Update: HS Running Back Draws Flag for Pointing to God
- Posted on December 2, 2010 at 6:45am by
Scott Baker
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Three days ago we posted the story about Ronnie Hastie who says he always kneels when he scores a touchdown.
Well the story is only building steam.
First a review of the facts from KOMO-TV‘s account:
The referee threw a flag, saying it was unsportsmanlike conduct.
Hastie said he‘s pointed up as a gesture to God after every touchdown he’s scored in every game and never had a problem before.
“It’s usually one or two seconds long,” he said. “It‘s something I’ve done as a tradition.”
Hastie said he asked the ref why he was penalized, and the ref responded that Hastie wasn’t supposed to draw attention to himself.
“That wasn’t the point (of the gesture), so I guess I was a little confused,” Hastie said. “I do that to give glory to my heavenly father, Jesus. He gives me the strength. He’s the one who gives me these abilities in the first place.”
Hastie’s father said his son points skyward in an effort to recognize something more important, actually trying to draw attention away from himself.
Here’s how officials are explaining the decision:
Mike Colbrese, executive director of Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, said he has reviewed the video, but hasn‘t been told the circumstances behind the call by the referees’ association.
Colbrese did add, however, that a rule requires a player to give up the ball immediately after the play, and Hastie failed to do so.
Hastie now says he’ll now point to the God once he leaves the field: “I’ll just have to change it up and not make as big of a statement, I guess. The refs are in charge.”
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Comments (89)
unsafe
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:21amWhat school was this????
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:17amColbrese is defending this call by saying he’s upposed to give up the ball right away? Make sure the game must go on?? SLOW DOWN PLAY? The ref wasn’t even there yet and how long did that take? 2 seconds? WHAT a crock! Good for the crowd for BOOING that idiot.
Report Post »CHAOS_71
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:10am“offended” I’m OFFENDED by the CALL!!!!!!!!!! And I do not PRAY! I just have an open MIND!!!! I beleive you have the GOD GIVING RIGHT to do what ever you want!!!!! As long as you do not effect someones life or touch them!!!!!!!!!
And I will def. you for it! And have for the past 20 YEARS!!!!!
Semper Fi Do or Die
Report Post »sfcscott
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 12:24pmGod bless you Chaos,
27 years in Army here, retired in “92”. I’ll go one further tho. Give that ref his walking papers. Enough is enough
Report Post »sheryl
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:00amJust one more slap in the face to Christians.
Let us all remember: christian=bad
all ther religions=good
We need to stand behind this man and support him and his right to thank God.
Report Post »This is nothing more then the systematic removal of the Christian God from this country.
dgrobs
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:58amEVERYTIME this kid makes a touchdown EVERYBODY in the STANDS ought to do his point to the sky motion and let all know you can penalize Christians as much as you want, but YOU CANNOT silence them or GOD.
Report Post »takemout
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:41amIt is clear that the back judge was offended in the gesture. He threw his flag at the boy. The young man took the punishment like a strong Christian should. The back judge is obviously offended by people thanking God.
Report Post »Speak without Fear
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:25amIf he would of been carrying a prayer mat with the football into the end zone……..
Fire the ref……..and give him a BIBLE as his departing gift.
Report Post »pilgrim2497
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:23amLittle by little, inch by incremental inch, we are allowing the dark and hateful forces of insanity to gain control of this nation, stripping our children of the right to acknowledge Jesus Christ in public.
Who among us will stand and fight?
When hundreds of us from all over America stood on the courthouse steps in Montgomery, Alabama, in 2003; advocating for the Word of God, and the right to acknowledge God in public life—Most of America paid no attention, the Bush administration worked against us, and America came to a crossroads and took a tragic turn.
Report Post »SafeguardOurLiberty
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:22amThe commies are everywhere, even on the football field. Little incidents like this are increasing all over our country. The commies are getting very agressive. They are coming out and expressing themselves because no one is fighting them.
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 10:04amThey can stop, put down their rug and pray 5x a day and not a word is said. Let us raise our eyes to God and all hell breaks loose.
Report Post »hempstead1944
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:17amWhat happened to the free expression of faith in the US ?
