The ‘Godballers’ are coming for the rainbow

The useful part

In the book of Genesis, the rainbow symbolizes God's covenant never again to destroy all living creatures in a global flood. Then came the 1970s, when artist Gilbert Baker created the rainbow flag that became an enduring symbol of gay rights and, eventually, the broader LGBTQ movement. Athletes reach audiences traditional religious institutions often struggle to reach, particularly young men.

How it works

• They no longer depend entirely on sportswriters or television networks to interpret what they believe.
• Now some Christian athletes are beginning to reclaim the symbol — and something larger along with it.
• Rice's "Dangerous Laughter" podcast featured sports journalist Steve Eubanks discussing his new book, " Godball:
• " Eubanks' central argument is that professional and college athletes are increasingly using their platforms to express Christian faith openly and that this may reflect a broader religious revival,...
• Athletes pray publicly, talk about Jesus in interviews, and use social media to communicate directly with fans.

What to take from it

That matters because athletes who embrace fashionable political causes are often celebrated, while those who express traditional Christian beliefs can encounter a different response.

Details worth keeping

Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey learned that lesson this year. The Bulls waived him for "conduct detrimental to the team" after h...