[cuppett777]

Are Hail Maries banned, too?

A high school football player in Tacoma, Wash., got flagged for dropping to his knee and pointing to the sky after scoring a touchdown during a playoff game.

"It's just something I do every time I get in the end zone,” said Ronnie Hastie, a Tumwater High School running back. “To honor my Lord because I play for him. I give him the glory because he's the one that gives me the strength."

Although Hastie’s strength may be divine, high school referees are apparently not.

He was called for unsportsmanlike conduct, a 15 yard penalty—the same amount of yards a lineman would receive after steamrolling a quarterback well after a play.

He apparently broke a Washington Interscholastic Activities Association rule that bans players from drawing attention to themselves.

“I thought it was pretty crummy that kids can't give thanks in public," one Tumwater fan told Q13 FOX.

Sid Otton, Tumwater's Head Coach, says the referees made the correct call.

"If it's a rule and they made it then I agree with it because it's in there,” said Otton. “I admire the young man. He's a great player, great person off the field.”

The penalty did not affect the outcome of the game. Tumwater defeated East Valley 63-27.

Hastie says the next time he scores a touchdown this season he plans to play by the rules.

"I'll change it for the team cause they are the most important we don't want the penalty," said Hastie.

Tumwater will play in the 2A State Championship on Saturday at the Tacoma Dome
this nation has been gone, but gets worse everyday,they will let curse and do everything else and get a flag for this....:ChairHit::please:

[tradition]

Did he really do it for him or because just about every pro player or college player do it on TV on Saturday and Sunday?

[Panther Thunder]

Randy Maynard would've racked up the penalty yards this season then. It's not a big deal, no worse than a chest bump is it?

[cj2561]

He done it after ever td he got this season(20+ tds). I think it was a christain school.

[MSU Eagle]

Did he really do it for him or because just about every pro player or college player do it on TV on Saturday and Sunday?

It's not our place to judge whether he really did it for God or not. If he says he is doing it to honor God, I believe him.

[know1]

Stupid to penalize for that.

[csabo17]

If its in the rules it has to be flagged though. Just like in college football when a player points to the crowd, its the same penalty. So if you let this go the next time a player points to the crowd he could argue that he was actually pointing to the sky.

[mr.charlie hustle]

If its in the rules it has to be flagged though. Just like in college football when a player points to the crowd, its the same penalty. So if you let this go the next time a player points to the crowd he could argue that he was actually pointing to the sky.

This quite simply, is a small example of how fast the world has turned or is turning.Not many more flags cause the clock has almost run out and the game will be over. The winner and or winners will be announced.

[Westside]

Of course he was penalized for that. In today's society in general it is wrong to believe in God and be religious, but being homosexual and to defend the rights of those that do not believe in God at the expense of those that do is perfectly acceptable. And then we wonder whats wrong with our society.
:please:

[Proud Ram Fan 1168]

It's not our place to judge whether he really did it for God or not. If he says he is doing it to honor God, I believe him.

And this is one of the million reasons I wouldn't live in a liberal state. They want rights for everyone as long as it's on their own terms. Who did he hurt? Did it cause a game delay other then the refs throwing a flag? Things like this is so over the top. We can't show expression! We may upset 5% of the people. So lets upset the 95% that believe!! Maybe if he looked down to the ground and give some sign to the devil it would have been ok.

[redstorm]

it's not our place to judge whether he really did it for god or not. If he says he is doing it to honor god, i believe him.

amen

[csabo17]

This quite simply, is a small example of how fast the world has turned or is turning.Not many more flags cause the clock has almost run out and the game will be over. The winner and or winners will be announced.

I didnt write the rule. There are many ways to praise God. Dropping to his knee and praising him was fine. But if a rule says you cant point, then you simply cant point.
Some refs enforce every single rule to the T. Would I of made the same call? No, however in the state semi final every official is being heavily criticd so im sure they were instructed to call it that way.

