Gesture to God Earns High School Running Back ‘Unsportsmanlike Conduct’ Penalty
- Posted on November 30, 2010 at 8:58pm by
Meredith Jessup
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It was a state semi-final game and there was a lot riding on 23-yard touchdown run by Tumwater High School’s running back Ronnie Hastie. After he crossed into the end zone for his second quarter score, Hastie took a knee and briefly pointed to heaven above, thanking God.
It was this action which drew the attention of one referee and, subsequently, the referee’s yellow flag. Hastie was surprised to learn that his momentary pause for prayer would earn him a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports:
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.
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.
Asked if he planned to point to the sky after future touchdowns, Hastie said he would not.
“I’ll just have to change it up and not make as big of a statement, I guess. The refs are in charge,” he said. “I‘ll just point to the sky once I’m off the field.”
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Comments (86)
koyettsu
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:10amI don’t see anything odd about that, they were doing amazing and decided to remember to thank God. Shame on the ref.
Report Post »alwayssora
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:25amTaking a knee to the Lord is drawing attention but bouncing off your teammates, high fiving, and bumping helmets is okay after a touchdown? Come on, folks!
Report Post »This kid should be praised. And would have been if he had not been a CHRISTIAN.
mrlogan3
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 2:29pmNo no no no NO! The writer of this article got you good. This isn’t a religious thing at all, he wasn’t targeted because of religion. Had he done a Lambeau Leap or “Lights Out” he would have gotten flagged just the same.
Report Post »SND97
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:20amYou know, Jesus warned us this would happen, kinda funny how all he said would happen is coming true, well OK, we all know what he said would come true. Don’t fire the ref, pray for him and ask forgiveness for him, it may just have been a spur of the moment thing for him, and to be honest, I don’t think even he is aware of who was guiding him to do that. He needs prayers, not ridicule.
Report Post »charliego
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 4:01amGOOD grief–I’m afraid to ask what is next. Can we please re-read the ‘separation of church and state’ as written by TJ and what is in the Constitution ‘Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…’
Report Post »Personally, I am grateful that a display of incorrect finger projection was not used——
Has anyone figured out that PC is passe’? –it has only caused problems and situations really boil down to respect and courtesy for your fellow man which should never be passe’
calijohn
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 2:39amand reading the article in the newspaper, in olympia, washington, the isn’t any stink up there.
Report Post »seems like some kid’s mom or dad got his knickers all minced up and let the blaze in on the dirty deed.
the Life Of Reilly
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:05amIf he just looked up , what would the penalty be for? This is really gonna slow down the NFL games.
Report Post »burnteye86
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 2:25amI have a gesture for ‘em
Report Post »pamela kay
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 2:04amThe ref was WRONG. This young man is to be admired not punished for his faith. I feel it is his right. Kudos for this young man and to his parents that have raised him to show appreciation to God. God Bless him..
Report Post »calijohn
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 2:19amwhat if the kid bowed down to allah?
Report Post »would pamela kay be so understanding?
the old saying is “give the ball to the referee like you’ve been there before”.
none of you have any idea what rules were stressed before the game.
in playoff games, often emotions run high and teams are reminded to no do anything to incite the other team. you weren’t there.
blacksmith
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 5:04amNeither were you!
Report Post »calijohn
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 2:01amthis high school kid thanks jeebus for his touchdown and everyone is all on his side.
Report Post »thanks, jeebus, you did good.
but, some pro player drops a pass and questions why jeebus made him drop the ball and he’s a real *******.
which side is it?
jeebus is good now and and not so good before?
blacksmith
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 4:58amNot a very original slam to The Lord. Maybe you should just go back and watch the Simpsons some more.
Report Post »OneGunther
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:44amEASY TIGER, you hate God and religion and that will be between you two in the end but until then let people express themselves douche.
Report Post »stargazer qmc
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 1:53amThe ref was a moron. A simple prayer of thanks is no disruption. In fact I think it was rather nice, and I’m an atheist.
Report Post »booger71
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:44am“The freedom of speech in the constitution has nothing to do with the rules if sports teams, businesses, etc. I am not free to say anything I want at work if it violates company policy. As a member of a team you are subject to their rules. It has nothing to do with the constitution.”
I am sorry, but I disagree, it has everything to do with the Constitution. Federal, State, local laws, company policy, or even a high school ref cannot trump the Constitution
Report Post »mossbrain
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:41amHow do you know he wasn’t paying homage to the 3 headed goat with 10 eyeballs on tentacles hanging from his chin?
Report Post »Bearfoot
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:54amI think we can assume he was praying to the only true God, but your question is interesting, I mean, who of us really know?
Report Post »bigfisher123
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:40amboth teams should have quit playing at that moment! This is another insane moment that will lead us to hell……..
