Tom Glavine throws us a curve

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Tom and Trey are teaming up to test our mettle. First, I am speaking of Tom Glavine, former Atlanta Brave and Hall of Fame pitcher, and Representative Trey Kelley from Georgia’s 16th District as the testers.

Second, they are teaming up as proponents of H.B. 118, a fantasy sports bill. Yes, I know fantasy sports is gambling, but they have been deluded into thinking it is a game of skill rather than chance. Those who believe sports fantasy is a game of skill could probably be convinced that chitterlings is a gourmet dinner and a 1985 Yugo GV is a more roadworthy vehicle than a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 350.

Third, they are testing our mettle, our spirit, our fortitude, and our resolve. Politicians somehow think they can wear us down, break our spirit, and cause us to throw in the towel.

Glavine indicated that fantasy sports helps fans to connect better with the players on the field. We live in a society where sports dominates our lives. Come to Smyrna where I live and you will see that the Braves’ new SunTrust Stadium has changed the traffic patterns, business landscape, and residential areas – and in my opinion, not for the good. In fact, I-75, I-285, and Cobb Parkway have become hazardous construction zones with nightmarish traffic gridlock.

We are all told it will get better, but it hasn’t improved in over two years. The arrival of a major league baseball team in Cobb County has dramatically changed our lives and Glavine wants to add another dimension to the game to make it more interesting. Hogwash!

Baseball and sports in general have already become an idol to many Americans. We don’t need to do anything to enhance the idolatry. We need to repent of it.

It is also tragic that what Glavine and Kelley are proposing is illegal in Georgia. Virginia Galloway, regional director for the Faith and Freedom Coalition, was quoted in the Atlanta Journal Constitution as saying, “It’s clearly gambling. I can’t believe our Legislature is sidestepping this issue. They are going against our constitution. And everyone knows it. It is really sad that someone is using their fame to make that argument.”

According to Bloomberg Technology, one of the world’s largest adult film companies, Vivid Entertainment, is getting into the fantasy sports arena. Bill Asher, Vivid co-founder and part-owner, stated, “Fantasy sports and naked girls have a lot in common. They’re very popular with a certain segment.”

Furthermore, there are multiple sources that speak of the addictive nature of fantasy sports. We must all be careful not to let our weaknesses control our lives and lead us to financial or spiritual poverty. It has been said that gambling is a disease of barbarians superficially civilized.

Mike Griffin, Georgia Baptist Mission Board Public Affairs representative, explained, “H.B. 118 is currently in the Senate Rules Committee after having passed the Senate Regulated Industries Committee on Monday with a 7-4 vote. The Rules Committee will determine if or when the bill makes it to the floor of the Senate for a vote.

"It is critical that Rules Committee members hear from you! Contact committee members and ask them NOT to pass this bill out of committee! We need to stop the passage of the bill at the committee level."

Senate Rules Committee Members

Please help us stop the legalization of predatory gambling in Georgia, and the consequences that follow by calling your senator! Please forward and share this information with your friends and church members!

Atlanta Brave, baseball, culture, daily fantasy sports, economy, gambling