Athletes for years have thanked "the man upstairs" after a great catch, a home run or winning a big game. As a result, an oft-asked question by those watching sports has been, if God is responsible when you win, why doesn't anyone ever blame God when they lose?
Meet Stevie Johnson, wide receiver of the NFL's struggling Buffalo Bills (2-9).
In the fourth quarter of yesterday's game with the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3), the Bills rallied to tie the score and take the Steelers to overtime. Soon after, Bill's quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick caught sight of Johnson running wide open into the end zone. Fitzpatrick could not have thrown a more perfect 40 yard pass -- your grandmother could have caught it, is what we used to say in the playground -- but Johnson let the ball, and the victory, slip through his fingers.
Even worse for Bill's fans, the Steelers went on to win the game 19-16.
As Steeler fans were likely "thanking the big guy in the sky" for the victory, Johnson singled God out to blame for the loss.
On this Twitter account, Johnson wrote:
I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO... [sic]
Johnson's remarks quickly lit up religion blogs like Christmas trees with criticism of his comments, resulting in Johnson trying to back out his initial posting on Twitter with these messages:
Spoke To Friends Fam Teammates and Most Importantly I Spoke With My Wife. I Honestly Believe Evrything Happens For A Reason! Everything! [sic]
And...
I learned A lot Within 24hrs. Saw Both Sides. I AM HAPPY & THANKFUL 4 YESTERDAY! w/out Sunday iWldnt have grew closer w/The Lord! ![sic]
And...
And No I Did Not Blame God People! Seriously??!? CMon! I Simply Cried Out And Asked Why? Jus Like yal did wen sumthin went wrong n ur life! [sic]
Johnson also posted a note on his Facebook page:
FB fam ... please dont take y twitter comment out of context. I know as well as anyone the gifts & opportunities God has provided me & my family. I am humbled by the lessons he has taught me these past two days & will continue to praise God, be strong in my faith, & thank him for all that he has & will continue to provide me & my family. [sic]
Johnson is reportedly OK, and the Bill's play the Vikings next week, when Johnson will have another shot at redemption. God willing. Or so they say.