When Tim Tebow cancels an appearance, people definitely start talking about it. That's the case Thursday after news broke that the New York Jets quarterback has axed a speaking engagement he had slated for the First Baptist Church of Dallas on April 28. Sports Illustrated shared the available details on Feb. 21.
The reason for Tim Tebow's cancellation seems to be a bit of a mystery, as he simply shared the news via his Twitter page and indicated it was due to “new information” that had been brought to his attention. The church is led by Dr. Robert Jeffress, who has been quite outspoken in the past in regards to Mormonism, Islam and homosexuality. Did Tebow decide that perhaps this particular Church was too controversial for him? He isn't usually one to shy away from what he believes in, and some believe perhaps he bowed to pressure from others.
A rep for the First Baptist Church in Dallas told TMZ that they believe Tim Tebow canceled due to pressure over the past comments from Dr. Robert Jeffress. Some of his most controversial comments include saying that “70 percent of the gay population” has AIDS and that certain other religions are from the “pit of hell.” The church indicates that Tebow canceled saying that for “personal and professional reasons he needed to avoid controversy.”
Tebow's Twitter posts didn't reference any kind of controversy. Instead he simply noted that he was “looking forward to sharing a message of hope and Christ's unconditional love” with those at the church but that he felt he had to cancel. He adds that he “will continue to use the platform God has blessed me with to bring Faith, Hope and Love to all those needing a brighter day.”
What Tim Tebow's cancellation a wise move considering some of the past comments coming from the church leader? Should he have checked into it all more thoroughly before making the commitment in the first place? Or should he have kept up the deal he made to speak there?
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