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There’s a report out of Tampa Bay today that Tim Tebow declined an invitation to be a part of Playboy’s All-America team.
Florida assistant sports information director Zack Higbee actually made the decision for Tebow months ago, but only recently told him of it. While Tebow was fine with the decision, Playboy’s senior vice president and photographer director Gary Cole, was not.
“I don’t hate it when someone has all the facts, understands what our weekend and our history is and then chooses not to attend,” Cole told Florida Today.
“I do hate it when someone bases their choice on false or incomplete information…The weekend (in Phoenix) is completely wholesome. I have always brought my children whether they were one or 16 years old. It’s a really special few days when these fellows get the opportunity to meet each other and spend a little time together. Friendships are formed at these weekends that last a lifetime.”
As it turns out, Cole says that West Virginia’s Pat White, and not Tebow, was the choice for All-American at QB anyway. So take THAT, Missionary Boy!
Deadspin’s sarcastic take on it was to wonder if Tebow has ever done anything wrong, saying “…Tim Tebow continued to be better than you or me.” Honestly, I’m sure Tebow isn’t trying to make some sort of statement with this. I’m guessing he would have liked it to go quietly unnoticed.
But really, this is nobody’s fault but Playboy’s. They’ve spent many years and billions of dollars creating the brand recognition that they have. No matter how “family-friendly” their All-America weekend is, it’s not what anyone thinks about when they think Playboy. Don’t give me this “…incomplete information…” garbage. Ask 100 people on the street what they think of when they hear “playboy” and NO ONE will say, “their All-America Football Picks”.
Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t have faulted Tebow for being named in their magazine. Had he been named in the magazine as an All-American, I wouldn’t take it as any type of endorsement of the publication itself. But if he chooses to distance himself from the Bunny, he has every right.
Playboy wanted to own the market on female skin, and until Al Gore invented the internet, they had it. So you know what, if someone doesn’t want to be associated with the infamous brand YOU created, you’re just going to have to deal with it.
And if you need something for your tears, rip a page out of one of those great magazine articles to dry them.