Report Post »Rn mom
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:09amHis entire team should point to God when they make touchdowns, never give into the derelicts who abuse their positions. The parents should have the ref fired.
Report Post »sheryl
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:01amI so agree with you. His entire team needs to get behind this young man and support him.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:55pmExcellent!
Report Post »dickpen
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:07amAmazing!
Report Post »May I suggest we all start THROUGHING OUR OWN FLAGS.
You have to identify these idiots and make life uncomfortable for them in any way you can.
Isolate them, ignore them, just treat them like the dirt they are.
shelley912
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:03amyou need to stand up for your rights–not doing that has gotten this whole country into the trouble we’re facing–we’ve been too eager to avoid conflict, but by giving up the fight for the little battles, we’re now facing a huge battle! stand strong!!
Report Post »Bauervision
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:14amyep, I agree, it is complacency that has gotten us into this mess. Tolerance should be followed as long as we can but even Jesus went off when it was necessary and I think we are at a place where it has become necessary.
Report Post »mycountry1st
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:01amAmen….
Report Post »Bauervision
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:01amI’m offended.
If i believed in suing people, which I don’t unless the situation simply cannot be handled through a conversation or through the church, then I would sue the crap out of this official for discrimination. I’m sick and tired of liberals and any other religion under the sun getting more respect then the one that 80% of Americans follow. We all are offended.
I feel like if we claimed “offense” as much as liberals did maybe things would change some, but then again I guess I am comforted to know that this kind of crap was foretold to us many years ago as something to expect.
Report Post »larman
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:59amIt makes it much easier for them to do what they want without that pesky old religion in the way. Its disgusting and really offensive. I can care less if someone believes or not but do not mock me for having my beliefs.
Report Post »http://www.thepathwaytofreedom.com
itsmyfirstday
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:47amChristian haters are everywhere….
Report Post »dizzyinthedark
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:47amYep, that’s right, don’t make it into a big deal. It’s not about you anyway, but about giving praise to God and praise can given even in a silent thought without gesture!
Report Post »GIDDIONKANE
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:40amwth is this country comming to??????? offended really hey ref grow a set and get a life you pansi a%* piece o poop!
Report Post »Bauervision
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:04amfunny how it was originally claimed to be unsportsmanlike conduct, then when pressed the officials switched it to delay of game.
Report Post »love the kids
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:36amI guess if he didn’t want to draw attention to himself, he shouldn’t have been carrying the ball or scored a touchdown.
Report Post »sheryl
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:02amlol
Report Post »your point is well taken.
Bluebonnet
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:40amOh my God…..no, seriously, Oh, my God! What else will they take away from us?
Report Post »biggreenboo
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 11:14amAnd don’t get hurt in the endzone… laying down in pain is surely goin to draw attention to yourself. FLAG!!!!!
Report Post »mrlogan3
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 2:19pmIt’s “drawing attention to yourself” after the play, c’mon, be rational here. I don’t think he should have been penalized but I can see where a noob ref might make this call.
Report Post »HouseNegro
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:35amThe ref better hope the Baby Jesus doesn’t throw a flag……………..
Report Post »RingADingDing
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:33amThat liberal ref should be ashamed of himself.
http://www.filthyceleb.blogspot.com/
mrlogan3
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 2:07pmI don’t know why the ref did it, but I seriously doubt it was about religion. I’m glad this story got updated because I was wondering if this was the first time this kid had done this or not. I’m thinking rookie ref who made a bad call, it happens. Is every missed call or unnecessary call posted on the blaze? No, but this one is because it can be framed as anti-Christian. Framing the debate like Lakoff instructed…
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:27amI’m sure an end zone could be considered a closet, with bleachers…
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:41amHastie said. “I do that to give glory to my heavenly father, Jesus. He gives me the strength. He’s the one who gives me these abilities in the first place.”
