[Write14u]

Let me throw a few last thoughts out there before the big game.
First, as I already checked in, I'm very much pro-choice. I'm not in favor of abortions, but I firmly believe women should have the choice regarding their bodies.

My roommate and I (he also is a sports junkie who works at a newspaper) have also been debating this issue throughout the week.

Then, a great friend of mine pointed me to this column from a sports columnist I definitely respect. As I read through it, my thoughts were going everywhere. I was like WTF are you doing defending this ad. But the column made me think. And in the end, I couldn't disagree with what Sally wrote.

Because here's the deal about Tim Tebow: He is not an in-your-face evangelist. He never approached the media about his trips to the Phillipines. He simply was asked at SEC media days (I was there) what he did over the summer. Boom! Media jumped on it, great story. Then the following year, he was asked about his celibacy. Yes, Tebow appears to be too good to be true.
But here's the thing. People are always harping on pro athletes to be better role models? Why? Because whether they want it, kids still emulate them.
I don't agree with this ad at all, but Tim Tebow as a role model is something I'll support any day.
I agree with telling kids about condoms and making them available because they will experiment. But I also don't see any problem with one guy that is revered saying, "Hey, it's not a bad thing to wait." Maybe one or two guys or girls will wait because of it. Maybe then there will be less people having to make that hard choice about abortion.

This ad leaves me feeling very torn, but in the end, I've come to realize that one guy standing up for abstinence isn't a bad thing in this world. There are a lot of pro athletes doing great things with charity foundations, but they're always overshadowed by the jerks and thugs. This is one guy who is a good role model and he's out there in the spotlight for a minute.

I would hope that CBS would broaden its thoughts some, but don't foresee it happening. I won't be boycotting the Super Bowl over this one ad, however. I don't think one 30-second ad (which is airing in the first quarter, btw Toughy), or even two of them, will influence that many people to change their minds.

I still don't like this ad, but Dean made a good point. Sometimes you bring more attention to something than is deserved. Because of the hoopla, yes there will be more people watching this ad.

My humble 2 cents.

Originally Posted by Bob

Usually, when I want the opinion of a multiply-concussed, bible-thumping, former college football star, I go down to the local Jiffy-Lube.

Speaking up or answering questions when asked or wearing visible eye-black in support of his faith does not make Tebow a bible thumper. Believe me. I know allllll about bible thumpers. Grew up among them.

Originally Posted by Legendryder

Well, I just read that ole' Tim blew it with the Pro Scouts. He is what I always thought he was, a college football player. He does NOT have the skills to make it in the pro game, and never has. If you can't take a snap from center, you are not gonna get to the big show. The scouts did give a wonderful eye roll at his "talent" however.

Funny thing is this: If I had to put my money on ONE person to make it, I'd put it on this kid. His determination in unbelievable. Bottom line is he is a winner. Besides, the NFL is shock full of guys who were initially written off by the NFL or drafted low: Joe Montana, Kurt Warner, Tom Brady. Those names ring a bell?