[cksportsfan]

Does the kid also praise God/thank God every time he fumbles or is it for a 2-yard loss?

He's like a coach who calls results into the paper/radio when they win but conveniently "forgets" when they lose.

In all of my years of doing what I do, I've had plenty of kids mention God and praise God when they win or do something good (TD, hit home run, make a FT, etc.). But when they lose or miss, NEVER has his name been mentioned.

And you mean to tell me you're NOT drawing attention to yourself when you do this?

Religion has no business in sports, especially at public high schools. Or else the Saints and Angels would win every year and the Duke Blue Devils and the DePaul Blue Demons and the Owensboro Red Devils would have bad years every year.

[charlie22]

Couldn't the kid simply have ran to the sidelines after the TD and dropped down on his knee and give thanks to the Lord?

Personally I've believed that after every TD, the player scoring should hand the ball to the ref and head to the sidelines or X point huddle; no chest bumping, no any thing. Do the celebration on the sideline. Once you permit a little, you end up with a lot eventually.

[MSU Eagle]

Does the kid also praise God/thank God every time he fumbles or is it for a 2-yard loss?

He's like a coach who calls results into the paper/radio when they win but conveniently "forgets" when they lose.

In all of my years of doing what I do, I've had plenty of kids mention God and praise God when they win or do something good (TD, hit home run, make a FT, etc.). But when they lose or miss, NEVER has his name been mentioned.

And you mean to tell me you're NOT drawing attention to yourself when you do this?

Religion has no business in sports, especially at public high schools. Or else the Saints and Angels would win every year and the Duke Blue Devils and the DePaul Blue Demons and the Owensboro Red Devils would have bad years every year.

I'm gonna have to disagree with you here. I think this kid doing what he did is a very humble act. He could celebrate, acting like "hey, I scored this touchdown, look at me!" But no, he praises God, saying, "I'm not taking credit for this touchdown, my God gets all the credit, I thank Him for allowing me this." Yea, it may draw attention, but it's drawing attention to God, IMO.

I personally do this same kind of thing. On numerous occasions throughout my career, rather after a pitching complete game or save, I point to the sky, giving thanks to God, before celebrating a win. It's not to draw attention to myself, it's to keep myself humble and remember who gave the the chance to get on the field. My teammates have always recognized that it is not for myself when I praise Him out there. And after a loss, I still praise God, just not usually on the field where it's easy to get caught in the moment, and it may be taken the wrong way as if I'm "blaming" God (Steve Johnson).

[zaga_fan]

This isn't the first time this has happened.
However, the kid wasn't flagged for praising God.
He was flagged for drawing attention to himself.
I understand that wasn't what he was trying to do, but that's what happened.

I don't agree with it...
but that's the rules.

[mr.charlie hustle]

Could it be that this young man simply wanted to thank that which was most important in his life.According the report that seemed to be what he was doing.A lot of folks out there don't want God until there is a critical need in their lives.Sadly by that time it may be too late. Personally I want my boys to have god in their hearts rather than a hit of speed in their veins. Are race horses not checked by officials before races. Absurd of cource but then so is the the penality of an expression of personal opinion in God.

[MSU Eagle]

I agree, if it is in the rules that someone cannot draw attention to themselves after a td, then it's the right call. Even though I disagree with the rule. Hopefully he still does something similar on the sidelines after giving the ball to the ref or something.

[cksportsfan]

MSU Eagle,

Do you point to the heavens when you lose or are taken out of the game? Cause it is by his grace you're out there to begin with, win or lose, good or bad.

That's why I have an issue with it. It's amazing, how, ahem, "humble" kids are when things go well and then forget he exists when things go bad.

Had he gotten a fist bump or high five from a teammate, no flag. Or he could have given his ode to the almighty ON THE SIDELINE and not gotten a flag. But no, he did it when he's probably one of the few guys in the end zone with all eyes on him. By rule ... throw the flag.

