The world of professional sports often reveals the fascinating interplay between athletics and personal beliefs. In the NBA, a number of players identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses and face unique challenges in balancing their faith and basketball careers.
This in-depth guide will examine the experiences of NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, the history of Witnesses in the NBA, their stance on nationalistic rituals, interactions with teammates, and more.
Introduction to Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses are members of a Christian-based religious movement headquartered in the United States. Here are some key facts:
- Founded in 1870s Pennsylvania by Charles Taze Russell. Currently based in Warwick, New York.
- As of 2021, there are approximately 8.68 million Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide.
- They believe God’s true name is Jehovah. Witness by spreading teachings door-to-door.
- Don’t celebrate birthdays or holidays they consider having pagan origins. Also abstain from politics.
- Are pacifists who refuse military service. Also avoid nationalistic rituals.
- Governed by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society led by a Governing Body.
- Have certain dietary restrictions including abstaining from blood transfusions.
This background provides context on the faith that has shaped a number of NBA players. Next, we will look at specific players.
Notable NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
While few in numbers, some standout NBA players identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses. They include:
Kobe Bryant
- 5x NBA champion, 18x All-Star, 2008 MVP
- Raised in Philly area, married at 21 to Vanessa Laine
- Converted to faith along with parents in high school
- Struggled to balance NBA stardom and faith early on
- Skipped national anthem, avoided politics, didn’t vote
- Post-retirement planned to devote energy to faith
DeMarcus Cousins
- 4x NBA All-Star power forward/center
- Converted to faith after college basketball, per family
- Known for technical fouls and temper early in career
- Credits faith with helping him mature and calm down
- Struggled with national anthem ritual expectation
Darryl Dawkins
- NBA center nicknamed “Chocolate Thunder”
- First NBA player drafted straight out of high school
- Converted to Jehovah’s Witness faith in early career
- Sparked NBA age limit rule with early entry
- Passionate about poetry and community youth mentorship
This provides a sample of the most well-known Witness players. But how many Witnesses have been in the NBA overall?
Estimated Number of Jehovah’s Witnesses in NBA History
While an exact number is difficult to confirm, it is estimated that around 12 to 15 NBA players throughout history have been Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Some lesser known players include Shawn Bradley, Horace Owens, Brian Cardinal, and Paul Shirley. Danny Schayes also reportedly identified as a Witness.
However, the number of Witnesses is extremely small compared to the hundreds of devout Christians and other spiritual players in the predominantly Black NBA. Only about 1% of players are estimated to be Witnesses.
Still, their unique experiences provide an important perspective on sports, faith, and high-level athletics.
Jehovah’s Witness Stance on Flag Salutes, National Anthems
One major intersection of sports ritual and Jehovah’s Witness faith centers around nationalistic practices like the national anthem and flag salutes.
This stems from Witnesses’ neutral political stance and rejection of rituals they deem suspiciously nationalistic or pagan in roots. They cite Bible Scripture as emphasizing God’s Kingdom over any human nation.
As a result, Witness players often refrain from the following:
- Singing the “Star Spangled Banner” national anthem
- Standing for or saluting the American flag
- Wearing voting pins or patriotic paraphernalia
These stances have stirred some controversy for players like Abdul-Rauf who was suspended in 1996 for sitting out the anthem. But many Witnesses affirm it is not meant as protest but adhering to spiritual convictions.
The situation captures the nuanced space players occupy in balancing their faith and the rituals surrounding professional sports.
Interactions Between Witness Players and Others in the NBA
Another intriguing aspect is how Jehovah’s Witness players interact with teammates and competitors who don’t share their faith convictions.
On the court, Witness players are known for an intense, competitive drive just like anyone else. Their faith instructs them to play with passion and integrity.
In the locker room, they focus on connecting with others as people first rather than trying to proselytize their beliefs. Establishing mutual respect opens the door to humbly discussing faith.
When topics like birthday celebrations, political jokes or holiday plans come up, Witness players aim to maintain positivity and clarify their stances respectfully. Occasional mockery or misunderstandings are usually addressed calmly.
Overall, these interactions capture the adaptability required for a subset of players who adhere to unique spiritual practices amid an organization with vastly different norms.
Challenges and Changes for Witnesses in the NBA Over Time
The small community of Witness players in the NBA has faced some challenges:
- Initial resistance to playing organized school sports: Early Witnesses objected to school sports carrying an improper nationalist spirit. This later evolved to support athletics when played for personal growth rather than prestige.
- Clashes with social norms: As public figures, players face constant scrutiny over things like sitting out the anthem which can be misconstrued as protest rather than faith-based objection. Witnesses adapted by issuing statements on their intent.
- Evolving tolerances: While they aim for understanding, increased support for LGBTQ+ rights and other social causes has further differentiated Witness stances from peers and fans.
- Loneliness and isolation: Being such a vast minority can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation from teammates and the greater community. But players cite faith as their compass.
On the positive side, Witness players increasingly earn respect for their conviction once teammates understand it comes from a spiritual purpose over social protest. The cultural clashes prompt important conversations.
Looking Ahead – The Future of Witnesses in the NBA
As the NBA continues rapidly evolving, Jehovah’s Witnesses will face new scenarios:
- New political issues will continually test their non-participatory stance.
- Locker room dynamics may shift as new personalities and beliefs enter the league.
- Outspoken activism by many players could further highlight the apolitical approach of Witnesses.
- Renegotiating rituals like the anthem could lead to revised expectations.
Overall, Witness players will likely continue navigating their faith as a unique subculture within a much larger entity. Their experiences provide an illuminating case study into religion, sports and principle.
Conclusion
The small community of Jehovah’s Witness players in the NBA provides a fascinating look into how personal faith intersects with professional sports. Athletes like Kobe Bryant and others have had to balance spiritual convictions amid tremendous scrutiny. Their commitment offers lessons in resolute principle and maintaining positivity even as an outsider. Moving forward, Jehovah’s Witnesses will continue adapting while providing an important counter-perspective as the NBA evolves.
FAQs About Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA
Jehovah’s Witness players have unique experiences in the NBA. Here are some common FAQs:
How many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Estimated around 12-15 players historically. Represents about 1% of NBA players.
Why don’t they salute the flag?
It’s not protest but objection to rituals deemed nationalist or pagan. Cite Bible principle.
Are Jehovah’s Witnesses allowed to play organized sports?
Early opposition evolved. Now supported as avenue for personal growth and discipline.
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses have dietary restrictions?
Yes, many abstain from blood and blood transfusions based on faith tenets.
Are holidays problematic for Jehovah’s Witness players?
Yes, they typically refrain from holiday celebrations deemed to have questionable roots.
How are gay players viewed by Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Homosexuality considered sin but players aim for empathetic treatment of all.
Do Jehovah’s Witness players try to convert teammates?
No proselytizing but respectful discussion if teammates express interest.
The experiences of Jehovah’s Witness players provide a unique window into principles of faith colliding with the rituals and culture around big-time athletics. Their stories illuminate both the challenges and opportunities that arise in the quest to adhere to spiritual convictions within a high-profile public arena like the NBA.