How Many Ex-Nba Players Are Now Jehovah's Witnesses?

The Jehovah’s Witness Faith

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination that has been around since the 1870s. They believe in the Bible as the word of God and follow a strict moral code. Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their door-to-door evangelism and their refusal to participate in certain activities, such as voting in elections, celebrating holidays, and receiving blood transfusions.

The NBA and Religion

Religion has always been a part of the NBA. Many players have been vocal about their faith, including Tim Tebow, Jeremy Lin, and Stephen Curry. Some NBA players have even become pastors, such as Mark Jackson and A.C. Green. Religion can be a source of motivation, inspiration, and guidance for NBA players.

Ex-NBA Players Who Are Now Jehovah’s Witnesses

There are several ex-NBA players who have become Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some of these players left the NBA to pursue their faith, while others became Jehovah’s Witnesses after retiring from basketball. Here are some of the ex-NBA players who are now Jehovah’s Witnesses:

Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Utah Jazz in the 1980s. He became a Jehovah’s Witness in 1992 and left the NBA to focus on his faith. Edwards is now a minister and travels around the world to preach the gospel.

Bobby Hansen

Bobby Hansen played for the Utah Jazz, the Chicago Bulls, and the Sacramento Kings in the 1980s and 1990s. He became a Jehovah’s Witness in 1996 and retired from the NBA in 1999. Hansen is now a minister and works with Jehovah’s Witnesses in Iowa.

Mike Smith

Mike Smith played for the Boston Celtics, the Sacramento Kings, and the Washington Bullets in the 1980s and 1990s. He became a Jehovah’s Witness in 1996 and left the NBA to pursue his faith. Smith is now a minister and works with Jehovah’s Witnesses in California.

Greg Foster

Greg Foster played for the Washington Bullets, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Utah Jazz in the 1990s and 2000s. He became a Jehovah’s Witness in 2011 and retired from the NBA in 2006. Foster is now a minister and works with Jehovah’s Witnesses in Utah.

Brian Grant

Brian Grant played for the Sacramento Kings, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Miami Heat in the 1990s and 2000s. He became a Jehovah’s Witness in 2008 and retired from the NBA in 2006. Grant is now a minister and works with Jehovah’s Witnesses in California.

Why Do NBA Players Become Jehovah’s Witnesses?

There are many reasons why NBA players become Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some players are attracted to the faith’s strict moral code and the sense of community that comes with being a Jehovah’s Witness. Others are drawn to the faith’s teachings about the end of the world and the hope for a better future. Still others become Jehovah’s Witnesses because they believe it is the true religion and want to live their lives in accordance with God’s will.

The Challenges of Being a Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA

Being a Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA can be challenging. Many NBA players struggle to balance their faith with the demands of their profession. NBA players are often required to travel and play games on Sundays, which can make it difficult for them to attend meetings and worship services. Additionally, NBA players are often surrounded by temptation, such as alcohol, drugs, and women, which can be difficult to resist.

The Future of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA

It is unclear what the future holds for Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA. While there are currently several ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, it is difficult to say how many current NBA players are members of the faith. However, it is likely that there will continue to be NBA players who are drawn to the Jehovah’s Witness faith and are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to live according to its teachings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several ex-NBA players who have become Jehovah’s Witnesses. These players have left the NBA to pursue their faith and work as ministers and evangelists. While being a Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA can be challenging, many players are drawn to the faith’s teachings and are willing to make sacrifices to live according to its principles. As the NBA continues to grow and change, it is likely that there will continue to be NBA players who are members of the Jehovah’s Witness faith.