Houston Texans RB Arian Foster comes out as atheist

[OriginalGeek]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13369076/houston-texans-arian-foster-goes-public-not-believing-god

"Everybody always says the same thing: You have to have faith," he says. "That's my whole thing: Faith isn't enough for me. For people who are struggling with that, they're nervous about telling their families or afraid of the backlash ... man, don't be afraid to be you. I was, for years."

He has tossed out sly hints in the past, just enough to give himself wink-and-a-nod deniability, but he recently decided to become a public face of the nonreligious. Moved by the testimonials of celebrity atheists like comedian Bill Maher and magicians Penn and Teller, Foster has joined a national campaign by the nonprofit group Openly Secular, which plans to use his story to increase awareness and acceptance of nonbelievers, especially in sports. The organization initially approached ESPN about Foster's willingness to share his story, but ESPN subsequently dealt directly with Foster, and Openly Secular had no involvement.

I wish he didn't have such a bad groin injury - I'd definitely draft him in my fantasy leagues...

[Tobin S.]

1. You need to fix his name in your subjecty line

I think it's Adrian, isn't it?

[OriginalGeek]

2. no sir, my friend

It's Arian.

[Tobin S.]

3. 10-4, my mistake.

That's a rather unfortunate name.

[Arugula Latte]

4. Good for him!

There aren't many openly atheist African-American public figures, so this is particularly great.

[rpannier]

5. Saw it too

I am happy for him.
It's good he's found himself and what makes him happy

As to FF... wouldn't draft him because of his history of injuries... maybe in the late-mid rounds or after as my 4th back
Low risk high reward kind of thing

[OriginalGeek]

8. Yep

I like the idea of him on my team. But I probably would have to see a few weeks of production before I started him. We don't get a LOT of bench space for maybes but at least if I can get him very late he can come through...He's out for at least half this season isn't he? Draft is still a ways away so I haven't looked hard at players yet this year...

[SusanCalvin]

6. How absolutely wonderful!

I don't have the slightest interest in football, but I am extremely grateful to this guy. I may even go to a game.

[OriginalGeek]

9. I love going to games

With football I love it and will watch almost anything on tv or live. With baseball I just don;t ever watch it on TV but I LOVE going to games. Sadly, all I get is minor league games here but I hope to get to Texas and see my Rangers play at their fancy new stadium before it's old.

Even if you just go to tailgate party and never go inside, you can have a ton of fun. You'll be able to hear if something good happens inside lol.

[RussBLib]

7. many in Houston knew this about Arian

and I'm real happy he's decided to go Openly Secular. I love the guy, but he sure gets hurt a lot.

Namaste, Arian.

[OriginalGeek]

10. I'm finding this out in other forums as well

Seems like a lot of folks knew it. But yeah, it's awesome that he is speaking out loud about it now. Even though he plays for the enemy*, I'm still gonna be a fan.




* Actually, having grown up in Dallas, Houston isn't really the enemy - I love them when they play anyone else. But when they line up against the Cowboys, they the enemy.

When he's healthy, he is a TON of fun to watch run.

[mountain grammy]

11. Good for him..

Hope he gets healthy. He's a talented RB.

[Lars39]

12. I hope his family supports him.

Some fundies go on a search and destroy mission to eradicate the evil one in their midst. Dealing with that right now .