Our Twisted Double Standard In Sports


This morning's headlines read,
"Aroldis Chapman Get's Redemption."
They're talking about baseball.
Last night the Yankees closer closed the door on the Cleveland Indians. He had failed to do this when given the opportunity last year. This is what the headline is referencing. He was given a second chance. He's been given this in more ways than this.

In October of 2015 Aroldis Chapman's girlfriend called the police. She was hiding in the bushes outside their home. Chapman had just choked her in an act of domestic violence and gunshots were now ringing out as he was firing his gun off inside the garage. Imagine her fear as she hid waiting for police to arrive.
Chapman would be suspended for 30 games. 
That was two years ago.
He won tonight.
He's our hero.
I don't know Chapman. I hope he's repented and received God's amazing grace. Yet, how can I not be concerned about the attitude of my nation, and the bizarre double standard towards its' athletes?
Fortunately, Chapman didn't do something really bad like kneel during the anthem to protest police brutality. All he did was choke a woman and leave her trembling and hiding in fear during gunfire. When our athletes drive drunk, do drugs, get in brawls at the club, and abuse women we are quick to overlook these offenses. How does one explain this to a 13 year old girl?
I'm all for grace. I'm a forgiven man, and I have been forgiven of so much. Not just by God, but by those I love. Still I shake my head at the fact that many of my fellow Americans are very selective in what they will extend grace for, and who can receive it. We're sending a twisted message to our children about what matters most. 

"We will never watch this league again if players kneel!"
"What if they beat women and shoot guns illegally?"
"Oh, that's ok. As long as they win."

And that my friends, is my rant for the day.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves." Proverbs 31:8.

Following the Son,

James A Williams

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