Report Post »OklahomaBound
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:04amIf I were this kids coach I would tell my entire team that anyone who wanted to take a knee and point to Heaven as a gesture of thanks to God after a score would be allowed to do so and if the team were assessed a penalty they would just accept it proudly knowing it would just tick off the atheist ref in showing him that he would not be able to alter their acknowledgement of God.
Report Post »Okieflyover
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 1:08amMaybe the players should encircle the referee hold hands and pray for him. Tha would draw attention to the ref and then he could throw a flag on himself …… :)
Report Post »Mominfla51
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:08amI couldn’t agree more!!!!!!!
Report Post »gibberish
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:58pmGod cares about high school football as much as he cares about actors winning awards…….NOT AT ALL!!!
Report Post »butler180
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:26amGOD does care that the player thinks of HIM and gives thanks in his daily life for all of GOD’s blessings
Report Post »Bearfoot
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:32amThe events of man, their activities, sports, actors, singers all think they are the center of the universe. They like to entertain themselves with the idea that our Creator is somehow giving them victory hear and there so that they can become famous and “stars” in the world. They are using God for their own aggrandizement.
Report Post »What they are missing is God’s actual will for the human family; Salvation to life through His Son, Jesus Christ. So, in reality a football game is really not that important is it?
mrsclark
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:33amWrong, All blessings come from God. Every good thing comes from Him and we are to be grateful to Him for all good things that he blesses us with. Funny, this is exactly what our message was at Church was on Sunday,.
Report Post »Bearfoot
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:45amAnd the player drawing attention to HIMSELF by making a public prayer is doing so to make himself look righteous. It is like what Jesus said about the hypocrites who pray on the streets to get glory from men. They get the glory they want, but God disapproves of their motive. Matthew 6:5
When you pray, go into your inner room and shut the door and pray to God. Matthew 6:6
Report Post »mtnclimberjim
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:56pmPick a side folks. Defend
Report Post »MrButcher
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:29ami pick the side of anti-theism
if you want a religious civil war/ethnic cleansing in america I will fight you to the bitter end.
just know and understand what you are saying.
blacksmith
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 5:02amIt is nice to see mrbutcher back threatening the worlds Christians with your godless heathen army. Are you on trolling to report more people to the FBI or just taking a break from your fast paced atheist lifestyle to visit?
Report Post »Rob_M
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:54pmSo penalized for thanking him if you score and blaming him if you drop the pass? bad sports week for the G-man.
Report Post »ThisAmericanVoice
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:52pmI had written a rather lenghty comment about this article about the stupidy of the plenty about how it was a mask for another attack on faith and God. But as I read it I came to realize what a waste of my time and engery it was to have written it. The majority of people that would read it would haver feelings similar to mine about the articel and the reffere. Those that don’t feel the same I doubt ai could write words that would have any effect on them except to harden their hearts even more against faith, any expression of faith, God himself. Rather than speak against the ref and those support him I will pray
Report Post »the Life Of Reilly
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 9:58amWhere is Gonzo the spellchecker when we need him?
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:51pmno doubt that poor kid was dealt a revenge slam by a bitter gay democrat referee.
Report Post »HumanDoing
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:23pmThis is outrageous… but then im sure its a rule that no gestures,symbolism or advertising allowed to be displayed by any player … correct? If that’s in place, although PC would still make the refs call legit. I mean if its in the rules of conduct and sportsmanship for the division.
Report Post »HumanDoing
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:28pmstill chaps my @ss royally though
Report Post »ImprobableSage
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:15pmNever thought I’d see the day… Unless I was one of the unfortunate few to actually WITNESS the Tribulation / Apocalypse / End of Days.
This is a WAR, folks. There are only two sides.
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:13pmWhat on earth is going on? I have seen alot more attention getting displays at every level of sports. The ref needs disciplinary action taken against him.
Report Post »bcullum1952
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:13pmThe ref needs to be sent a message that this gesture was not “unsportsman-like behavior”, but was an exercise of the player’s freedom of religion, as guaranteed by the Constitution. It was also a freedom of speech exercise, also granted by the Constitution. The ref needs to find a different line of work, unless he sees his error.
Report Post »Deutscher
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:51pmThe freedom of speech in the constitution has nothing to do with the rules if sports teams, businesses, etc. I am not free to say anything I want at work if it violates company policy. As a member of a team you are subject to their rules. It has nothing to do with the constitution.
thepatriotdave
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 1:07amMikee T,
I hear ya!
PatriotShops.com
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:22amObama said the player acted stupidly….. and he will be appointing a football czar
Report Post »mrlogan3
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 2:32pm@Deutscher absolutely correct. there are rules to be followed that were not followed.
Report Post »WISEPENNY
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:12pmThe spirit of the Antichrist is alive and well.
Report Post »Canuck GB Fan
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:16pmSo so true. :(
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:54pmonly your everyday bitter gay obama democrat referee would find a single brief genuflect (Christian Prayer) as ‘unsportsmanlike’.
that ref is absolutely despicable.
