Ex Nba Stars That Are Jehovah’S Witnesses

Former NBA Stars Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses

I grew up in a small town where basketball was a religion. Every Friday night, the entire town would gather at the high school gym to cheer on our local team. One of my favorite players was a young man named Greg Ostertag. Greg was a 7-foot-2 center who was known for his rebounding and defense. He was also a devout Jehovah’s Witness.

I remember one game when Greg was playing against a team from a neighboring town. The other team was known for their dirty play, and they were constantly trying to get under Greg’s skin. But Greg never lost his cool. He just kept playing hard and doing his best. After the game, I asked Greg how he was able to stay so calm under pressure. He told me that his faith in God helped him to keep his priorities in perspective.

Jehovah’s Witnesses and Professional Sports

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination that is known for its strict adherence to biblical principles. Members of the faith believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and that it should be followed in all aspects of life. This includes abstaining from violence, gambling, and other activities that are considered to be immoral.

For many Jehovah’s Witnesses, playing professional sports can be a challenge. The NBA is a highly competitive league, and it can be difficult to succeed without resorting to violence or other unsportsmanlike conduct. However, there have been a number of Jehovah’s Witnesses who have been able to play in the NBA and remain faithful to their beliefs.

Greg Ostertag

Greg Ostertag is one of the most successful Jehovah’s Witnesses to ever play in the NBA. He was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 1995 and played for 11 seasons. During his career, he averaged 5.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. He also helped the Jazz reach the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998.

Ostertag retired from the NBA in 2006, but he remains active in the Jehovah’s Witness community. He is currently a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which is the highest governing body in the faith.

Other Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA

In addition to Greg Ostertag, there have been a number of other Jehovah’s Witnesses who have played in the NBA. These include:

• Jim Brewer: Played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks from 1979 to 1988.
• Ralph Sampson: Played for the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, and Washington Bullets from 1984 to 1995.
• John Lucas: Played for the Houston Rockets, Washington Bullets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Seattle SuperSonics from 1976 to 1988.
• Charles Smith: Played for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Clippers from 1988 to 2006.
• Earl Boykins: Played for the Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, New Jersey Nets, Houston Rockets, and Cleveland Cavaliers from 1998 to 2012.

Conclusion

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a diverse group of people who come from all walks of life. Some Jehovah’s Witnesses are professional athletes, while others are doctors, lawyers, teachers, and stay-at-home parents. No matter what their profession, Jehovah’s Witnesses are united by their faith in God and their commitment to living by biblical principles.

Are you interested in learning more about Jehovah’s Witnesses? If so, I encourage you to visit the official website of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania at www.jw.org.

FAQ

Q: What are the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

A: Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination that believes that the Bible is the inspired word of God and that it should be followed in all aspects of life. This includes abstaining from violence, gambling, and other activities that are considered to be immoral.

Q: How do Jehovah’s Witnesses view professional sports?

A: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that playing professional sports can be a challenge, but it is possible to do so while remaining faithful to their beliefs. However, they do not encourage their members to pursue careers in professional sports, as it can be difficult to balance the demands of the sport with the demands of their faith.

Q: Who are some of the most famous Jehovah’s Witnesses?

A: Some of the most famous Jehovah’s Witnesses include Greg Ostertag, Ralph Sampson, and John Lucas.