Reggie White

The Reverend Reginald Howard "Reggie" White (December 19, 1961 – December 26, 2004), nicknamed the "Minister of Defense" (a dual reference to his football prowess and to his Evangelical Christian ordination) was one of football's most prolific sackers in college, the USFL and the NFL.

Controversy

White's retirement was not without controversy. He created a stir in March of 1998 with his comments before the Wisconsin state legislature that invoked positive racial stereotypes of Latinos, Asians, whites, blacks, and Native Americans, explaining that all were made in God's image. Consistent with his understanding of Biblical doctrine and his religious beliefs, he made remarks about gays and lesbians, and subsequently became an ally of organizations opposed to homosexuality, appearing in a newspaper advertising campaign to convince gays and lesbians that they could cease their homosexuality. Gay human rights organizations opposed his remarks but defended his right to speak out. In addition, both the Green Bay Packers and the NFL objected to the ads, since White had appeared in his football uniform without the consent of the team or the league. Later versions of the ad removed the uniform.

Related Topics:
Wisconsin - Latinos - Asians - Whites - Blacks - Native American - God - Biblical - Gays and lesbians - Homosexuality - Cease their homosexuality - Green Bay Packers - NFL

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