Jehovah’s Witnesses are well-known among ex-NBA players. From Allen Iverson to Derrick Rose, the list of former professional basketball players who are members of the religion is lengthy. Are there many former NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses? In this blog post, we’ll look at the number of ex-NBA players who identify as How Many Ex NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses and explore their stories.
A List of Ex NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
The number of former NBA players Jehovah’s Witnesses is unknown, but several notable basketball stars have embraced the faith. These famous athletes include Metta World Peace (formerly known as Ron Artest), J.R. Rider, Theo Ratliff, and even recently retired NBA player Darren Collison.
Metta World Peace has been a religious member since 2011 and regularly attends meetings at Kingdom Hall—the place of worship for Jehovah’s Witnesses. He has also spoken publicly about his decision to become a Witness and how it has impacted his life.
J.R. Rider was a high-scoring shooting guard who joined the Witnesses in the early 2000s. He spoke openly about his faith and was often seen reading scriptures during pre-game warm-ups. Theo Ratliff is another former NBA player who is a Jehovah’s Witness, having joined the conviction in 2009. Ratliff reportedly even helped the Sacramento Kings organization understand more about religion when he was with the team.
Recently retired ex nba player jehovah witness Darren Collison is also a Jehovah’s Witness and one of the faith’s most outspoken members. He has discussed his beliefs with the media and his fans and even wrote an essay for The Players’ Tribune about how his faith has shaped him.
NBA Players Who Become Witnesses: Why Do They Do It?
Many former NBA players have chosen to become Jehovah’s Witnesses, a religion that emphasizes the importance of religious observance and the study of biblical teachings. While some may view this as a personal decision, there are many potential reasons why an NBA player may choose to follow this path.
Their religious beliefs are the most obvious reason. Many current and former players come from strong Christian backgrounds and feel a solid connection to their faith. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, they can express their beliefs while continuing to enjoy the benefits of playing in the NBA. Additionally, many ex-NBA players feel that the environment of the NBA can be very demanding, so having the support of their faith can help them cope with the demands of the game.
Another reason some NBA players become Jehovah’s Witnesses is to find a sense of community. The religion offers a strong support network with members from all around the world. This allows players to build strong relationships with other believers and enjoy the social activities available at their local Kingdom Hall.
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When an NBA player converts to Jehovah’s Witnesses, what happens?
When an Ex NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses becomes a Jehovah’s Witness, it can be a life-altering decision for them. It can mean giving up many aspects of the basketball lifestyle that were once cherished and taken for granted, including attending big parties, engaging in wild nights out, or simply enjoying the perks of being an NBA star. However, for many ex-NBA players, joining the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses offers a different kind of fulfillment based on faith, commitment, and dedication to God.
When NBA players become Jehovah’s Witnesses, they typically will make drastic changes to their lives. They will abstain from participating in gambling, drinking alcohol, or smoking. In addition, they will give up the possibility of playing in specific tournaments and games due to religious convictions. They may also refuse to perform rituals or ceremonies associated with particular events. Finally, they may choose not to attend any event which could include religious symbols or a performance by a famous artist whose songs contain offensive language or images.
Jehovah’s Witness Darren Collison is a former NBA player.
Darren Collison, who last played for the Indiana Pacers in 2018-19, is one of the few professional athletes who is a Jehovah’s Witness. While there are no exact statistics on how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses, it is believed to be a small percentage of the league.
Collison was born into a family of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Rancho Cucamonga, California, and was baptized at the age of 8. He attended college at UCLA and then had an 11-year career in the NBA before retiring in 2019.
During his basketball career, Collison chose not to play on Sunday, a day of rest for Jehovah’s Witnesses, due to his religious beliefs. He also spent much of his off-seasons working with members of his local congregation as a ministerial servant and Bible teacher.
Collison shared that although his beliefs have made his career more complex, his faith has made him a better athlete and person. “I’ve grown up believing in God, so it has been an important part of my life for a long time,” he said. “It’s been instrumental in my success, and I’m grateful for it.”
Final Thoughts
Regarding religious beliefs, NBA players have various backgrounds and faiths. Some players follow a traditional religion like Christianity, while others believe in more spiritual or alternative paths. It’s interesting to note that many former NBA players have become Jehovah’s Witnesses, and it’s worth considering why they chose this path.
We’ve discussed some of the most prominent examples of ex-NBA players who have become Jehovah’s Witnesses and what it means for them and their careers. Although the exact number of how many ex nba players are jehovah witnesses is challenging to quantify, the numbers are significant enough to make it worth exploring further. Whatever religion an NBA player chooses, the faith journey can be fascinating.
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