For Some Blazers, Fate Rests on Faith

Monday, April 27, 2015

Robby Davis, GolocalPDX Contributor

In our world professional sports can be seen as a religion in itself. Blazeredge.com’s Managing Editor, David Deckard (who is also a pastor), once compared sports teams with churches. This analogy was surprisingly accurate considering both entities are public entities that have strong traditions that people are willing to follow. In a lot of ways sports and religion have a lot in common.

With the Portland Trailblazer’s season most likely coming to an end this week fans everywhere will be praying that some miracle happens, and that their team suddenly wins the next four games.

But to several members of the Trail Blazers, their faith is bigger than the game of basketball.

For example, LaMarcus Aldridge has continually been regarded as one of the best power-forwards in the game. But what fans may not know is that he has been more outspoken regarding his faith than how good the NBA considers him to be. When fans watch Aldridge play they may not necessarily realize that he’s representing his religious beliefs at the same time. He has “praying hands” and a “cross” tattooed on his arms. He also has another tattoo that reads, “Keep God First.” This is an important concept within the Christian religion. In an interview with the Portland Tribune after the 2014 season Aldridge continually stated that he is a man of strong beliefs and of strong faith.

Aldridge grew up attending a Baptist church in Texas. Since being drafted to the Blazers back in 2006 he’s been attending Solid Rock: A Jesus Church whenever he’s able to.

Two other Blazers who have been open regarding their beliefs have been Damian Lillard and Wesley Matthews.

Since entering the league Lillard has continually made it known how “blessed” he feels, which is evident through his Instagram and Twitter posts. Like Aldridge, Lillard also has several tattoos that represent his faith. On his left arm he has Psalm 37:1-3 tattooed. This verse says, “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” This verse is essentially speaking on staying strong and not letting things of this world sway you.

Like his two teammates, Matthews also has a tattoo regarding his faith. His tattoo reads, “Much Is Earned Through God’s Blessing.” This season Matthews was experiencing his best as a Blazer. That was until a torn Achilles sidelined him for the remainder of the year. In a recent interview with Comcast Sportsnet before game 3 Matthews explained that he has been relying on “The Word” to get him through this difficult time.

The Trailblazers’ 3rd year center has also been vocal regarding what he believes. Fans may not know that their backup center has a testimony that’s very similar to that of Michael Oher, who the film The Blindside is based off of. Back in 2012 Comcast Sportsnet’s Chris Haynes wrote an article regarding Leonard’s journey to the NBA. When Leonard was 6-years old his father died in a tragic bicycle accident. Soon after that his mother was seriously injured in a horseback riding accident that left her house-ridden. After learning about these hardships a local family took Leonard in and raised him as one of their own. Because of this family Leonard developed a Christian foundation at the age of 7. He has carried that foundation with him to the NBA. Haynes reported that not having the ability to consistently attend a church while playing in the NBA is something that Leonard continually struggled with as a rookie. Fortunately, Leonard has know found a balance.

It’s evident that the world of sports is beginning to change… slowly, yet surely. The NBA is a special league for a lot of reasons. One major way they stand apart from other leagues is the fact that they have joint-chapel services before the majority of games. According to the Huffington Post players from both teams have the opportunity to come together to hear a sermon before the game tips off. Most chapels conclude with a closing prayer as well. This pre-game ritual has been around the NBA for nearly 30 years. Also, each NBA team also has a chaplain that follows the team throughout the season giving sermons.

Throughout the sports world talking about one’s religion is becoming more and more acceptable. Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin are two very prominent athletes who have led the way for others to also talk about their faith more openly. During a game on January 9th, 2009 Tim Tebow wore eye black with the Bible Verse John 3:16 written on them. According to ESPN, after the game millions of people Googled John 3:16, which meant that Tebow was the reason that millions of people heard the word that day.

With the career of an athlete always in danger due to injuries, or various circumstances not always in their control, it’s important to have something to fall back on, such as faith.