====
Hastie does not follow Jesus’s instructions… And no, Jesus did not “give” any ability to this misguided young man…
I love Jesus, I think he’s great… but Jesus isn’t “giving” anybody anything that they did not “work” for themselves…
Report Post »Bauervision
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:56amWow, could you be anymore wrong? I sure hope you are joking but maybe you just don’t understand the core principle behind Christianity. We can do no good except through God. This guy is absolutely correct, except maybe for calling Jesus his heavenly father which easily could just have been misconstrued or mis-worded.
“Jesus isn’t “giving” anybody anything that they did not “work” for themselves” You really don’t understand the gift of salvation if you make a statement like this.
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:42am“Jesus isn’t “giving” anybody anything that they did not “work” for themselves” You really don’t understand the gift of salvation if you make a statement like this.
The gift is for the ASKING… You must WORK to believe… You can‘t ask for salvation if you don’t actually BELIEVE.. Following Jesus’s instructions would be a good start in the believing department.. That takes real WORK…
Ever heard of the saying.. God helps those who help themselves…
You must earn SALVATION…
I don’t believe in Welfare Grace…
Report Post »jettson
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:05amWhy are some people afraid of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ loves all of us. Liberals, Atheist.Muslim Even this fool. . Jesus help us to stop this nonsense.
Report Post »deadmeat
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:07amEph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Report Post »deadmeat
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:10amRomans 11:6 And mif by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:14amSure, Jesus loves us all… Thus he does not pick favorites… If he doesn’t pick favorites, he doesn’t GIVE anybody anything they did not work for themselves, including physical attributes and sports skills..
It’s a pretty simple concept…
Report Post »Bauervision
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:22amvangrungy, I am very sorry, but no one on this planet earns salvation. You have been misled.
Please read Ephesians 2:8 again in translation that best suits you.
Maybe you are of another faith than Christian? If so, my mistake, but Christians do not believe that anyone can possibly earn grace/salvation. It goes against the core belief of the relationship we have with God.
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:25amEph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
====
Ok,
Eph 2:8 Faith is a choice –“through faith” — One must WORK a certain way to show faith..
Eph 2:9 “works”– meaning anything but FAITH
Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. — You have to DO SOMETHING to have Christ strenghteneth you… Not given for doing NOTHING..
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:32amRomans 11:6 And mif by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
=====
Which brings it all back to Matthew 6…
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Last time I checked, the end zone is not a closet…
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 10:20amHere’s another way to put it…
Thanking Jesus for showing favoritism demeans other Christians on the field… This misguided Christian believes that he is anointed by Christ to score touchdowns because he feels his faith is best.. how do I know this?. Because by thanking Jesus he show that he believes Jesus set the other players on the field back to favor his personal touchdown..
Does Jesus play favorites? I‘m pretty sure he doesn’t… So, if Jesus doesn’t play favorites, why would one thank him for doing so?
And this kid does the Jesus Thank every touchdown… Quite the Spiritual Ego…
Report Post »deadmeat
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 10:31amBut he wasn’t praying, he was attempting to give God the glory. Keep reading in Matthew
Matthew 5:14–16
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
As to faith being a work, we will have to agree to disagree. If Salvation is by grace through faith but not of works (Eph 2:8-9), then you have to jump through some hoops to make faith somehow become a work, especially in light of Rom 11:6 which explicitly states that grace cannot be of works. Comparing Scripture with Scripture here shows clearly that if Grace is through faith and cannot be of works then Faith is not a work else grace is of works. To state otherwise misrepresents the entire tenor of the Holy Writ. And with that, I’m done. Arguing theology on a secular site never ends well, so enjoy.
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 10:36amGive THANKS in ALL things.
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 11:03amhttp://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/a/faith_works.html
I guess it’s a matter of debate… perhaps
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 11:11am16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
—–
If praying isn’t works, why is it on display?
Back to the closet again…
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:47pmvangrungy – satan can quote chapter & verse of the Bible & twist God’s words to mean the opposite of truth. Jesus taught the truth. What you are saying here is an abhorrent distortion. Why are you trying to make an act of worship into an act of pride. You are wrong & better examine your heart. Who do you work for in life? Good or Evil? Arguing for the sake of arguing is a waste of living.
