Tim Tebow has recently been in the news for his religion, as he was set to appear at a controversial church in Dallas before deciding to cancel after a media outcry and one of his planned appearances has made the news again, as the quarterback is set to appear at Liberty University.
According to WDBJ7.com in Virginia, Tebow will be appearing to speak at an event on March 8-9 at Liberty University's Wildfire "Men's Impact Weekend," which is being held at the school's Vines Center. A news release announced that Tebow will be speaking about his faith on March 8 at the event and his personal connection to religion.
The release says that tickets are $109 at the door, and $64 in advance and that the event will also have appearances from Wildfire founder Tim Clinton, former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz, "Duck Dynasty" actor Willie Robertson and Kanakuk Kamps president Joe White.
The University was founded by the late Jerry Falwell, a religious leader who previously blamed 9/11 on homosexuals, saying: "I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.'"
Tebow recently was embroiled in some controversy after he was set to appear at the First Baptist Church in Dallas. The quarterback decided to cancel the appearance after a media outcry about pastor Robert Jeffress, who had previously said controversial statements about other religions, including Jews, Muslims and Mormons.
The pastor later referred to Tebow, albeit not by name, in his address to his church, saying that Tebow "wimped" out of the appearance after things got too controversial.
"While I was looking forward to sharing a message of hope and Christ's unconditional love with the faithful members of the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas in April, due to new information that has been brought to my attention, I have decided to cancel my upcoming appearance. 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. Thank you for all of your love and support. God Bless!"
Following his cancellation of his appearance at First Baptist, news came out that Tebow is scheduled to appear at Celebration Church in Jacksonville later in March for an event that his organization is planning at the church, which is a special needs Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 23rd from 10am - 1pm.
Liberty is now run by Falwell's son and the late pastor has made many controversial remarks in the past, including racist remarks as well as comments about homosexuals, other religions and others.
The school itself has made controversial moves, including by banning gay students and its law school is being sued for its involvement in the strange kidnapping case that saw Lisa A. Miller renounce her homosexuality and flee the United States with her daughter to Central America instead of giving custody to her former partner.
The Atlantic reported about the case recently, writing that the dean of Liberty University School of Law in Lynchburg denies any involvement in the case. Tebow has been the subject of trade talks for months since the Jets season ended and so far no team has reported any strong interest in the quarterback.