COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, January 4, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Rumors of a pro-life advertisement featuring the story of University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and angling for a Superbowl slot have surfaced following reports of a project in the works at the Evangelical organization Focus on the Family.
While as yet not publicly acknowledged, the Colorado Independent's Rich Tosches reported that the 30-second pro-life spot is expected by insiders at Focus on the Family to highlight the popular quarterback's mother's refusal to abort Tebow, despite doctor's advice to the contrary.
After taking drugs to battle amoebic dysentery during a trip to the Philippines in the 1980s, Pam Tebow refused the advice of physicians who suggested she abort Timothy because the drugs may have affected his development. Pam eventually gave birth to a perfectly healthy baby boy.
Tim Tebow, who was homeschooled before becoming a college football star, now frequently draws attention for his outspoken devotion to traditional Christian values. At the Allstate Sugar Bowl on New Year's day, Tebow's final collegiate game, the player continued a tradition of featuring a Bible passage on his eyeblack: this time, it was Ephesians 2:8-10.
Focus media relations director Gary Schneeberger on December 22 told the Independent, "I decline comment. Let's just say that. I have nothing to say,"
He added: "If there is a Super Bowl commercial from Focus on the Family, I guess you'll just have to wait and see it during the Super Bowl. I can say Tim Tebow does not appear in any Focus on the Family ad." Tosches notes that Schneeberger did not mention Tebow's mother.
The ad would need to be approved by the National Football League and CBS, the network hosting the Superbowl game February 7. Last year, NBC and the NFL chose to nix an advertisement sponsored by the Catholic watchdog group Fidelis, which hailed the success of President Obama despite the difficult circumstances of his early life and featured the message "Life: Imagine the Potential."
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Florida Quarterback Tebow Leaves Reporters Speechless: "Yes I am" Saving Myself for Marriage
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/dec/09122306.html
NBC Rejects Super Bowl Pro-Life Ad Featuring Unborn Baby Obama
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jan/09012905.html
