January 26, 2010 1:00 PM

Tim Tebow Super Bowl Ad Drives Some Women Crazy

By
Ryan Smith
Topics
Daily Blotter
(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
(AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
NEW YORK (CBS/AP) With one move, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow has stepped into America's most contentious legal debate.

Photo: Florida Gator's Tim Tebow in 2009.

The Florida Gators football star plans to appear in a Super Bowl commercial funded by a Christian values group that critics say will send an anti-abortion message.

The ad, paid for by Focus on the Family, is expected to recount the story of his mother, Pam Tebow's, pregnancy in 1987 with a theme of "Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life."

After getting sick during a mission trip to the Philippines, she ignored a recommendation by doctors to abort her fifth child and gave birth to Tim, who went on to win the 2007 Heisman Trophy while helping the Florida Gators reach two BCS championships.

Photo: Focus on the Family Founder and Chairman James Dobson in 2008.

Abortion rights groups are up in arms.

"An ad that uses sports to divide rather than to unite has no place in the biggest national sports event of the year, an event designed to bring Americans together," said Jehmu Greene, president of Women's Media Center, which is protesting the ad with the National Organization for Women, the Feminist Majority and other groups.

The groups have called on CBS, which will broadcast the Super Bowl, to scrap the commercial. So far, CBS isn't budging.

The network said it has approved the script for the 30-second ad and has given no indication that the protest would have an impact. A network spokesman, Dana McClintock, said CBS would ensure that any issue-oriented ad was "appropriate for air."

Tebow defended his participation in the commercial Monday. "That's the reason I'm here," he said, "because my mom is a really courageous woman."

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Should Tebow express his abortion views during the Super Bowl or leave his politics off the field?



Add a Comment See all 52 Comments
by shermanist February 6, 2010 6:29 PM EST
We all have to stand up for something, but most times the person espousing their beliefs are those who are running with a portion of society that has not quite socially progressed. Just because you believe in something does not give you a free pass, nor a congratulatory comment, for expressing it during a major American event. Pedophiles, molesters, thieves, and other socially defunct citizens also believe in something, but I do not want to have my time or experience wasted having to be subjected to it. Focus on the Family should actually do what its title states. Instead, it tries to drive a wedge between Americans due to its bedrock of socially regressive christian principles. I have personal beliefs, but I do not feel the need to broadcast them to an audience that does not want to hear them. Tim Tebow, please take your belief system and chuck it out-of-bounds (you know how to do that right?). Lastly, maybe Florida may have won the ACC had someone else been quarterback...ever think of that? Sports is a time for the family to root for their favorite team and enjoy the event; not to be subjected to politicized "belief-systems" from the socially defunct.
Reply to this comment
by passaicriver February 7, 2010 7:10 PM EST
Some people just cannot understand why America came to become America.
The early settlers yearned for independence for freedom and to escape religious persecutions. The present day liberals -Americans at that- want to suppress these freedoms. Let the people express their minds and ideals and if they are not in the majority, so be it. Unfortunately it is these pathetic minorities who want to impose themselves on the silent majority and suppress them. Doesn't seem right to me. Let these arrogant drones go where there is no liberty and equality. Only then they will understand why respect to their fellowmen is a grand virtue.
by PRDIGM February 9, 2010 6:43 PM EST
You are misinformed; pedophiles, molesters, thieves, and other socially defunct citizens as you discriminately call them don't believe in anything.
by footsies February 5, 2010 8:37 PM EST
Thank you Thank you Thank you CBS for running the focus on the family/tim tebow ad. I for one am excited to see it. God bless you Tim for standing up for what you believe, God bless you tim's mom for having the faith to see your pregnance through and God bless you Dr. Dobson for your obedience to an almighty God.
Reply to this comment
by li0pxh05 February 5, 2010 12:40 PM EST
Kudos to CBS, Focus on the Family, and Pam Tebow for reviving our appreciation for life.
Even though Pam Tebow?s decision was a personal decision (that should only be made by a mother and her family) Pam?s message pricks our conscience by reminding us how positive results come to us when courage enters a decision. This is not only an ad about pro-life advocacy, it?s an ad about courage. Which is befitting for airing during one of the most daring, spectacular, and courageous events in American culture; The ?Super Bowl.?

Paul Hopgood, Executive Director of Children Against Abortion, Pornography, and Molestation.
Reply to this comment
by nastalie February 4, 2010 7:54 AM EST
My problem isn't the pro-life ad, I believe everyone can make the decision for themselves. It's your body and you do with it what you want or what you belive. No one should force their beliefs on you. Air it, don't air it.
The problem I have with the Tebow commerical is one of course it's not my belief (neither here nor there)

but that CBS has rejected a GoDaddy.com ad that features an effeminate former football player-turned lingerie designer, and the Man Crunch commercial that shows two male football fans kissing.