No one is saying "Don't praise God." However ... don't make it a SPECIFIC POINT/TIME to praise God. If you're only doing it at certain times, you're drawing attention to yourself. No different than thumping a chest after a big dunk or block or Tiger Woods giving the Tiger Arm Pump after a long made putt (have you seen him do it ANY OTHER time)?

This was a "Look at me and watch me praise God" moment. You don't have to make it a point to do it.

[MSU Eagle]

MSU Eagle,

Do you point to the heavens when you lose or are taken out of the game? Cause it is by his grace you're out there to begin with, win or lose, good or bad.

That's why I have an issue with it. It's amazing, how, ahem, "humble" kids are when things go well and then forget he exists when things go bad.

Had he gotten a fist bump or high five from a teammate, no flag. Or he could have given his ode to the almighty ON THE SIDELINE and not gotten a flag. But no, he did it when he's probably one of the few guys in the end zone with all eyes on him. By rule ... throw the flag.

No one is saying "Don't praise God." However ... don't make it a SPECIFIC POINT/TIME to praise God. If you're only doing it at certain times, you're drawing attention to yourself. No different than thumping a chest after a big dunk or block or Tiger Woods giving the Tiger Arm Pump after a long made putt (have you seen him do it ANY OTHER time)?

This was a "Look at me and watch me praise God" moment. You don't have to make it a point to do it.

It is the rule, so the ref has to flag him. No argument there. Personally, I do still praise God after a bad outing. In my heart I always trust Him and praise Him. "Win I'll praise Him. Lose I'll praise Him."-Facing the Giants

I was just saying that in my eyes it was an act of humility. In a moment where he can celebrate "his" accomplishment, he gave it up to God. That's all I'm saying. I applaud the gesture, but sadly it is against the rules.

It's never up to us to judge their hearts. Whether we think he only praises after a td or win, we can't judge that. :Thumbs:

[cksportsfan]

MSU Eagle,

Judge? No.
Notice? Yes.

Sadly, not enough athletes/coaches are like "Facing The Giants."

I will say the Meade County softball team always does a postgame prayer around the pitching circle. They invite the other team and they alternate so you're always holding two hands of your foes, not teammates.

But like I said, it doesn't take you long to notice that people are only offering praise publically at certain times (most of the time, only after a touchdown).

Not trying to judge, but some of these same kids who do the point to the sky routine are the same ones who say G-D it or what the He** after a bad play.

A prayer doesn't have to be said aloud to be heard by Him.

You don't have to point to the sky to acknowledge him, either.

Say you're a high schooler at lunch. One kid at your table gets his food, sits down and bows his head and closes his eyes. That's not going to bother people/draw attention at most times.

Then a kid across the cafeteria stands up and starts a prayer loud enough for you to him across the cafeteria. The first one is considered OK, the second wrong, although they are BOTH praising God.

Same in football. Say a prayer in your head or on the sideline (where there is less emphasis and focus from fans and cameras) and it's highly doubtful flag comes out. But only do it after a touchdown and you stop and point to the sky, you're drawing attention to yourself like the second lunchroom kid.

It doesn't matter, nor does He care, that you want people to know that you like him specifically after you scored a TD.

[MSU Eagle]

MSU Eagle,

Judge? No.
Notice? Yes.

Sadly, not enough athletes/coaches are like "Facing The Giants."

I will say the Meade County softball team always does a postgame prayer around the pitching circle. They invite the other team and they alternate so you're always holding two hands of your foes, not teammates.

But like I said, it doesn't take you long to notice that people are only offering praise publically at certain times (most of the time, only after a touchdown).

Not trying to judge, but some of these same kids who do the point to the sky routine are the same ones who say G-D it or what the He** after a bad play.

A prayer doesn't have to be said aloud to be heard by Him.

You don't have to point to the sky to acknowledge him, either.

Say you're a high schooler at lunch. One kid at your table gets his food, sits down and bows his head and closes his eyes. That's not going to bother people/draw attention at most times.

