Home > OnCampus > Campus Chatter
Campus Chatter
Scoops, discoveries and quirky observations.

« Previous | Main | Next »

Univ. of Florida Awaits Tim Tebow Ad

January 26, 2010 6:10 PM

Nm_tim_tebow_091202_mn ABC News on Campus reporter April Dudash blogs from Gainesville, Florida:

The University of Florida campus is slowly catching wind of Tim Tebow’s decision to star in a Super Bowl ad slated to air on CBS on Feb. 7, and some say the ad’s message is bound to spark controversy.

The ad spot was purchased by Focus on the Family, a conservative Christian organization that places emphasis on marriage and parenthood.

The Associated Press reported this week that the ad’s theme will be “Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life,” with Pam Tebow sharing the story of her difficult 1987 pregnancy -- instead of getting an abortion she decided to give birth to Tebow, the now-famous quarterback who went on to become a Heisman Trophy winner, leading the Gators to two BCS wins.

Gary Schneeberger, Focus on the Family spokesman, told ABC News he couldn’t comment on the content of the ad. However, he said his organization has always viewed the Tebows as “strong, committed Christians” who have inspirational family stories to tell.

“It seemed like a natural partnership, and we were fortunate enough that they agreed,” Schneeberger said.

CBS is reportedly selling Super Bowl ads for around $2.5 million to $2.8 million, according to TNS Media Intelligence, a company that tracks ad spending.

“Once we explained what we were hoping to accomplish, a strong handful of committed friends provided funding for the airtime,” Schneeberger said. He said he has seen the ad, and he would not label it as political or controversial.

“Our goal is to create awareness for who we are as a family-help ministry and help folks who are watching come to us if they’re struggling in their marriage or struggling raising their children,” he said.

Tebow’s decision to play a role in an ad sponsored by a conservative group suggets he'll take a political stance.

“It’s a big coming-out party for Tim Tebow in terms of moving from athletic superstar to the political realm,” said Daniel Smith, UF associate professor of political science and faculty adviser to Gators for Choice.

Once the ad airs on national television, it might cause some interesting discussions on college campuses while also rallying the pro-choice community, Smith added. The commercial's content might also have an effect on Tebow’s fan base.

“When you are an athlete and you put yourself out in the public sphere when it comes to politics, you have a good chance of alienating half your fan support,” Smith said.

He noted Tebow wasn't political while he was a collegiate athlete. For example in 2008 Tebow chose not to endorse a presidential candidate. Also, Smith pointed out that many of Tebow’s eye black biblical verses promoted generic positive thinking rather than polarizing statements.

“Whoever wants to pay for an ad during the Super Bowl should be able to do so,” he said. “It’s more interesting that Focus on the Family was able to convince Tim Tebow to promote their organization and their issues.”

Camille Jacobs, a UF junior and member of Campus Crusade for Christ, said she was excited to hear that Tebow has this opportunity.
 
“He’s just standing up for what he believes in,” Jacobs said, “and no matter what you believe in, it’s going to be controversial.”
 
She said students of the Gator Nation will probably be behind him “whether they’re Christian or not.”
 
“He wouldn’t say things just because it kind of sounds good or will stir up trouble,” she said. “People know he’s speaking straight from the heart.”

Karen Middlekauff, a UF law student and the president of Outlaw, an organization for College of Law LGBT students, said she believes that Tebow is still a representative of UF, and he has chosen to represent a viewpoint that shouldn’t be associated with the university.

“Focus on the Family is a very well-known group for speaking out against LGBT issues,” she said. “A lot of people know that.”

The commercial is also highlights the strength of Tebow’s religious beliefs, something the general public may not be aware of, she said.

“The UF community itself knows that he is very religious and he’s done a lot of humanitarian work,” Middlekauff said. “I don’t know if the public knows that. They’ll know after this.”

AC Stokes, the UF director of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs, said Tebow is probably aware that he is being used for a political purpose and that he will now be associated with Focus on the Family’s viewpoints.

“I got a call from an alumnus that was pretty outraged by the fact that Tim Tebow was going to be in this commercial,” Stokes said.

Ben Anderson, president of UF Christian Campus House activities, however, released a statement saying that the advertisement has a deeper message: “I find it interesting that this ad would receive controversy, when in fact it is simply an amazing story of a mother and child overcoming the odds against them. Would there be controversy if the story were being told by a mother and child not publicly proclaiming Christ? I do not know, but I suspect not as much.”

CBS spokeswoman Shannon Jacobs said CBS has reviewed the ad script, but she was unable to confirm if CBS employees have viewed the actual commercial.

She said the script met CBS’s standards.

CBS also released a statement that read: “Our standards and practices process continues to adhere to a policy that ensures all ads, on all sides of an issue, are appropriate for air."

January 26, 2010 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (1239)

User Comments

Feed You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.

What a sad commentary on our society when the promotion of marriage and parenthood is controversial. More power to you young man.

Posted by: Robert | Jan 26, 2010 6:45:00 PM

I have a funny feeling that CBS will cave like a $3.00 suitcase before the Super Bowl. The 1% gets the grease

Posted by: Glen | Jan 26, 2010 6:47:53 PM

We have a thing in this country called free speach. If you don't like the add, feel free to turn the channel!

