In 1998 the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League used its second spot in the NFL draft to take Washington State University quarterback Ryan Leaf. There were two highly rated quarterbacks in the draft that year. Leaf being one and Peyton Manning of the University of Tennessee being the other. When the Indianapolis Colts picked Manning, the Chargers had the no brainer choice to choose Leaf with their pick. Many of you, even those who do not follow professional football, will recognize the name Peyton Manning. Manning went on to a Hall of Fame career and has had a very successful career in advertising. His Father had a successful career in the NFL as did his brother, Eli.
Leaf? Well, things did not go as well for this “can’t miss prospect”. Leaf was blessed with an outstanding physique for a quarterback and had a very strong throwing arm. No one faulted the Chargers for choosing Leaf that year. Problems with Leaf, however, began early. First, he gained 20 lbs. before the NFL combine…where athletes performed a variety of activities for the scouts to judge their potential as NFL players. Once drafted, he skipped a mandatory NFL symposium and incurring a $10,000 fine. He began his first season with poor play and then unloaded on a reporter in the locker room by yelling obscenities at him during the course of the interview. He finished the 1998 season with subpar performances but blamed his play on the media and his teammates. In 1999 he suffered multiple injuries and got into a shouting match with his coach. He also elected to play golf instead of studying film for upcoming games. In the end, San Diego released Leaf from the team. He later played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys. But he suffered similar issues with those teams and was released as well. He dealt with substance abuse issues after leaving the NFL. He currently works as a sports announcer and travels around the country giving talks on criminal justice reform and mental health issues. A promising career unfulfilled. Many regard Leaf as the biggest bust among quarterbacks in NFL history. Gifts given and gifts left unused.
Solomon. One could say that he was also a can’t miss prospect. After all, his Father was DAVID. The greatest king Israel had known. In spite of his weaknesses. There was much hope in Solomon’s abilities to lead Israel to even greater heights. In today’s reading from 1st Kings we see Solomon getting off on the right foot. He recognizes his youth and inexperience in governing the nation. So when the Lord approaches Solomon, in a dream it turns out, and asks what he requests that God give him, Solomon asks for the wisdom and understanding to make right decisions for the people. His humility shines before God in such a way that God also grants him riches and glory. Solomon also carried out the dream of David in that he had the temple constructed in Jerusalem, bringing God’s presence back to the holy city. All good so far, right?
Apparently Solomon’s wisdom lasted only so long. His power and wealth grew over the forty years of his reign. Even attracting the attention of the Queen of Sheba. He became legendary and perhaps becoming a legend in his own mind. Solomon began accumulating numerous wives and concubines. 700 and 300 respectively. And many, many of these were foreign. Worshipping idols and pagan gods. Over time, Solomon fell into the practice of sacrificing to the gods of his wives. He even began constructing high altars to the gods of his wives. Pulling him further and further from the one true God. The God of his Father and his ancestors.
So God informs Solomon near the end of his kingship that because he disobeyed him, he would take his kingdom away from him. But it would be done after Solomon dies, in respect for his Father David. Solomon’s son Rehoboam assume the throne following Solomon’s death. As a result of his harsh policies towards the Northern part of the kingdom, Israel split leaving Rehoboam with just one tribe, Judah, to rule over. And we know that both Israel and Judah fell to conquering armies as a consequence of their division.
So much promise and so much early success with Solomon. When he proved faithful to God, and kept his relationship close to the Lord, he utilized his gifts in a way to benefit his people and to please God. But as he allowed the world and the culture to occupy a growing part of his being, little room was left for God. And he drifted. He strayed from God’s plan for him. God has a plan for each of us. And in the quiet of spending time with Him through Scripture, Adoration, the Sacraments and prayer He speaks to us and guides us. The noise of the world, when we allow it to occupy a prominent place in our hearts, blocks out God’s word and presence. And we drift. It happened to Solomon and, to some degree, it happened to Ryan Leaf. Remain in God’s company. We have no greater friend.
