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Shaun Alexander Is Still Unemployed: Clearly, the NFL Hates Christians
By Brinson | June 30, 2008
The ridiculousness of Shannon Owens’ recent article in the Orlando Sentinel cannot be overstated. Ms. Owens heavily infers that there is some sort of anti-Jesus conspiracy afoot in the NFL, whereby Shaun Alexander is unable to procure employment because he is too religious in his personal life. This is, of course, beyond stupid.
Honestly. I mean, really. I’m unsure why/how she managed to actually get this drivel published, but somehow the OS let it in. And they should issue a retraction for it. But no, it’s been running all day, and Owens seems truly and utterly convinced that Alexander is out of a job right now because he is extremely religious.
Maybe if playing football was his only goal, some GMs wouldn’t have called Alexander, 30, washed up.
It’s logical to question the veteran running back’s durability or even debate style since his numbers dropped off in 2006 and ‘07.
But what has a running back with nearly 10,000 career rushing yards, who never has been arrested or embroiled in law-breaking drama, done to engender mistrust?
It’s wrong for anyone to question Alexander’s motives, given what he has accomplished, and this one reeks of a personal attack. It, however, does reveal a larger problem in sports culture. Athletes are ridiculed if they develop or nurture outside passions equal or, in some cases, above their sport.
Alexander said his critics, at times, have drawn wrong conclusions about his relationship with football because of his faith.
“Because I so don’t carry football around everywhere I am, it kind of throws people off. They’re never really sure,” Alexander said. “I’ve never made football my identity, and that’s where God has graced me.”
Alexander doesn’t have a job because he’s old, past his prime and no longer worthy of the role as a starting running back. Also, he is soft and won’t take a hit in order to pick up the extra yards. That, coupled with the fact that he wants to be a starter and get paid like a starter, is why Alexander doesn’t have a job. Not because he likes Jesus too much.