sports

A goalie for the San Jose Sharks hockey team boycotted pregame warmups last weekend over the team's decision to wear NHL pride-themed jerseys.

Why do millions love March Madness?

One reason relates to the sense of chaos that infuses the games with an air of unpredictability. Upsets are common and, unless they happen to your school, we get to embrace the seeming randomness of each game’s outcomes without being personally invested in the results. We can root for the underdogs without any sense of disappointment when they lose. There aren’t many other areas of our lives where we can emotionally invest in something without any real risk if it doesn’t go our way.

However, the second reason is, perhaps, more relevant to our larger calling as Christians. March Madness—and, more specifically, the brackets, competitions, and good-natured fun that frequently accompany it—creates a sense of community for those who take part. It gives people a common interest to unite around and experience together. Even people who don’t care all that much about the sport can be included alongside those who live and breathe basketball.

Texas Tech's athletic department has suspended head basketball coach Mark Adams after he quoted a Bible verse in an interaction with a player that the school deemed "racially insensitive."

As a cultural apologist, I would add that the parallels between watching American football and participating in American religion are noteworthy. On a typical Sunday, 100 million Americans (30 percent) watch an NFL game, roughly the same percentage as attend worship (28 percent). Most who participate in either activity engage in a transactional experience.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who will lead the team against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday in Super Bowl LVII, said he is "blessed to be in this position" and hopes to use this opportunity to glorify God.

America’s most-watched sporting event will feature the two best teams in professional football but also will showcase well-known players who are unashamed about their Christian faith.

Super Bowl LVII between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs will include starting quarterbacks who are Christians. Additionally, the leading tacklers on each team also are Christians. The game will be broadcast Sunday on Fox.

Here are five Christian athletes who are playing in Super Bowl LVII:

Bethany Hamilton, one of the world's most popular female surfers, said Sunday she will not compete in World Surf League events if it goes forward with a rule change allowing biological males who identify as female to compete.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), an atheist advocacy group, is accusing NFL legend-turned-coach Deion Sanders of mixing in "football games and events with Christianity."

Frank Reich, a former Charlotte, North Carolina pastor and retired Quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, has been named the team’s new head coach.

The quarterback who guided the Philadelphia Eagles to an NFC title and an appearance in the Super Bowl says he has been inspired by a Bible verse that includes the words of Jesus.