Calvin Johnson not the first Detroit Lion to support abstinence, but many fans applaud his message

Gillian Van Stratt | By Gillian Van Stratt |
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Calvin Johnson isn't the first Detroit Lion to take a stand on abstinence.

Barry Sanders infamously took part in the pro-abstinence movement with the 1994 Athletes for Abstinence "It Ain't Worth It" rap video.

But when word spread recently of Johnson's choice to fund the film "Real Love" - "a coming-of-age story about a girl trying to stay true to her virginity and her religion" - many fans spoke up to express their support.

"Real Love" was filmed in Johnson's native state of Georgia.

The chiding and the controversy was expected; the overwhelmingly positive reaction was not. You can't just get behind a cause and not expect the internet to question you, but Calvin's fans seem mostly accepting of his stance.

"It's nice to see (a) professional athlete get behind a cause that actually has value," MLive reader getreal58 wrote. "Unlike so many of these guys who don't want to be held up as an example to anything but stupidity. Calvin doesn't seem to be concerned about being associated with something which could be highly scrutinized for sending an unpopular message. Mostly to kids who probably need exactly what message he is getting behind. Anyone who wants to be critical of Calvin for his efforts here, really need to introspectively examine their own values.... Awesome Calvin."

barry-sanders-aint-worth-it.jpgCalvin Johnson's movie "Real Love" brings back memories of this 1994 classic video, "It Ain't Worth It", starring Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders. 
It wasn't even about total agreement with the message itself.

"If any of you have young daughters and you are the "over protective du would probably want YOUR daughter to watch this and consider the message???," wrote Mayhewgmoftheyear. "I admire the stance Megatron is taking. People will talking about you no matter what you do. Just because a guy does something you don't agree with, it doesn't AUTOMATICALLY make him have bad judgement, he shouldn't be disliked or talked about negatively. You have never heard Megatron preaching religion openly."

In many cases, it comes down to professional athletes as role models for their children. And in this case, Megatron seems to get the parental seal of approval.

"Calvin is my son's favorite player," MLive reader cbag76 shared. "He is 10 and I am so greatful [sic] that at least one of his "heroes" believes that self control is a choice. Thank you Calvin."

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