Over the weekend, Penn State Nittany Lions star wrestler Aaron Brooks won his third national championship. But during his celebratory interview, he caused quite a bit of controversy.
Following his NCAA title win on Saturday afternoon, Aaron Brooks conducted an interview where he attributed his athletic success to his Christian faith. However, he also made some disparaging remarks about the Islamic profit Muhammad that left many people quite offended.
“It’s everything. Christ’s resurrection is everything,” Brooks said after the match. “Not just his life, but his death and resurrection. You can only get that through Him. The Holy Spirit only through Him. No false prophets, no Muhammad or no anyone else. Only Jesus Christ himself.”
https://twitter.com/NCAAWrestling/status/1637245327181742080
“I’m blessed. God used me. He gave me this platform for this right here,” Brooks said. “It’s all for his glory.”
While Brooks likely meant for his words to be inspiring and intended to simply share his own faith in the interview, many were angry at his comments toward the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
Muhammad is the founder and primary prophet of the world religion of Islam. Referring to him as a “false prophet” was offensive to many.
Disgusting. But he can say what he wants. Why is the NCAA promoting this anti-Muslim rhetoric? What a bankrupt "non-profit".
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) March 19, 2023
https://twitter.com/cryptogride/status/1637491174662348803?s=20
I've heard plenty of Christian pastors say this, but it's wild to see a Christian athlete trash Muslims during a post-match interview by calling Muhammad a "false" prophet. https://t.co/DHVFCvisNb
— Hemant Mehta (@hemantmehta) March 20, 2023
Our Philadelphia chapter @CAIRPhilly is encouraging Mr. Blake, who made a random disparaging remark about #ProphetMuhammad (may peace be upon him) during this interview, to meet with his Muslim classmates at #PennState to build bridges, exchange perspectives, and discuss how… https://t.co/57K86VLdVk pic.twitter.com/PLyr9QIG5P
— CAIR National (@CAIRNational) March 19, 2023
I have no problem with this guy thanking god or whatever he wants to credit his success to, but he didn't need to denigrate other religions. Always surprises me that people of faith don't stick together more.
— Seton O'Connor (@HiMyNameIsSeton) March 20, 2023
Neither Brooks nor Penn State addressed his controversial comments following the match.
