High school wrestler refuses to wrestle girls

[Hyena Dandy]

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story...711/?GT1=39002


I'm not sure what to think on this one.

On the one hand, I think its just a stupid thing to say 'girls and boys shouldn't compete' when the girl clearly has been competing well enough without getting hurt.

On the other hand, I can see why there would be some trepidation. And if his religious beliefs don't allow him to wrestle girls, then that's his belief. Besides, he didn't make a big deal, he hasn't been turning it into a media frenzy sort of thing or going on some sort of crusade. He seems to have just said "Its fine if the state wants girls to wrestle boys, but I won't be a part of that." Which, while I disagree, is at least principled, and isn't him being a big crybaby about it, he's just saying "This is how I will be."

On the third hand, (I have three) what religion specifically forbids wrestling with girls? It didn't say what his beliefs were, just said he says his religion won't let him. That seems a little fishy to me.

[linguist]

On the third hand, (I have three) what religion specifically forbids wrestling with girls? It didn't say what his beliefs were, just said he says his religion won't let him. That seems a little fishy to me.

The article says he's Pentecostal. And it isn't wrestling with girls specifically that's forbidden, it's "familiar contact" between the sexes.

[Rageaholic]

This kid has my respect. He didn't demand things change and he didn't create an uproar. He just simply refused to wrestle a girl and let her win by default.

Religious beliefs or not, I can understand the discomfort of wrestling a girl. Then again, that could apply to wreslting as a whole.

[Ginger Tea]

with the finger up the arse thread I'm not surprised he refuses mixed wrestling

[lordlundar]

! wouldn't for 2 reasons:

1. One wrong move (and depending on the girl, not even that) and she cries rape and there just went the rest of my life. And yes, I have seen some people who would think nothing of ruining someone's life just to win a match.

2. Some of the girls in the school I went to would KILL me.

[Greenday]

So his religion says he can't wrestle women, but it's perfectly cool to wrestle other guys? Right...

Should have been kicked out of the tourney.

[Plaidman]

So his religion says he can't wrestle women, but it's perfectly cool to wrestle other guys? Right...

Should have been kicked out of the tourney.

Again your confusing the wording of his religon forbidding wrestling with the fact his religion states that men and women can't complete together.

It's still sexist in a way, with the sex distinction, but so what? He didn't demand he win automatically because he is male. He even praise the women, and she's one of the first ones to go on in over 85 years.


Jebus, people get shitstorm if they follow their religions, and then they get shitstorm just as bad if they refuse to follow it by their fellow adherents.


What's more important to this man? His beliefs and fellow followers that stand by him, or the hatred of people he doesn't even know because he dared to follow his religion. Wow, what a choice there.

[AdminAssistant]

I'm honestly surprised that his religion allows him to even wear the uniform. At my high school there was a Pentecostal basketball player who wasn't allowed to wear shorts....so how is this guy wearing the tights/unitard thingy that wrestlers have to wear?

Also, after reading the "finger up the butt" thread, I'm surprised that *anyone* would sign up for this 'sport.'

[Plaidman]

From what little I've read, its only certain pentecostal sects that have the clothes rules.

[Panacea]

So his religion says he can't wrestle women, but it's perfectly cool to wrestle other guys? Right...

Should have been kicked out of the tourney.

He forfeited the match. He got moved to a consolation round and could face one of two girls later in the tournament (if they haven't already gotten to that point).

I think he is principled, even though I disagree with his point of view. He stuck by his beliefs and sucked up the consequences. He didn't demand the tourney change to accomodate him.

[Greenday]

Again your confusing the wording of his religon forbidding wrestling with the fact his religion states that men and women can't complete together.

His religion says he can't do anything sexual with a woman. If he thinks wrestling a woman is sexual, why isn't wrestling a man sexual?

[Gravekeeper]

His religion says he can't do anything sexual with a woman. If he thinks wrestling a woman is sexual, why isn't wrestling a man sexual?

I would assume because he's not homosexual and thus does not view another man sexually? Not precisely a mystery. And yeah, he sucked up the consequences of his own beliefs without a fuss, so what's the problem exactly?

Hell, I wouldn't wrestle a woman while wearing skintight spandex in front of an audience either. And I'm 31. =p

[Greenday]

If wrestling is sexual with a female, it's sexual with a male. No if's and's or but's about it.

My problem is that the punishment is a slap on the wrist for what is a major show of sexism.

[Gravekeeper]

If wrestling is sexual with a female, it's sexual with a male. No if's and's or but's about it.

Again, sexual orientation is a rather large but.

My problem is that the punishment is a slap on the wrist for what is a major show of sexism.

Wait, what? What the hell are you even talking about? His views might be quaintly old fashion but you think he deserves punishment for sexism? Dude, what? His beliefs cost him the match, he accepted that respectfully. He didn't make any fuss whatsoever. Disagree with his beliefs if you want but he handled this with more maturity than most would have.

[Greenday]

You can't say it's sexual to wrestle women but not men and use sexuality as an excuse. It's just his way of making an excuse.

He was still in the tournament after saying he didn't want to wrestle girls. Tough shit. Either enter a tournament and wrestle anyone or don't enter at all. You shouldn't be able to pick who you want to go against.