The world of professional sports is going through a period of economic prosperity.  Fan attendance and viewership is up, contracts are outrageous and the athletes who comprise this world have reached a new level of popularity.  Along with the notoriety that these players bring to their respective sports, there is a heightened level of scrutiny into their personal lives.  It is a sad reality of modern journalism but sex sells and so do scandals.  This is why the stories of the Mitchell Report (accusations of steroid use by many major league baseball players), Michael Vick (federal charges of dogfighting) and Tim Donaghy (federal charges of gambling) continue to make headlines throughout the country.

However, contrary to popular belief, there are persons in the NBA and in sports in general who portray a different sort of values - one of family, significance and conscience.  One such player is veteran point guard Mike Wilks who has recently signed with the Washington Wizards.  In Wilks, the Wizards receive a player with no scandals, no tabloid fodder and no extra-marital affairs.  Rather, Mike has decided to uplift the community and the game of basketball by incorporating the values and ideals of his religion into his daily life.

"The Bible teaches us to be a light.  We are to witness at all times and speak when necessary," says Wilks.  "That means carrying myself in a certain manner.  Because of what I do [professionally] and the fact that I'm a Christian, people are looking at my actions and how I conduct myself more than anything."

With all of the bickering, the off-court troubles, and the scandals that NBA players endure, one has to wonder if God and the National Basketball Association (or any sport for that matter) can truly co-exist.  Can players believe in a Higher Power and still become involved in drug usage, criminal sexual abuse, and other illegalities? 

"Regardless of what the media portrays, you can live a virtuous life in the NBA," Mike says with no hesitation.  "For me, it's all about being a positive role model not only for the kids but for my fellow players as well.  People will test you, just to see if you actually practice what you preach."

Even though Wilks is portraying a positive image of his NBA experience, it must be difficult to remain true to the principles of his faith and still make a living in a sport that is sometimes fraught with controversy; difficult in the sense that with all of the craziness and sometimes odd behavior from many of his colleagues, he is sure to stick out like a sore thumb because of his unwavering stance on what's right and what's not.

"Not at all," Mike insists.  "I have been very fortunate.  On every team that I've played for - Atlanta, Minnesota, Houston, San Antonio, Cleveland, Seattle, Denver - the players have been very supportive of my beliefs and seemingly, comfortable around me.  I still have fun with my teammates and they are my friends.  They respect my lifestyle and beliefs and they want me to be comfortable in my environment.  We hang out at the movies, restaurants, bowling alleys or each other's homes.  I really haven't experienced much ostracism."

When you think about it, it is understandable that Wilks' teammates accept his lifestyle and because he doesn't force his beliefs on others, everyone is cool with him.  However, with the fans, especially the young ladies who follow professional basketball, it must be difficult to remain on the straight and narrow path.

"Again, although temptation is around NBA players all the time, for me, it's not difficult at all," claims Wilks.  "I am happily married. When I'm on the road, I spend most of my time talking to my wife, reading, or watching movies.  I try not to put myself in situations or environments where I will tempted to do things contrary to the word of God.  I really have the best of both worlds.  Because I'm in the league, I do have some fans that recognize me but since I'm not the superstar like LeBron or Kobe, I can blend in with the crowd."

Instead of worrying about naysayer questioning how a pro athlete can truly be faithful to his religious beliefs in a very secular organization, Mike turns the table and asks how one can survive in this business without God.

"Being a pro athlete can be rough at times," he exclaims.  "I don't see how people in this industry can live without Him.  In the NBA, there is so much conditional love.  The fans, management, and even the players love you when you're playing well.  However, these same people can turn into your worst critics or act like you don't exist when things aren't going so well.  If you put you faith in people chances are they will let you down.  But I know that God is faithful. He always loves me and promises to never leave me nor forsake me."

We've established through our conversations with Mike, that he is a dedicated husband, a devout Christian and someone who wants to be remembered for his actions on and off of the court.  It is evident that Mike enjoys playing the game of basketball and has met many interesting people by doing so.  Most players in the league want to shoot the best, jump the highest, score the most or some combination thereof.  After getting to know Mike Wilks the person, we suspect that his motivations for playing basketball are slightly different.

"Don't get me wrong, I love to win and I want to be the best I can be.  I am extremely competitive and I go at it with my teammates in practice and my opponents in games," says Wilks.  "However, what I'm playing for goes beyond the NBA, and the accolades and stats of basketball.  Basketball is a platform to give God the glory, to establish relationships and to positively influence the younger generation.  The influence that pro athletes can have on kids is special.  Even myself, I'm not a superstar, but the fact that I'm in the NBA makes kids more receptive to what I have to say.  The NBA is a vehicle that enhances my ability to affect positive change in the community.  Playing in the NBA is a tool that allows me to accomplish my purpose of edifying the lives of others."

Whether or not you share Mike's beliefs, he is certainly worthy of respect.  Not just because he is someone who stands on principles (although that may be enough), but he has made a conscience decision to participate in a league where morals are somewhat questionable and STILL maintain a close relationship with God.  He is definitely the type of individual that the NBA needs more of and the Wizards are fortunate to have a player like him on the roster.  His respect for the game and the unconditional love that he displays for his teammates makes Mike Wilks an excellent ambassador for the National Basketball Association.