I’m fond of Ali
Despise Islam and especially Nation of Islam of which he was premier lapdog to Elijah Mohammed
And at times he was pretty tacky and other times funny
And laughed at himself
But you’ve got this weird notion that a Christian can’t criticize a freshly dead Muslim convert boxing greats religious life choice while you hope for some last second miracle for Ali’s soul because I guess you like him
But you really ally unleash the venom on a fellow Christian for criticizing Ali?
What denomination does that?
Let me be clear again
I grew to like Ali in time
His arrogant braggadocio set a poor precedent
But he was self deprecating
He was born a Christian and was stupid enough to leave his faith which I think is worth criticizing
Like you I hope he genuinely reacceoted Christ in time but he never voiced any second thoughts
Maybe he was afraid....he knew as well as any what NOI could do
No Muhammad Ali worship here. Cassius Clay/Mo Ali was no patriot like Joe Louis. He absorbed the up-yours-white America that’s part of the Nation of Islam and unlike some other celebrities of the day refused to serve the country.
He’s a big reason if not the major reason that braggart athletes have become the norm. But he is one of the major idols for the American Church of Sports, that particularly mindless sect that worships money and fame, so his place in that pantheon is secure despite grouching from heretics like me.