(Aug. 11) — Inexplicably, this has become the summer where every NBA star (OK, three of them) has started to dabble in Judaism. Why? Nobody can begin to know these things! But in the absence of such an explanation, Surge Desk is here with a score card on these public dalliances with the Jewish faith.
Amar’e Stoudemire
As has been reported extensively on FanHouse, the new New York Knicks forward is Jewish, maybe. In the Amar’e is Jewish camp is Amar’e himself, and Sacramento Kings forward and the NBA’s only Israeli, Omri Casspi. In the Amar’e is not Jewish camp is his agent, Happy Walters. Depending on who is right, Stoudemire’s teasing of the Knicks fanbase with his trip to Israel, Star of David tattoo and adoption of other Jewish activities could backfire if he does not actually follow through.
Ruling: Too Hot
Obviously it is a good idea for a new player with a $99.7 million contract to try to ingratiate himself with the local fans by getting to know their culture, but this seems like it may be a bit excessive, especially now that he seems to be backing down, claiming, “We are all Jewish.” Unless Amar’e fully intends to be a practicing Jew, he risks disappointing the 2 million or so Jews in New York City before he’s ever stepped on a court. That many believe he is likely to disappoint them after he steps on the court is another matter entirely.
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