Sports and religion are two things that bring people together and provide comfort to their followers. In the NBA, a number of players are Jehovah’s Witnesses, and their faith has impacted their lives both on and off the court. This article will take a closer look at this interesting intersection of faith and sports and answer the question: how many ex NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Comedian Brittany Schmitt recently took the spotlight when her comedy set went viral. In her act, Schmitt revealed an amusing and highly personal story involving her former relationship with ex-NBA player Danny Granger. This humorous account touched on everything from a surprise call to Brittany’s current husband’s sleuthing. Let’s explore the details of this engaging story.
The Basics of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Who are the Jehovah’s Witnesses in NBA?
Comedian’s Relationship with an NBA Player
Schmitt, based out of LA, spoke about dating an ex-NBA player who eventually became a Jehovah’s Witness after their breakup. The unexpected call she received from her ex was the centerpiece of Brittany’s joke, highlighting some of the explicit details of their former relationship. Her ex implored her to repent, but Schmitt’s reaction was anything but contrite.
Danny Granger
Danny Granger is one of the most notable NBA players who is a Jehovah’s Witness. He played for the Indiana Pacers for nine seasons before moving to the Los Angeles Clippers and the Miami Heat. While he was raised in a religious household by Jehovah’s Witnesses, Granger was not baptized until 2017, two years after he retired from the NBA.
Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon is another NBA player who is a Jehovah’s Witness. Dedmon was raised in a household by Jehovah’s Witnesses and his mother forbade him from playing basketball or any other sports. However, he put in the work and was eventually picked up by the NBA. He played for over ten teams in his nine-year NBA career and is currently signed to the Miami Heat.
Darren Collison
Darren Collison played for several NBA teams, including the Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers. In 2019, he decided to retire from the NBA and focus on his faith. He made this decision at 31 years of age after coming off a season in which he averaged 11.2 points and 6 assists per game with the Pacers. However, he came out of retirement and signed a 10-day contract with the Lakers in December 2021.
The Call to Repent
The former NBA player, after undergoing a life-altering decision, asked Brittany to repent. Schmitt refused, reminding him of their past adventures, details of which were too explicit to share. In her words, she remarked, “I heard from a guy recently that I used to hook up with in the NBA. And I figured he was going to be calling to talk about the glory days, the wild days. But instead, he calls to tell me that now he’s a Jehovah’s witness and I should repent. And I started laughing.”
Brittany’s Husband’s Investigation
Brittany is married to comedian Chris Rutkowski. Upon hearing her story, he googled NBA players who were Jehovah’s Witnesses. His search revealed only two such players. However, further investigation showed three NBA players – Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon – were Jehovah’s Witnesses.
How Many Ex NBA Players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
To wrap it up, the ex NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses stand as testament to the intricate blend of faith and sports. Their spiritual journeys remind us of the immense strength and courage it takes to strike a balance between the rigorous demands of professional sports and the commitment to personal faith.
Faith has been a cornerstone in the lives and careers of these athletes, serving as a constant source of guidance, resilience, and inspiration. From Darren Collison’s abrupt retirement for spiritual growth and subsequent return to the court, to Dewayne Dedmon’s unyielding determination in the face of religious obstacles, these players exemplify the profound influence of faith in navigating life’s challenges.
Other renowned NBA players like Kobe Bryant and Jeremy Lin also highlight the essential role of spiritual beliefs in their careers and personal lives. Their stories further illustrate the symbiotic relationship between sports and spirituality, enriching our understanding of the multifaceted experiences of professional athletes.
So, the next time you watch a game of basketball, remember that beyond the athletic prowess and high-energy competition, there lies a deeper narrative of faith, personal beliefs, and the indefatigable spirit of these inspiring athletes.
| NBA Player | Religious Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Danny Granger | Jehovah’s Witness |
| Darren Collison | Jehovah’s Witness |
| Dewayne Dedmon | Jehovah’s Witness |
Brittany identified her ex as the “light-skinned one” among them, leading to speculation that it was Granger. Raised in a family of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Granger wasn’t baptized until 2017. Therefore, it’s likely that Brittany was referring to Danny, although she might have been joking.
Conclusion
The engaging account of Brittany’s past relationship with Danny Granger and her current husband’s ensuing investigation gives fans a peek into her personal life. Though the true nature of her story may be questioned, it has undoubtedly captured the public’s interest.
Key Points:
- Brittany Schmitt, an LA-based comedian, claimed she dated ex-NBA player Danny Granger.
- Schmitt’s ex turned into a Jehovah’s Witness post their breakup, asking her to repent.
- Her husband’s search revealed three NBA players who were Jehovah’s Witnesses, leading to speculation that Granger was her ex.
- The story’s authenticity is debated, but it continues to intrigue fans and followers alike.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith?
The Jehovah’s Witnesses is a Christian denomination that is known for its door-to-door evangelism and unique beliefs. They believe in the imminent end of the world and that only 144,000 people will be saved.
Q2. Who are some NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Current and former NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses include Danny Granger, Dewayne Dedmon, and Darren Collison.
Q3. How has being a Jehovah’s Witness affected these NBA players?
Being a Jehovah’s Witness has impacted these NBA players in different ways, from retiring early to focus on their faith to being discouraged from playing sports as a child.
Q4. Are Jehovah’s Witnesses common in the NBA?
While there are only a few NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, the NBA has players from all walks of life.
Q5. How many ex NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
According to a Google search, there are just three ex NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Q6. Are there currently any Jehovah’s Witnesses playing in the NBA?
As of 2023, there are no confirmed current NBA players who have publicly identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, players’ personal beliefs and religious affiliations are typically private and may not be publicly disclosed.
