Ex NBA Jehovah Witnesses players are Dewayne Dedmon, Danny Granger, and Darren Collison. These athletes are known for their evangelical beliefs.
Darren even retired from NBA to become a Jehovah’s Witness.
NBA is a game with followers from across the world. Several of its players come from different nationalities, races, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds. Some of them are Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Jehovah’s Witnesses was founded under the leadership of Charles Taze Russell in the USA around the end of the 19th century. There are approximately 8.7 million people from 240 countries who follow the belief.
It is a Christian-based religious movement with nontrinitarian beliefs that are distinct from mainstream Christianity.
Dewayne Dedmon Grew Up In A Family Of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Dewayne Dedmon and Jehovah’s Witnesses have a long history, as his mom is a devote. He was discouraged from playing basketball due to religious reasons.
Dewayne would have never played in the NBA if he had listened to his mother. He did not get coached as a teenager because of his family’s religion.
His mom, Gail Lewis, joined Truth four in 1995 as she needed structure for her and her three kids. She used to take Dedmon and his sisters for Bible Study.
The family spent their Saturday as Jehovah’s Witnesses, spreading the word. Like all the witnesses, Lewis was expected not to salute the flag or vote. They could not serve in the armed forces or run for public office.
Growing up, Dedmon did not celebrate birthdays or holidays. As the Bible says, one must “abstain from blood,” they could not receive a blood transfusion, reports Vault.
Gail forbade Dewayne to play any sport, as Jehovah’s priorities were challenged with children playing on a team. It showed their allegiance to something other than being a witness.
When he began playing in college, Lewis had difficulty coming to terms with his athletic life. However, they came on better terms, and she even went to some of his games.
Dewayne now plays for the Miami Heat and has played for over ten teams in his nine-year NBA career.
Danny Granger Family Is Religious
Granger grew up in a Jehovah’s Witness household. His high individual standard has separated him from the rest.
Although he grew up in a religious household, Danny wasn’t baptized until 2017. He was in his mid-30s, and it was two years after his final season in the NBA.
Danny stated to NBA that he was taught respect and he wasn’t allowed to curse as a kid. He believed that he was brought up in a very respectful way, which is what matters in the end.
Growing up in a devout family helped him come into his own while evolving as a man. Granger also stated that many kids are brought up in the wrong way these days. He considered himself lucky enough to be brought up in the right way.
Danny played for the Indianan Pacers from 2005 to 2014, Los Angeles Clippers in 2014, and Miami Hear from 2014 to 2015.
The story about Granger’s faith came to the public after comedian Brittany Schmitt mentioned him in a comedy set. Her husband googled NBA players who are Jehovah’s, and he found two names.
Darren Collison Retired From NBA For His Faith And Family
Collison is one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and his faith means everything to him. He announced his retirement in June 2019, citing religious reasons for retiring.
In an interview with ESPN‘s Marc J. Spears, Darren clarified that he still loves basketball, but his family and faith are more important to him. He also revealed that he receives so much joy from volunteering to help others and participate in worldwide ministry.
Darren has coached several young basketball players.
The point guard felt the need to do more to help others, which is why he helps out as much as possible. Darren even stated that the happiness he feels while helping others is unmatched.
He did come out of retirement and signed a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on December 24, 2021. He then signed with the South Bay Lakers on March 24, 2022.