For shame? Jazz play first home Sunday game since 2001

Larry Miller wasn’t there, nor were a lot of other fans. But enough people were there Sunday for the Utah Jazz to beat the Lakers. Here’s what the Times had to say about the Sunday game:

Larry Miller, the Jazz’s owner, was one of the day’s no-shows, giving up his courtside seats because he abstains from nonreligious activities on Sundays in accordance with his Mormon beliefs. The Jazz had not played a Sunday home game since January 2001, recognizing the mismatch in going one-on-one with the Mormon Church.

For shame, NBA, for shame?

OK, before the “tolerance” police begin to beat me up, I should point out that I believe Sabbath day observance is a personal thing. For some people, going to a game with your kids may be the most religious thing you can do on a Sunday. For others, maybe not. My personal rule is no sporting events on Sundays, but as I have posted elsewhere, I could make exceptions if, for example, my own son were playing in a game. Maybe you’re a lifelong Jazz fan and you just had to see this playoff game against the Lakers. That’s cool.

I’d love to learn what people think about the Jazz’s attempts to avoid Sunday games. That seems pretty unique. I give Larry Miller a thumb’s up for at least trying to avoid Sunday games. I’m guessing the NBA told him he would have to allow a Sunday playoff games this time. I’m wondering what our readers think of that.

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About Geoff B.

Geoff B graduated from Stanford University (class of 1985) and worked in journalism for several years until about 1992, when he took up his second career in telecommunications sales. He has held many callings in the Church, but his favorite calling is father and husband. Geoff is active in martial arts and loves hiking and skiing. Geoff has five children and lives in Colorado.

4 thoughts on “For shame? Jazz play first home Sunday game since 2001

  1. I wonder if you took a poll of M* readers about watching sports on Sunday, what kind of answers you would get. Personally, I will watch a playoff game on Sunday, though I would not attend one in person. Is there really a difference? I guess that answer might vary from person to person.

    Speaking of events on a Sunday, I took my wife to the Celtic Woman concert in Phoenix last night. All I can say is–WOW!!! Oh, and one of the performers is LDS. Do I get a pass on that one? 🙂

    I tip my hat to Larry Miller and others who avoid games on Sunday. Thankfully, my attending a concert on Sunday will guarantee that I never have to serve as bishop!

  2. For me I will and do watch sports on Sunday. We are too much into sports in my house, both as a kid and adult not to. Though early on my wife did try.

    I did attend one NHL playoff game on a Sunday (Game six possible clincher) and I would probably consider attending a Superbowl if I was given tickets especially.

    I personally am a hypocrit but so are a lot of people, think of Steve Young and his inspirational firesides about breaking the Sabbath.

    For me sports is just too much a family affair to not watch on sunday. It was how my family related as a child, many days I remember my family watching Blue Jays baseball, on Sundays and feeling the unity we felt at very few other times.

  3. I agree that honoring the Sabbath is a matter of conscience. I too enjoyed watching football with my family during my teen years. I gave that up when it didn’t feel right. I try not to judge others who feel differently on this.

    However, other LDS members’ consciences have caused problems for us. My daughter loves gymnastics and was invited to a Sunday audition to advance to the next level. When we explained our beliefs, the coach was willing to accommodate us … until another LDS parent told her that was not necessary because “if you bring your whole family, it’s o.k.”

    Having previously been excluded from cheer competitions due to her beliefs, my daughter is discouraged by, rather than strengthened by, our “sports on the sabbath” dilemma.

  4. Ouch that sucks.

    We will not allow the kids to play sports on sunday, which in Canada means you cannot play anything, as most sports seem to take Sunday as a given.

    For all my comments before, we decided early on that kids activities were off limits on Sunday at least until they reach 16 and will then be allowed to decide for themselves.

    I think as you say it is a personal thing but that “if you bring your whole family” argument is pretty hokey.

    I understand if I decide to attend a sporting event I am breaking the Sabbath and that justifying it by saying “its ok I brought my whole family” is a pathetic argument.

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