December 6, 1999
By John Ahlander, Co-Owner, CougarFan.com
I was recently sent to Dallas for training by my Salt Lake City office. I was going to be living in Dallas for two months, but I didn't know anyone there and was a little apprehensive. The day after I arrived was Sunday and I located the nearest church building and found out when the meeting began.
Chance Encounter
I entered the sacrament meeting room and took a seat. Shortly thereafter, a family came in and sat down on the same row as me. I looked over and to my surprise, there sat Shawn Bradley. Believe me, there was no mistaking him. How often does a 7' 6" man walk into sacrament meeting? He came in with his wife and four small daughters.
Not wanting to look like a "crazy fan" in church, I didn't say anything to them. Afterwards, I went to Sunday School and sat down. A few minutes later, the Bradley couple came and sat down right next to me. Maybe they wanted to meet me? I was only dreaming. After Sunday School, I couldn't stand it any longer, so I introduced myself. Both he and his wife were very friendly and when I mentioned that I had just come into town, they invited me to their house for dinner that night. I couldn't believe it. What would I wear? They could have a mansion and all be dressed up in their best at home.
In the Bradley Home
Driving through a very nice neighborhood, I finally found the Bradley home. It was very nice, but not extravagant. I was greeted at the door by Shawn who kindly invited me into his home, where I found his four young daughters hard at play. He joined his wife in finishing preparations for the meal. I was relieved to see that not only were they not in their best outfits, but Shawn had on shorts and his wife, Annette, wore cut off sweats. My Gap khakis fit in just fine. (Note: Annette is not the girl in the well-known Prom picture of Shawn dancing with a girl on a chair).
I sat down to eat with them and a couple other friends of the family.
We ate salmon that Shawn had caught the day before on a fishing trip to
Alaska. After dinner, we spent a couple of hours in friendly conversation.
We talked about all sorts of stuff, but barely about basketball.
I later found out that basketball is off-topic for Sundays. I also
noticed that although the NBA playoffs were on TV, the TV was turned off.
Sunday was for Sabbath observance in the Bradley home.
In his home, he interacted with his wife and children as lovingly as any father I've seen. His daughter fell and cut her head open while playing that day. Shawn quickly suggested that they give the child a priesthood blessing before evaluating if she needed to go to the hospital.
Before leaving, I noticed there was a mini basketball court in the backyard and resisted the urge to challenge Shawn to a one-on-one game. After all, he'd probably just turn me down because it was Sunday -- in an excuse not to lose to a 5' 9" NBA-wannabe.
Time for Others
As I spent the two months in his ward, I learned more about Shawn Bradley that made me look up to his character and not just his height.
Earlier in the summer, a devastating tornado had hit Oklahoma City, leaving thousands homeless. Shawn, along with others in the ward, took a few days out of their schedule to drive up to Oklahoma and help clean up, repair homes, and lend support. Not long after, he flew to Orlando, Florida as a national spokesperson for the Children's Miracle Network.
I have heard BYU fans complain about Shawn Bradley for leaving BYU early or for not measuring up to his NBA potential. I may have even murmured a little myself. I've changed my mind. When I root for Shawn Bradley on the court, I'm rooting for him not only as a basketball player and a BYU alum, but also for a friendly, righteous man who knows he has been blessed with material things, but has not forgotten Who gave it all to him.
Suggest news! (news@CougarFan.com)
Maintainer: webmaster@CougarFan.com