Security Guards, Death Threats, Protests. These have all followed Nico Harrison from the moment he traded Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic to the Lakers. I was excited about the trade, but it’s also reminded me of the need to shed light on an important issue at the heart of sports……… Idolatry.

Isaiah 44:9-10 says, “ ⁹ How foolish are those who manufacture idols. These prized objects are really worthless. The people who worship idols don’t know this, so they are all put to shame. ¹⁰ Who but a fool would make his own god—an idol that cannot help him one bit?

Now I know you’re probably saying “it’s never this serious”, but it is, and it’s become a very serious issue in sports. I remember when Ryan Day lost to Michigan this past college football season and the reactions from fans online at Ohio State left me wondering why. Why are they so hostile to someone you don’t know? Is it because of an outcome to a game? Is it because they bet on the game? What is it that has them reacting this way? Sports itself has become an Idol in many people’s lives and it has them behaving like fools. It’s what happens when you place anything before God or even overly investing in something that doesn’t bring any type of value other than entertainment.

There will come a day when coaches, players, and other key sports figures will have attempts on their life more frequently, and it won’t be something that can be swept under the rug. It must be addressed.