Report Post »WVdad
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:26amMaking alot of a little gesture, angers me greatly, surpised they didnt ask which god he was pointing to b4 throwing out the flag, i would be the pissd off dad getting thrown off the school grds seeing this, even if it wasnt my kid
Report Post »WVdad
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:30ammustve had a nephew on opposing team or something
Report Post »lildrummerboy
Posted on December 4, 2010 at 11:26amIf you read in James 2, both faith and deeds are interlocked. One must accompany the other. If you believe, out of gratitude for the grace given you, you work. When you understand that you are serving God, your joy and faith increase as a by product also. However without Love, you are a resounding gong! So you can work all you want, but if you miss this point, it means nothing. But lets humor you with your work theory and Colossians 3:17 states: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” . I believe this is what the young man was doing. It is highly unlikely that he reveres himself above his team mates. That is not for us to judge. I do find a lot of hypocrisy in the fact that NFL players make this gesture all the time and receive no flags for delay of game. Just sayin!
Report Post »Silverwolf00
Posted on December 4, 2010 at 1:12pm@Vangrungy: I suppose, along your lines of thinking, if something great happens you should run straight home to your closet and thank God…
Report Post »Societal Misfit
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:20amSorry but I saw nothing wrong, let alone any type of penalty that would draw the need for a flag, in the young mans actions and to flag such an action is just petty. The young man did not hold up the game and he did relinquish the ball after the call was made contrary to Colbrese stated.
This is just petty and well to put it mildly moronically pathetic.
Report Post »Bermuda Onion
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:19amHastie, do not make any hasty decisions. If I were you I’d keep it up. I’d like to see the reaction if a Muslim player knelt down facing east and did a prayer what the penalty be.
Report Post »stix_n_stones
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:13amwell I guess the ref was offended. maybe Harry Reid can tell us all about it.
Report Post »Shurmus
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:19amIs this real? What the heck are you humans allowing here? Things are really getting out of hand…
http://www.slugbuddies.com
wildjoker5
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:26amThis was for “Delaying the game” the refs said. The problem is, it took longer for the refs to explain the penalty than for the boy to take a knee. He is being a big man about it moving his prayer to the sidelines, but getting the ACLU involved might not be a bad thing. His right of free speech was hindered and the only person that was physically “harmed” was the boy and his team.
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 7:27amThat’s a crock! If he has done it after every touchdown and hasn‘t been penalized before then there’s something rotten in Denmark. Colbrese is covering for the dumb move his referee made and he knows it. Even if the ball was held for two seconds (and that was about how long it was), there is no excuse for that call and both he, and the referee, should apologize. Van Jones says Satan is everywhere, yep, he is even on the football field during high school athletics.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:32amThe ref was clearly being a pedantic twit. That said, I’ve never understood why football players do that or pray for a win during a game. I suspect that the Heavenly Father has more pressing matters on hand than whether the Hooterville Hamhocks should score more than the Junction County Petticoats. Not saying anybody should be penalized, but it seems a bit like vainglory to me.
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:44amGHOSTOFJEFFERSON, I don’t think it is vanity, I think it is thanking Him for giving him the faith and ability to succeed and help his team win. Personally, I like to see players thank a higher power and wish there were more kids doing it. When teams kneel and pray before or after a game it brings tears to my eyes that they still are able to do that. Let’s squash the ref and support the player.
Report Post »ishka4me
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 8:54amIf his god was allah, we wouldn’t be discussing it.
Report Post »We need to open our eyes!
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:02amWhat a shame! This kid gives credit to God and is penalized, this is going too far. He wasn’t celebrating. Makes me so sad that kids are being taught to have to hide their praises to God. What a shame! Shame on the ref and anyone who defends him.
Report Post »mikem1969
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:08amAnother day, another christian punished for showing faith.
Report Post »rhemapro
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:33amIt’s time to draw the line on suppression of religious freedoms in this country – After all we do have a constitution that guarantees that freedom
Report Post »racialcoward
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:53pmHOW CAN THERE BE A PENALTY AFTER THE PLAY.
The touchdown ends the clock and the play. How can this be a penalty? Its like spitting on the grass. This official must be an atheist who hates public desplays of religion unless they are Moslem.
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