Skip to main content

Could I Have Done It? - Thoughts on AJ Griffin's Recent Decision to Leave Basketball


I’m not sure what I would’ve done. 

Could I have done what AJ Griffin recently decided to do? 

I believe that I could have (maybe?) made that decision to step away from a dream of playing professional basketball at the highest level and earning fame, fortune, and everything else. But really, could I have?! 

I mean, what is a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? 

Tricky, tricky, personal conviction!
"I gave up basketball to follow Jesus, and I know that in many people's eyes, it seems like a loss in the world's eyes... I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to go into full-time ministry and truly serve the lord with all my heart... I thought that [basketball] was the reason why I was living, but when I came to God, he truly showed me that we're all made to glorify God. We're all made with a purpose, a God-given purpose."
- AJ Griffin - via YouTube
Whether you’re a believer or not in a spiritual higher power, we all believe our morals and faith (whatever it is) would allow us to make such self-ethical decisions. Give up professional basketball and millions? Easssssssssy!

As a believer, this story stayed with me for a week. I really admire AJ Griffin in his calling to the Lord. There’s no doubt in my mind that he wrestled a lot in his decision to ensure it was his calling. I also believe what he has decided to do is authentic and takes a lot of obedience and faith. It's a great test of his walk and faith in the Lord.

In a continuously growing culture that has eroded faith (all kinds, really) from the fabric of its overall beat, and now values high emphasis on self, Griffin’s decision counters so much of what is “normal” in this world. 

Roman’s 12:2 is my favorite verse. It always has been since I was a teenager. 

Griffin is Romans 12:2. And his recent decision is incredibly inspiring and a reminder that it’s not just a reason for your way of life being different, but that it also takes courage - and a great sense of faith - to live it.
Labels:

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...
Read more

TNA Slammiversary 2026: "A great show that felt like it could have been epic with the proper buildup."

TNA certainly came into Slammiversary 2026 carrying some public relations (or perception?) baggage which affected the excitement for this event. For me, Slammiversary has become one of those wrestling events on the calendar that moves the needle for me. This is especially the case after attending last year's historic event.   This year, the hype was not there. And ultimately, the overall creative process for the product for most of 2026 was well...plain. It wasn't terrible. But yeeaaaaaahhhhhhh, nothing felt overly exciting. The company had no major storyline driver. And thus, we saw the removal of Tommy Dreamer as head of creative at TNA after being with the company for almost ten years. Much of Slammiversary 2026 felt like it was pulled together two weeks out. And even heading into the show, with the added drama of Dreamer's release, TNA once again felt unstable.  Fortunately, what we got was a great show that feels like - again, there is that perception thing! - TNA is ...
Read more

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Amateur (2018)

What is it about? The recruiting and exploitation of a teenage basketball phenom expose the immoral undercurrent world of amateur sports and business.  Who is in it?  Michael Rainey Jr. - Terron Forte Jr.  Brian White - Vince Josh Charles - Coach Gaines
Read more