Posted by: John | Jan 26, 2010 6:47:56 PM

How is this political or christian? I'm an atheist, but I'm opposed to the killing of children. This is not really a Christian or political issue, but only another civil rights issue.

Posted by: Dennis | Jan 26, 2010 6:48:11 PM

If you want religion, go to church. The Super Bowl is not the place for anti-abortion advertising.

Posted by: Ned | Jan 26, 2010 6:48:19 PM

"procedures which, in many cases, were needed for medical/extreme circumstances?"

If, by "in many cases," you mean 1-2% of the time abortions are performed for medical/extreme circumstances, then ok. I love liberal "facts."

Posted by: Jordan Hebbe | Jan 26, 2010 6:49:53 PM

Is it really necessary to put a controversial issue in the middle of an event that usually units most Americans? Americans watch the Superbowl to see who will be football champions, not to be forced to see the opinions of one group of people. Let's not allow personal opinions to get in the way of entertainment.

Posted by: Megan Prucnal | Jan 26, 2010 6:49:57 PM

Karen Middlekauff, a UF law student and the president of Outlaw, is a representative of UF, and she has chosen to represent a viewpoint that shouldn’t be associated with the university.

I believe she should be expelled before the sun rises tomorrow.

Posted by: Jim | Jan 26, 2010 6:50:14 PM

Tebow needs to concentrate on his pro career,and stop trying to spread hate and intolerance further in this country.
There is plenty of hate going around we dont need him to add to the problems in this country.
Try worring about the drug problems and the pregnant teenagers in this country.
r roetto

Posted by: robert roetto | Jan 26, 2010 6:50:16 PM

Would it be controversial if Planned Parenthood bought an ad? The double standard is ridiculous...

Posted by: Tricia | Jan 26, 2010 6:50:39 PM

Way to Go Tim...letting the world know your story. And I agree that it is a very sad commentary on our society when it is controverial to promote family and life while enjoying some great football!

Posted by: Ruth | Jan 26, 2010 6:51:04 PM

Whoaaa! That really is controversial. What's next? Ads promoting eating fruits and vegetables.

Posted by: John | Jan 26, 2010 6:51:22 PM

I'm for women having their right to abortion, but I'm also for Tim Tebow having his right to voice his opinion. I don't think his opinion is wrong because I disagree with it. This country you have a right to freedom of speech. I support Tim's right to voice his opinion, and the women's rights group to voice their opinion. I know that their voice doesn't speak for every woman. My wife is Pro-Life, and I'm Pro-Choice. I don't think it's my right to force my opinion on someone else, nor is it right for someone else to force their opinion on me. You can respect someone's opinion even if it doesn't agree with your own opinion or beliefs.

Posted by: Harry | Jan 26, 2010 6:51:42 PM

He's a kid and he's being taken advantage of by lunatics.

Posted by: Sean | Jan 26, 2010 6:51:52 PM

Another reason for me to watch the Super Bowl. Congratulations to Tim and his mom as we have all been rewarded by her wise decision.

Posted by: Gene Autrey | Jan 26, 2010 6:51:58 PM

How can it be controversial? I thought that liberals supported the "right to choose" and desired to make abortions "safe, legal, and rare." Focus on the Family is simply trying to contribute to the "rare" part.

Personally, I never understood the logic underlying the "rare" part. If abortion is a good thing (or at least morally neutral), why bother with making it "rare"?

Of course, who ever accused the pro-aborts of being logical?

Posted by: Recondaddy | Jan 26, 2010 6:51:59 PM

I think its ironic that someone standing up for their own personal beliefs and at the same time refusing to take an overt shot at any opposing viewpoints is somehow deemed as being inappropriate. I say "ggod for Tim." He is proving to this observer that it the depth of his conviction to his belief system surpasses his desire for remaining silent. I also appluad CBS for not setting up an insurmountable barrier to this form of expression. Maybe there is hope for the main stream media...?

Posted by: Greg | Jan 26, 2010 6:52:01 PM

So would you like to give us a list of what subjects are suitable or not suitable?

And tell us succinctly and clearly using non-emotional terms why this should not be considered censorship?

Posted by: tkd | Jan 26, 2010 6:52:28 PM

I'm all for it, it should send a grime reminder as many people that pack the stadium at the SuperBowl game enjoying life, the same even more were not given that same right to LIFE.

Posted by: Toney Nez | Jan 26, 2010 6:52:48 PM

Unbelievable! Have these critics even seen this ad ?? Tim Tebow is a young man who displays the character that we all should hope to instill in our children. My guess is that this ad tells of his mother's decision to trust her beliefs and heart and does not criticize the decisons that other mothers have made. I am shocked at the Tebow-haters and applaud this young man for his beliefs and for the example he sets for kids everywhere. I am grateful that he takes that role so seriously! Go for it Tebow family!

Posted by: Susan | Jan 26, 2010 6:52:58 PM

Next Comments »

Post a comment