Then a kid across the cafeteria stands up and starts a prayer loud enough for you to him across the cafeteria. The first one is considered OK, the second wrong, although they are BOTH praising God.

Same in football. Say a prayer in your head or on the sideline (where there is less emphasis and focus from fans and cameras) and it's highly doubtful flag comes out. But only do it after a touchdown and you stop and point to the sky, you're drawing attention to yourself like the second lunchroom kid.

It doesn't matter, nor does He care, that you want people to know that you like him specifically after you scored a TD.

You're absolutely right that they should not do it solely for attention to themselves, trying to make themselves look good. The Bible talks about that. At the same time though, we are also told that if we deny God here, then Jesus will deny us in Heaven. We won't know for sure if the kid is pointing to the sky for attention or for true praise, whether you think you know or not. But ever heard the song "This little light of mine?" Let it shine! Don't cover it up, no, I'm gonna let it shine! There are times where kids will do these things just for attention, but some will do it solely for praise. Christians are told to let our lives continuously praise Him. I know that when I point to the sky after pitching, I would do it if there were 10,000 people or zero people. I don't mean to step on your toes here, but it sounds to me like you're being a little judgemental... So, if these kids that will point to the sky or whatever curse every now and then, they're obviously hypocrites, right? Wrong, we all still sin, and we humans cannot judge if their actions and hearts are pure or not... But that's another topic for another forum.

But, how about we stay on topic? Like I've already said, I like the gesture by this kid, but it is against the rules. Although I disagree with the rule, the flag is the correct call.

[Nothing But The Kids]

Does the kid also praise God/thank God every time he fumbles or is it for a 2-yard loss?

He's like a coach who calls results into the paper/radio when they win but conveniently "forgets" when they lose.

In all of my years of doing what I do, I've had plenty of kids mention God and praise God when they win or do something good (TD, hit home run, make a FT, etc.). But when they lose or miss, NEVER has his name been mentioned.

And you mean to tell me you're NOT drawing attention to yourself when you do this?

Religion has no business in sports, especially at public high schools. Or else the Saints and Angels would win every year and the Duke Blue Devils and the DePaul Blue Demons and the Owensboro Red Devils would have bad years every year.

Agree.

[Big Five-0-]

Of course he was penalized for that. In today's society in general it is wrong to believe in God and be religious, but being homosexual and to defend the rights of those that do not believe in God at the expense of those that do is perfectly acceptable. And then we wonder whats wrong with our society.
:please:

Totally agree Westside. It seems as though what use to be right is wrong, and what use to be wrong is right. It's upside down in comparison to what it was.

[sstack]

It's not our place to judge whether he really did it for God or not. If he says he is doing it to honor God, I believe him.

I bet you do not see him in church on sundays. I too think he is trying to draw attention to himself and imitating the NFL players.

[Poseidon]

I would do it anyway, that is crazy, but not shocking in this time. I would make a point to talk to media outlets and make this a public example, that is the only way to get htings done. That is the way they get God taken out of schools, being silent gets nothing done.

[mr.charlie hustle]

Does the kid also praise God/thank God every time he fumbles or is it for a 2-yard loss?

He's like a coach who calls results into the paper/radio when they win but conveniently "forgets" when they lose.

In all of my years of doing what I do, I've had plenty of kids mention God and praise God when they win or do something good (TD, hit home run, make a FT, etc.). But when they lose or miss, NEVER has his name been mentioned.

And you mean to tell me you're NOT drawing attention to yourself when you do this?

Religion has no business in sports, especially at public high schools. Or else the Saints and Angels would win every year and the Duke Blue Devils and the DePaul Blue Demons and the Owensboro Red Devils would have bad years every year.

Just got through watching Ky high school football highlights. Saw every concievable form of celebration imaginable,with the exception of a hand to god,following scores Not one flag did I see. No place for God in public schools? Please give that some thought the next time you see or hear of a player with a severe head/neck injury or a player who has died from heat or cardiac problems.There may be no place for God but the door for illegal drugs appear to be wide open and a high toleration policy seems to be in place.

