Long Island students suspended for “Tebowing” (VIDEO)
Four Long Island high school students were suspended for mimicking Tim Tebow’s prayer pose and causing a frenzy in the school hallways.
Have you taken a moment and done your Tebowing for the day?
Tim Tebow isn’t just the young Denver Broncos starting quarterback, he’s currently a national icon, and even a trend on Google. Tebow-mania has spread like wildfire across the country, and people are mimicking the quarterback’s famous prayer pose, which he does after he scores a touchdown, now known as “Tebowing.”
But the pose that represents a success for Tebow meant suspension for a few New York teenagers at Riverdale High School on Long Island.
Twin brothers, Tyler and Connor Carroll of Riverhead High School and classmates Jordan Fulcoly and Wayne Drexel were suspended from school for a day after they kneeled and bowed their heads, Tebow-style, in the hallway, the New York Post reported. Administrators said the teens’ week long “Tebowing” event was a distraction and a hallway hazard. It caused a frenzy with dozens of classmates joining in on the Tebow party.
“It was basically just a tribute to Tim Tebow,” said Connor, 17, who planned the prank with his brother and friends, The Post reported. “It was more than a religious thing. There was some of that involved obviously, because he prays. I guess it was basically like a moment of silence."
Connor is a senior linebacker for the school’s football team. About 40 classmates followed suit after the “Tebowing” caught on.
"It’s wonderful that our students look up to sports heroes such as Mr. Tebow, but we can’t allow students to create unsafe situations in school," Riverhead superintendent Nancy Carney said, CBS Sports reported. "Students cannot block hallways and prevent other students from getting to class."
Carney said Riverhead’s Principle David Wicks made the right decision in the matter, especially after they were warned earlier in the week. She added, "this is not about religious discrimination. It is about being sure kids are able to get to class on time and keeping the kids safe and orderly. These students were warned and and did it again. If the kids aren't going to abide by rules, there are consequences,” USA Today reported.
Tebow spent his college career at the University of Florida, where he won the Heisman Trophy. His open religious beliefs have attracted a lot of attention, along with his late-game win tactics.