I was sent a link to a really interesting piece today about the resignation - and fall from grace - of Jim Tressel, an outstanding football coach at Ohio State University. The blog on this issue is really thoughtful, offers some challenging perspectives to us all - particularly any involved in coaching, chaplaincy or similar - and is really well worth the time to read.

This happened a long way from NZ, I hear you say, so what is the relevance to us ? The answer to that is it is - sadly - not an uncommon story and it has happened before and will again, but that doesn't mean the reminder isn't worthwhile!
Jim Tressel had a public Christian faith, he had written books on faith and integrity.

The cause of his downfall was his breach of rules pertaining to payments and benefits to players, something strictly barred under NCAA rules. What's worse is he signed declarations stating the opposite so his ‘fall' has been very public and has drawn comments that vary from him being a ‘scapegoat' to being a ‘hypocrite'. Many would rationalise the practices at Ohio as them trying to put themselves on an "even playing field" because "everyone is doing it". It's a not uncommon theme in sport and also in business.

So the relevance to us from this situation to me is how we respond in our own environments to:
- recognising some of the challenges high profile sports people face trying to live out their beliefs in a sports world
- the temptation for the rest of us to put sporting heroes who profess their beliefs up on a pedestal (often doing so too early as well)
- the need to provide real support to such athletes and coaches in their faith & sporting journey at all times
- how easily they can hit bumps in the road and fall and will we be there in a real and committed manner for the long haul?

It's also very topical and relevant as www.engagenz.org is the group co-ordinating the Christian communities initiatives in NZ to support the Rugby World Cup tournament later this year.

Any of us who may be involved - at whatever level - need to think of these things in terms of what we ask of various players and coaches and be sure that our support is genuine and goes beyond the event and its short term focus.

Andrew Kerr is convenor of Christian Sports Network NZ.

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