[cksportsfan]

I would do it anyway, that is crazy, but not shocking in this time. I would make a point to talk to media outlets and make this a public example, that is the only way to get htings done. That is the way they get God taken out of schools, being silent gets nothing done.

Actually, many media outlets -- outside of the homer rah-rah weeklies, anyway -- remove references to God when someone, usually the winner or someone who came up with a great play, mentions him.

For the EXACT reason I mentioned above. If you're not going to bring him up when you make a mistake or get whitewashed by 40+ points, don't mention him when you win.

Because once again, you're making it a point to bring him up at a specific time instead of ... all the time.

I don't want to get into what deserves a flag or whatnot, but whether the kid stop and points to the sky or stops and gives the slashed throat gesture ... he's still making a specific gesture. Obviously pointing to God isn't taunting/sportsmanship, but it's still a "look at what I'm doing" gesture.

It's perfectly OK to score a touchdown and NOT point toward the sky. Happens all the time, in fact.

[cksportsfan]

mr.charlie hustle,

Not sure what this thread has to with drugs (your reference) or homosexuals (Westside's reference).

If you're ONLY making the gesture at a certain time, you're doing it to draw attention to yourself. Whether it's point to the sky to praise god, throat slash, the DDP Diamond Cutter (from WCW/WWF fame), whatever, if you're doing with the intent to draw attention to yourself.

And like I said earlier, it's amazing how many kids/coaches bring up God when they win and NEVER mention him when they lose. I thought you were supposed to like him no matter what?

The next time I see a HS football player do the point-to-the-sky routine at a point time not after a touchdown/made FG/XP ... will be the first time. That's the issue.

Plus, doing it can be seen as a slap in the face to the other team. So you were special enough that God helped you score a TD but he couldn't help the 11 players on the other team trying to stop you? Please. I'd hope he'd have far more important things to worry about than who scored a TD in high school football game.

I'm not saying don't pray for someone who's hurt. Happens all the time and not just in sports.

But there's a big, huge, GIGANTIC difference in the physical welfare of a teenager (former) and the outcome of a game (latter).

Do you really think God should be invoked in the latter?

[LWC]

I despise the rule, but it is the rule. I like the way the NFL does it. They give a player so much time to do whatever and then if they are excessive, they throw a flag.

Tell me if I am wrong, because I am not as familiar with high-school rules as most of you are. A player could score a TD and then do a 2 minute dance routine and get the same flag for a player that scores a TD points to the sky and then hands the ball to the ref. That is absurd!

Not to get too religious in the football forum but we were created to love and praise God. He wants and longs for our praise. cksportsfan is right, we should praise him all the time. When Jesus was at his highest moments he acknowledged God when he was in the garden pleading to not die if at all possible he asked for God's will to be done. That should be the way our lives are praise him in the good time and praise him in the bad times.

However, anytime that we give God the praise we are honoring him. For those that are parents, don't you want your children to say "thank you" or "I love you" even if it is once a day/week/month/year. Just to hear them say it makes you smile right?

Now don't confuse me as saying that we should honor God with our lips and not our hearts. I am not saying that. I am just saying when the time comes that our God-given abilities, talents, or blessings come through we should praise him. Should we stop and do a 2 minute praise dance in the end zone, no. Is a 1 second point to the sky so bad, no.

Jesus talked about praying in secret and being rewarded openly. Not to do things for attention like the religious leaders, etc... but I don't think the sky point classifies as something so "look-at-me and not at God." However, as cksportsfan mentioned the head bowed kid at school has it right as opposed to the standing up, loud attention drawing praying kid. Maybe the loud kid's heart is in the right place and they are wanting to be evangelical with God, but someone should explain how their prayers should be done with humility.

In conclusion, I hate the rule, but it is the rule. Without knowing the young man, I have to give him the benefit of the doubt.