New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow cannot keep himself out of the news. Tebow has decided to back out of an appearance at a Baptist mega church in Dallas where he was supposed to speak. The quarterback began to receiver backlash for the planned appearance after the pastor of the church created controversy with is remarks about gays and other faiths.
Tebow tweeted out that he was canceling the talk originally scheduled for April 28 due to "new information brought to his attention."
"I will continue to use the platform God has blessed me with to bring Faith, Hope and Love to all those needing a brighter day," Tebow said in a statement.
The church pastor Rev. Robert Jeffress, confirmed that Tebow has canceled his appearance at the Dallas church. Jeffress said he understood that Tebow needed to avoid controversy right now for personal and professional reasons. Jeffress became known for preaching that gay sex is sinful and that Mormonism is a cult. Tebow had not planned on speaking on any controversial topics.
"We had planned for him to speak very positively about the difference Jesus Christ had made in his life," Jeffress said.
Tebow's personal and professional life have taken center stage after the Jets announced plans to release the quarterback or attempt to trade him. Team officials will try and shop Tebow at the upcoming NFL combine. If no teams show any interest, he will be released come March 12. He has been adamant about his intentions to continue playing quarterback in the NFL.
Jacksonville is believed to be one of the only teams that could be interested in the quarterback. Tebow won two BCS championships and the Heisman Trophy while playing for the University of Florida. His star power in the state could help bring more people to Jacksonville's games. They have struggled to sell tickets in recent years.
Tebow is a devout Christian who has built a large following due to his faith. He has addressed numerous church audiences across the nation as well as overseas. Last year, he spoke to a church of about 15,000 people in Austin during an outdoor Easter service.