UFC Analyst Ariel Helwani Disparages Penn State Wrestler Aaron Brooks After He Confesses "Christ's Resurrection Is Everything"
Will Harmon Wrestling
March 22, 2023
UFC Analyst Ariel Helwani Disparages Penn State Wrestler Aaron Brooks After He Confesses "Christ's Resurrection Is Everything" - Bounding Into Sports
Penn State wrestler Aaron Brooks, who recently won his third consecutive NCAA title in the 184-pound division, found himself at the center of controversy following a profession of faith in post-competition interview with ESPN that drew the ire of UFC analyst Ariel Helwani among others.
During the interview, Brooks was asked, "I know we share a strong faith. How does that help you on a night like tonight?"
He replied, "It's everything. Christ's resurrection is everything. Not just His life but His death and resurrection. You can only get that through Him. The Holy Spirit only through Him. No false prophets, no Muhammad, no anyone else. Only Jesus Christ, Himself."
The ESPN reporter then stated, "Power and finesse. Your calling card."
Brooks replied, "The Holy Spirit. Acts Chapter 1:8. Power. Holy Spirit. Power. That's everything. That's where it's from."
He was then asked, "Where'd the finesse come from?" "The Holy Spirit, as well," he replied.
The interview concluded with Aaron dedicating his performance to God, stating, "I'm blessed. God used me. He gives me this platform for this right here, to exalt Him. That's all its for. When I'm suffering cutting weight, away from family, it's all for Him. It's all for His glory."
While many athletes openly express their faith, UFC analyst Ariel Helwani took to Twitter to criticize Brooks' comments. In his tweet, Helwani described Brooks' remarks as "strange," "disrespectful," and "offensive to Muslims," suggesting that the wrestler had overstepped by sharing his personal beliefs in a public setting...
...The controversy surrounding Aaron Brooks' comments sheds light on a growing issue today: the apparent anti-Christian sentiment that often emerges in public discourse. As society becomes increasingly polarized, it is essential to recognize and address anti-religious bias, including anti-Christianity. Aaron Brooks serves as an example of the unwavering devotion a believer in Christ embodies.
Following the interview, Brooks elaborated on his faith, stating that he's "defending the gospel." He also recognized the influential role he could have in the lives of his young fans during the post-match press conference saying, "God has given me this platform, and I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on them."
In fact, when asked how he stays on top, Brooks responded, "It's all for the glory of God, you know. Back when I just worshipped wrestling I burned out, but now I'm doing it for Him. I don't do it to get the trophy and these things. Like I said, it's to preach to people."
He continued, "So that's what motivates me and that's what's on my mind the whole time because everything else comes and goes. People are winning and losing, it's all vanity, you know. Once this is over they're talking about what's going on next year. It's just how the world works. When I'm out there I said, 'What lives can I change with the Holy Spirit in me because that goes for eternity," he concluded.