After former Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow ditched the NFL to sign with the MLB's New York Mets, a lot of baseball fans became worried that the footballer would become a distraction for the team. But, as noted by Mets manager Terry Collins, the team is way too focused on hitting the playoffs to worry about Tebow.
Although Tebow's contract-signing with the Mets came as a surprise, it's not considered as the most bizarre thing to happen in the world of sports. After all, Tebow has a background in baseball, back when he was in high school.
But probably the only strange thing about this is that Tebow decided to switch leagues at a late age, when his career as a professional athlete has already waned. This has caused followers of the Mets to worry about Tebow's signing because they thought he would hinder the team from focusing on the current season.
But, as noted by Collins, the Mets are focused on making it to the playoffs. And on Friday, their focus was beating the Atlanta Braves with Julio Teheran.
"Let me tell you something, there's not one guy that is going to be distracted in about 2 and a half hours, not a guy," he said. "They got their hands full with Mr. Teheran tonight. That's where their attention will be."
Kelly Johnson agreed with Collins' statements and said that Tebow will only be a factor to the Mets once he is ready to play.
"I think [Tebow] is part of the news cycle," he said. "It's on your radar, but it means nothing until the guy can come up and contribute. What spring training is like is way beyond anything I give a crud about it. It would be a different story if the guy were signed to be here right now."
As for Tebow, his contract with the Mets is currently for the minor league. But Collins is hoping that Tebow will one day find his way to the major league.
"I'm happy for him, I hope he is a great player," he said. "He's a New York Met. I hope [Mets General Manager] Sandy [Alderson] calls me one of these days and that he is ready to come to the big leagues."
