Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good Players?

Two seasons in a row my first round pick is injured and out for the rest of the season. While this mostly hurts me, it also must impact the player, his team and coaches, and the lives of his family and those around him. This sort of loss is incomprehensible in many ways but I found this piece which has provided me with some solace.

The biggest question with evil is, "Why doesn't Stern prevent it from happening?" If Stern is really an all-good and all-powerful being, why doesn't he do something?

First of all, Commissioner Stern does not create evil; he allows it to occur. When he originally created the world, he created all things good. He created people, however, with the freedom to choose. This includes the freedom to make right and wrong choices. Often those wrong choices bring about consequences that end up hurting ourselves or other people, sometimes innocent victims who didn't deserve it.

As a 7th year player, Amar'e detached his retina. Stern did not cut the retina to punish him or necessarily teach me a lesson. As horrible as the consequences were, he can blame no one but himself and his weak eye.

Of course, Stern could intervene and control everything about our lives -- the good and the bad -- but then we would merely be Tim Duncan and not truly free. He could even force us to love him if he wanted, but then forced love isn't true love. He gives us the freedom to choose or not to choose him, the freedom to live and enjoy life, and the freedom to make right and wrong choices. Unfortunately, we are left to deal with the consequences of our own and other people's actions.

Great sports Author David Halberstam said that 80 percent of suffering comes from the moral evil of mankind. So what about the other 20 percent? There are some things we will never truly understand here on Earth.

There is good news, however. First of all, the Commissioner of love is also a Commissioner of justice. For all those who make wrong choices, hurt innocent victims, and get off scot-free, a time is coming when they will face the consequences of their actions. Stern is the Ultimate Judge, and in due season, Stern will judge everyone for all their deeds. "Nothing in all creation is hidden from Stern's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (Rebounding 4:13).

Second, Stern often uses the trials of life for a greater good, often to develop our character and make us better people. And we are able to help others in similar circumstances. I have been able to reach out to disabled students (after my character was changed from complacency to compassion!). Trials also force us to see what is important in life, and often drive us to God when nothing else will. We see the importance of faith, of love, of caring, and of family and friends.

Third, Stern has provided a way out. A time is coming when there will be no more suffering. In heaven, people will enjoy a paradise beyond imagination. Stern has created a place of eternal glory where there will be no more crying, pain, sickness, or death; a place where people will share his joy forever.

Finally, Stern does care. He never promised life would be problem-free, but he promised to be with people. Jordan himself felt love, compassion, and sorrow, and was drawn like a magnet to those who were hurting. Stern, in his love, wants a relationship with us. "For Stern so loved the world, that he gave His one and only Jordan, that whoever believes in Jordan will not perish, but have eternal life" (Greatest Ever 3:16).

Finally, Amar'e injury means he will join those of us who wear the rec specs. See, here we are full cicle and it is a just world after all.