Report Post »Huckabee Gingrich 12
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:11pmIf the kid were Muslim, the game would have been delayed, without penalty, for his call to prayer.
Report Post »KenInIL
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:17amExactly !!!
Report Post »butler180
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:22amYou are so right
Report Post »calijohn
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 1:54amyou are so stupid, even god would be speechless.
mrlogan3
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 2:30pmI hope you‘re just trying to rattle people and you don’t actually believe the garbage you wrote.
Report Post »randy
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:11pmFire that ref!!!!
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:45pmUmm.. They ran away with the game, made the other team look stupid…
God did not need to be thanked with a gaudy point to the sky while celebrating a victory..
What did Jesus say about praying?
Now smarten up and act like adults… ;)
staythecourse
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:00amHe’s not supposed to draw attention to himself???? I guess he shouldn’t get the touchdown because that draws attention. What is this country coming to? For him to kneel and thank God …there is nothing wrong with that, and in doing that he is not drawing attention to himself but to God. This ref needs to be corrected. What this kid learns is that he better buckle under …or else. That is so sad tht that is the message that he takes away from this experience, as do all of the other kids.
Report Post »TruthTalker
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:07ampenalty for that? are you kidding me? Lucifer, Democrat, I dont care who you blame. It is wrong.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:51am@vangrungy – …a gaudy point to the sky… really? Praising God is never gaudy. Jesus told us to pray to His Father & to give praise to God the father. He also gave us The Great Commission. Learn the love of Christ.
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 1:05amDon’t worry kid, God appreciates the gesture even if the stupid ref doesn’t.
This ref needs to be tackled in the locker room, then he can flag someone for unsportsmanlike conduct. Moron!
PatriotShops.com
Report Post »Oil_Robb
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 1:50amI hear you…It cheapens it….These Pharasee’s and saducees”s are doing it to be cool
Report Post »rebel
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 4:07amwow. i really really really hope that ref wasnt doing it because it was a signal to God. have other players been called out by him?
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 4:42amThe REAL Christian persecution in America is not far off!………….Prepare yourself!
Report Post »Ksera Sugarmail
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:30amAdults don’t care if a kid shows recognition towards something bigger than himself. In fact, it’s refreshing.
Report Post »dwh320
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:36amThat is PC gone to far. I was a referee for the high school level and NEVER would have toss a flag on that play. The player has a right to do as he did and there is not a rule in the book that says it’s a penalty to point to the heavens. He did not draw attention to himself by his act of faith. The ref did that by his abuse of power.
Report Post »OneGunther
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:37amIf you can’t celebrate in sports where the hell can you celebrate?!! This kid may be spiritual and has a relative that he believes is watching him so he was recognizing that person, it may not have even been a celebratory gesture! Fire that ref! I’d also like to add that I hope VANGRUNGY never becomes a commissioner for any sport because fun is obviously not allowed in his world! lol
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:59am5 “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. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
==========
The point is, making a show of your faith is hypocritical…
Any of you who don’t like it can criticize Jesus…
The ref is right… Jesus is right… Praying to make a show is wrong…
Report Post »dwh320
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:04amHere is the contact information for the officials organization this ref is with. Let’s all call, fax, and email these people and tell them the refs do not have the right to deny the constitutional religious right of any person.
WIAA
435 Main Avenue South
Renton, WA 98057
MAIN LINE: (425) 687-8585
Report Post »FAX: (425) 687-9476
OFFICE HOURS:
MONDAY-FRIDAY, 7:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/wiaa.wa?v=wall
Head of Officials – Todd Stordahl, Mike Colbrese
Their web address is : http://www.wiaa.com/default.aspx?SecID=46
dwh320
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:12amWIAA Contact:
John Miller
WIAA ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
jmiller@wiaa.com
Report Post »(425) 988-6155
->Click For Brain Enema<-
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 9:43amI am not a christian but I am tired of people being punished for expressing their faith.
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:06am{sarcasm} Now, now, now in socilized justice sports both teams get a trophy, a pat on the back side, and congradulations for a game played. There are no winners, only half losers and to have a referee imply that a “half loser” was “celibrating” his shared loss was inapropriate, this referee should be sanctioned and sent to the gulag for re-education without delay for the greaveous error of illustrating the fact that one team was better than another by even seeing that a “half losser” was joyously praising GOD in any way. Rather the ref had simply removed half of the score of that team and awarded it to the other ‘half loser “ team”. all of this bought and paid for by the mandy pandy panty waiste socialist commie pinko party of “total losers’ who have inject your kids sports, schools, and every aspect of your life with a devisive poison that you swallow daily, cheers! {end sarcasm}
Report Post »txbigfoot
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 9:07amvangary…your an idiot.
Report Post »did you read the article?
He did it after EVERY one. Not just that one.
Get a grip.