first and entertained second. T.Harris's stats are down but what exactly is happening on the field when he plays? Roman is it naive to expect less fanfare and more in depth coverage?
This is weak and it is nothing new.
1. Cause your own problems because having millions of dollars is just so hard to deal with.
2. Blame it on the media or anyone else who passes by.
3. Forgive yourself!
4. Get religious so you are beyond question and then insist on sharing it with the world.
5. Act like you are suddenly enlightened, wiser and maybe even better than your average human being just because you went to work and carried yourself like a grown up for two whole days in a row.
Repeat any or all of the above every time you make a fool of yourself.
I have to admit it..
"Without Rex and Ced....."
we look pretty good.
Has anyone seen Hitman?
Tommie Harris didn't just get religion (I hate that word-let's say he didn't just get spiritual)- inside of him he knows what's right and wrong, and he knows there is a God who loves him. And that might not sit well with some of you who judge him only by his tackles...yes, that's what judges his value as a football player, but all his ability and strengths are God given. And looking to God is more important than being a Pro Bowl player- faith is rewarded eternally; worldly talent is a vapor in the wind. I appreciate those who sincerely wear their faith on their sleeve and open themselves up to the scorn of those who don't get it.
I tend to think of the "son of a preacher" song...
arent they always the worst kids?
Ony T Harris knows if his resurgent beliefs are sincere or not. If they are I am personally glad he wasn't behind bars when he "found God". I would think God is tired of getting busted and spending week-ends in jail just so he can be found when I doubt he is in any way lost and in need of a map in the first place.
Yeah ... Where is Hitman?
Did he drink a cup of Cubbie hemlock?
I thought he was a Sox fan. (we just shoot ourselves ... it's much more manly.)
I agree - too many athletes, in particular football players, love to wrap themselves in a religous blanket when things get tough. Or worse yet, try to make a spectacle of themselves with the "lets all hold hands and pray so everyone sees me pray" after a game.
J sez: "...yes, that's what judges his value as a football player, but all his ability and strengths are God given. And looking to God is more important than being a Pro Bowl player- faith is rewarded eternally."
________________________________________
Really?
And what about children that are born with debilitating diseases like spinal bifida, and live a few short years only die a long and painful death?
Are these ailments also, "God given"?
Well, thank you Jesus!!!
I'm sick and tired of hearing this nonsense as it relates to sports, and just about everything else. Like God wanted one team or one individual to triumph over the other.
Give me a f*%king break.
BTW ... What does God like to call himself these days?
Is it Jehovah, Allah, Vishnu, Buddha, or one of the many barnyard animals that they revere in India?
Perhaps He should wear a name tag.
I just think it's weird that he made a big announcement of it.
Just get your game together Tommie. You were paid a lot of money to play football. What you do off the field is inconsequential, IMO (provided you're not breaking laws).
Also, excellent post Villano!
BRH ... Thanx
Oh, it's proven that Harris became a better person and learned many virtuous actions like caring, loving and giving. I mean, didn't you see him give away that fumble recovery to the Falcons? Just tossed it to them for a first down, didn't he? Truly a man for others.
Yeah, that was pretty funny Villano. You know, you should chat with this guy named Bill Holland. He appears on "Inside the Bears" every now and then. I guarantee you his posts on spirituality are "interesting" at best.
Mark,
I wonder if you would get as worked up over athletes given shouts out to their Mom's or giving shouts out to Nike...or other athletes..
Its like..
Who am I to question where someone draws motivation and strength from.
Hindu's revere cows as sacred because at one time the cow provided leather, tools, meat, milk....so they worshipped it as the sacred giver. Then some loud mouth idiot came along and mustve said..
If its so sacred, then we shouldnt kill it.
So, now India is overrun with Famine and Cows!
Culzie sez: "Mark,
I wonder if you would get as worked up over athletes given shouts out to their Mom's or giving shouts out to Nike...or other athletes..
Its like..
Who am I to question where someone draws motivation and strength from."
I don't question it at all; I'm simply tired of listening to this tripe.
I don't care if you draw your strength and motivation from Howdy Doody, Humpty Dumpty, Alfred E. Neuman, Sacred Dust Bunnies, or Video Porn; keep it to yourself, and don't try selling that hogwash to me just because you won the stupid game.
Better yet .... after going 1 / 15, swing on by and tell me how much that belief system had to with your, "success".