I've come to learn to trust whatever it is that Stray Gator says.
That said, I think that which distinguishes the adoration Tebow receives from the media and that which was hurled upon Shane Battier is the evangelical element that is brought to bear.
That is by no means an attempt at excusing the vitriol that arises from a disbelieving public against those we're told by others are great people--be they politicians, college athletes or whomever else. I think it's great that there are people out there that feel strongly about things and are willing to share those feelings with the pulpit they've been afforded.
Some people champion political or social causes when a megaphone is placed in their hands. And some people champion religious ones. Others, none at all.
The religious aspect of Tebow (and plenty others) does, I'd suggest, distinguish the situation a bit.
I'm a big Ohio State fan. Tressel, not unlike Tebow, is credited with--at the very least--being a good person. The fact that he is a very religious person is often cited as a reason why. And like Tebow, Tressel has no qualms with speaking of his faith, and of using the access sport has afforded him to share that faith with whomever listens.
There are many in Columbus, however, who for whatever reason will cringe when
Tressel hosts religious events.
My suspicion is that many react similarly to Tebow when he espouses his specific beliefs.
All
that said, that probably has nothing to do with Tommy's remark. Just throwin' it out there for conversation's sake. It certainly has nothing to do with Tebow's tremendous accomplishments on the field, nor with the media coverage that accompanies it.
I do think many react negatively to Tebow in a unique way--compared to how they reacted to Battier--because of the religious elements that often coincide with--and are often used to augment and/or exacerbate--the praise Tebow receives.