No I'm not gay, but there is nothing wrong with it. Again up to the person and what they want or belive. These compaines also paid for ad space and CBS made the decision not to air them! So why is it okay to air an ad that is also as or not more controversial as those are??? There are so many ads on TV today that are going to upset, or offend someone. As Americans we are defintley prudes, at least that's what the english call us.
I say that if they won't air the others then they shouldn't air Tebow's and his mommy. I am happy for her that she made that decision to have him, it worked out great for her and her family. These are personal decisions that should be made by that person and their families.
Reply to this comment
by sakurase January 29, 2010 2:10 PM EST
LOL......all this drama over a commercial that has nothing to do with anyone but the people involved in the commercial. Who cares why they are doing the commercial, why is it any of our business?! People just want something to complain about, gossip about, whine about. If we truely had freedom of speech the commercial would not be an issue but apparently it is an issue for some people and those of you who are against the commercial are ignorant and you probably should get back to work and focus on your own life instead of trying to interfere or figure out someone else life......Seriously GET A LIFE!!!!
Reply to this comment
by alwaysorange51 January 28, 2010 6:56 PM EST
I am a woman and I would not find the ad about Tim Tebow and his mother offensive. If anything it would be inspiring and uplifting. I do not understand why some groups like NOW and Women's Media Center are in such an uproar. If they want to purchase time for their message let them. I may not agree with their message but I do believe in free speech and the choice not to watch their commercial if I did not agree. If CBS can air ads that promote drinking and sex, I do not see why they cannot air an ad that promotes family. It would be nice to see such a positive ad aired during the Super Bowl. I applaud you CBS, if you air the commercial. We should not be afraid for others to express their views.
Reply to this comment
by KEA2004 January 28, 2010 2:29 PM EST
If we can have commercials pushing sex(uality), alcohol and Viagra, I think it's fair to represent the Sanctity of Human Life.
Reply to this comment
by vrlochte January 28, 2010 9:16 AM EST
In the midst of all the controversy, whomever wants to purchase a time slot should have that right. I am pro-life and definately support that commercial and am tired of these people who come out with their double standards thinking that their rights and the rights of others who don't have the same views as they do are... not the same. Ok, I don't care to see half naked women parading all over my screen yet I just ignore it and those who disagree with the Tebow commercial should just do the same. Sit down and shut up and realize that there are othere people out there who have the same rights as they do. I am tired of these people coming in and taking away our rights as documented in the Constitution. SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP! CHANGE THE CHANNEL!.You are NOT being tied down and forced to watch it. Get up, go to the bathroom, get a snack, a drink, change the channel but don't sit there and think you are superior to everyone else! YOU ARE NOT!
Reply to this comment
by JustAskaWoman January 28, 2010 9:06 AM EST
Even if this ad were to be pulled, we'd still be talking about this on game day. Check out our thoughts at http://justaskawoman.com/wsnty/
Reply to this comment
by grcurry1 January 28, 2010 3:42 AM EST
The Super Bowl should be a unifying event that is enjoyed by all Americans. It should not be a platform from which to champion any political or philosophical views; especially views which many find polarizing.

This is a not a question of free speech or how you feel about an issue; it is a question of civility and appropriateness. There is not much hope for this country when we cannot put down the bickering for a few hours and come together in a sense of community.

I am suprised that the NFL and CBS would think any amount of money would be worth allowing a devisive issue to tarnish their brand. Perhaps I am a fool dreaming of a more perfect union. It appears if you have the money you get in somebody's face at anytime you want. What a shame.
Reply to this comment
by vrlochte January 28, 2010 9:22 AM EST
I believe they have already tarnished their brand. They continue to allow players whom have been convicted of criminal activity that would cause normal citizens to loose their jobs to maintain their highly overpaid positions; i.e. drug abuse (companies fire their employees who have tested positive for illegal drugs while the NFL just slaps them on the hand). Ummm...explain that.
by annieOK2012 January 29, 2010 12:16 AM EST
I don't understand why you think this would be "devisive." The pro-choice groups are for a woman's right to choose, aren't they? To have a choice there must be more than one option from which to choose. Why would groups who claim that they are "pro-choice" think it divisive to show an ad about a woman who was able to exercise her right to choose, and chose not to have an abortion? If these groups are truly pro-choice, they would welcome all points of view, as the more information women have and the more choices available to them, the better for the women. Isn't that the position of "pro-choice" groups? They've been very explicit in not wanting to be called "pro-abortion", insisting on "pro-choice" instead.

So, why is showing one of many choices available to women divisive?
See all 52 Comments
.
Latest CBS News Headlines Popular CBS News Stories
on Facebook Most Discussed Stories
on CBS News

Follow Crimesider

Scroll Left
Scroll Right More »
48 Hours New iPad app A perfect companion to TV's most popular true-crime series.
CBS News on Facebook
  • Building You a Better Morning

  • CBS This Morning

    "CBS This Morning," anchored by Charlie Rose, Gayle King and Erica Hill, airs weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and at the same time in other time zones.
    Learn more...