Jehovah's Witnesses is a Christian denomination that is known for its door-to-door evangelism and the belief that the end of the world is imminent. However, what may come as a surprise is that the religion has a notable following among former NBA players. Many retired basketball players have become Jehovah's Witnesses, finding solace in its teachings and sense of community. In this article, we will explore how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah's Witnesses and why they have chosen this religion.
Why are Ex-NBA players attracted to Jehovah's Witnesses?
Retired NBA players often struggle to find a sense of purpose once their basketball careers come to an end. Many experience a loss of identity and struggle with the transition into post-retirement life. For some, the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses offers a new sense of purpose and a tight-knit community that can replace the camaraderie and brotherhood they experienced on the basketball court.
Another reason why Jehovah's Witnesses are attractive to ex-NBA players is the religion's emphasis on helping others. Many players who convert to Jehovah's Witnesses credit the organization's focus on serving others, which aligns with their values of team play and selflessness, something they practiced while playing in the NBA.
How many ex-NBA players are Jehovah's Witnesses?
It is difficult to know exactly how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah's Witnesses as the religion does not release official membership statistics. However, several notable former NBA players have come out as Jehovah's Witnesses in recent times. The list includes:
- Tyrone Curtis "Muggsy" Bogues: Muggsy Bogues played for four NBA teams throughout his career and is now a devoted Jehovah's Witness.
- Mark Eaton: Eaton played for the Utah Jazz for 11 seasons and was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He became a Jehovah's Witness after his basketball career ended.
- Wayman Tisdale: Tisdale played in the NBA for 12 seasons and later became a renowned jazz musician. He converted to Jehovah's Witnesses in the early 1990s.
- Detlef Schrempf: Schrempf played for three NBA teams and was named an NBA All-Star three times. After retiring from basketball, he became a Jehovah's Witness.
Balancing faith and basketball
Being an NBA player requires a substantial time commitment, and it can be challenging to balance the demands of being a devout Jehovah's Witness with the busy schedule of a professional athlete. However, some ex-NBA players have managed to find a balance between their faith and basketball careers.
For example, Mark Eaton, who is now an ordained minister for the religion, has spoken publicly about how he managed to find time for his faith while playing for the Utah Jazz. Eaton would wake up at 4 am to study his Bible and would often hold Bible studies with his teammates on the road. He also made sure to attend Jehovah's Witness meetings while at home, even if it meant missing practice or game days occasionally.
Conclusion
Although it is challenging to quantify precisely how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah's Witnesses, it is clear that the religion has attracted some notable former basketball stars. For these former players, the community and purpose offered by the Jehovah's Witnesses have filled a void left by the end of their basketball careers. As they transition from the highly regimented world of professional sports into the rest of their life, they have found comfort and a sense of belonging in their faith.
