This is no joke. A bill in honor of Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Tim Tebow was just passed by Alabama’s House of Representatives that now allows home-schooled students “to play sports for their local public schools.”
Tebow earned the name in the bill because he was home-schooled before playing at Florida. Back in 1996, a comparable law was passed by the State of Florida which allowed kids who were home-schooled to play sports at their local schools. Therefore, Tebow had the opportunity to play football for Nease High School and then proceeded to help lead his team to a state championship in 2005. Eventually, Tebow became a 2007 Heisman Trophy winner and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
The Tim Tebow Bill website (that’s a real thing) states that not only does the law support athletes, but also musicians and the “entire system of education.” Alabama is attempting to join 28 other states that have like-type bills in legislation. Although the bill will have to pass through Alabama’s State Senate, it is anticipated that it will. The bill will not ensure that home-schooled students get a spot on a team, however it provides them with the opportunity to try out. This is providing certain academic requirements are met.
Additionally, home-schooled students can only participate in school activities after they have entered seventh grade and only play in activities for which the school is zoned.
It is excellent that so many states have adopted such legislation. And this story headlining Tebow gives everyone just one more opportunity to either love or hate on the quarterback just a bit more.
Photo: USA Today