Friday, March 29, 2024

Richardson, Randolph must really love money

Well, the fallout has just about ended in the wake of now former MSU basketball players Jason Richardson and Zach Randolph bolting to the NBA, and numerous aspects of their decisions have popped out to most observers.

As for this observer, one thing jumped out at me more than anything as both held their respective press conferences last week with money bags in their eyes.

Both Richardson and Randolph told the world of their intentions at their hometown churches.

Now this seemed like a noble idea at first, especially to a hard-core Christian like myself.

Unfortunately and probably unintentionally, they had a sad twist of irony.

It’s obvious both wanted to pursue their NBA dreams for one main reason - money. If they didn’t care about the money, both would have stayed at MSU all four years.

So here they were, giddy as teenage girls at a Backstreet Boys concert, announcing how happy they were to be fulfilling their dreams and obtaining financial security, all the while signaling how much God has meant in their lives.

Hearing this from Richardson and Randolph, one question popped into my mind.

Since when does the Bible say the pursuit of money and riches was a great idea?

Now before I go on, I’m not here preaching a sermon, nor am I attempting to have any influence on anyone’s faith. However someone chooses to live their life is fine by me. I’m not anyone’s mother.

I am also not criticizing Richardson and Randolph for their beliefs. It was nice to see their intentions and heck, I hope one day I’ll get to play basketball with them in the great court in the sky.

It was just ironic seeing both men in a church overjoyed about how much loot they’re about to rake in.

Now, I know a contributing factor in Richardson’s decision was his mother and a sermon she heard in church regarding taking advantage of opportunities. That’s fine.

But I wonder if Richardson or his mom also know of Timothy 6:10 in the Bible, which states “For love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs.”

Among the many quotes Randolph - who might have to do some praying if he wants to be a lottery pick - divulged in his press conference, this one was particularly appealing.

“God blessed me. Without God, there wouldn’t be none of this.”

Personally, I couldn’t agree more. Randolph and I should hang out one day. If I could get together with him, maybe I would mention this excerpt from Matthew 19:23.

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.”

That’s not to say there aren’t any rich people in Heaven who are faithful, but it’s the absolute love of riches that maybe Randolph should consider.

Again, I’m not saying just because of a few mistakes, Richardson and Randolph should be cursed or are destined for a far worse place. Everybody makes mistakes, and I definitely would consider myself one of the most imperfect people in the world.

I can also understand Richardson and Randolph making their decisions, particularly because both have children to support and are using their talents to better their lives and those of their families.

But before making their decisions and then announcing them at churches, maybe they should have considered Matthew 5:3.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Perhaps for Richardson and Randolph’s next “I’m striking it rich” press conferences, the hometown bank would be a better choice.

Keith Dunlap, a State News sports general assignment reporter, can be reached at dunlapwi@msu.edu.

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