CHAPTER 1: The School Play, a New Religion and the Fall of a One-Time Packers Hero

🌈 Abstract

The article explores the story of Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (KGB), a former NFL player for the Green Bay Packers, and his involvement with the Straitway Truth Ministry, a religious group with ties to the Black Hebrew Israelite movement. The article delves into KGB's religious journey, his strained relationships with teammates and the community, and the events surrounding an incident at his children's school's Christmas program, where two of KGB's associates were found to be carrying concealed firearms.

🙋 Q&A

[01] KGB's Religious Journey

1. What were the key events in KGB's religious journey?

• KGB was raised primarily in the Muslim faith but converted to Christianity during his rookie season with the Packers.
• He became deeply interested in the Bible and often engaged in lengthy religious discussions with teammates, coaches, and the team chaplain.
• Around 2016, KGB was introduced to the ideas of Hebrew Israelism and the Hebrew Roots movement, which led him to the Straitway Truth Ministry and Pastor Charles Dowell.
• KGB became increasingly influenced by Dowell's teachings, which included a literal interpretation of the Bible, beliefs about women's roles, and conspiracy theories.
• KGB's religious beliefs and behavior caused tensions with his teammates, coaches, and the broader Green Bay community.

2. How did KGB's religious views evolve over time?

• KGB started as an "Old Testament Christian" who would engage in debates about biblical passages and ask uncomfortable questions.
• He became more rigid in his religious beliefs, adopting a very literal interpretation of the Bible and promoting ideas like the sanctity of marriage, the inferiority of women, and the damnation of those who did not share his beliefs.
• His religious views became increasingly extreme, leading him to join the Straitway Truth Ministry, which has been accused of cult-like behavior and indoctrination.

[02] The Christmas Program Incident

1. What happened at the Providence Academy Christmas program?

• Two of KGB's associates, Ryan Desmith and Jordan Salmi, attended the Christmas program at Providence Academy, where KGB's children were performing.
• The school's headmaster, Ron Jung, recognized the men and believed they were there to cause trouble, so he called the police.
• When the police arrived, they searched Desmith and Salmi and found that they were both carrying loaded semiautomatic pistols and additional ammunition.
• KGB arrived at the scene and argued with the police, but was ultimately allowed to leave.
• The incident led to the school being shut down for the rest of the winter break, and some families even withdrew their children from the school.

2. How did KGB respond to the incident?

• KGB claims he sent Desmith and Salmi to the church to record his children's participation in the program, as he had objected to their involvement.
• He denies that Desmith and Salmi were his "followers" and insists they were his "brothers" who were not there to cause trouble.
• KGB believes the community's reaction to the incident was driven by racial bias and a misunderstanding of his religious beliefs and practices.
• He has been critical of the police and school's response, and has threatened legal action against them.

[03] KGB's Relationship with the Green Bay Community

1. How did KGB's religious views impact his relationships in the Green Bay community?

• KGB's intense religiosity and literal interpretation of the Bible caused tensions with his teammates, coaches, and the broader community.
• He would often engage in lengthy debates about religious topics, which many of his teammates found off-putting and uncomfortable.
• KGB's beliefs about the inferiority of women and the damnation of those who did not share his views further alienated him from the community.
• After the Christmas program incident, the community became increasingly fearful of KGB and his associates, leading to a strained relationship.

2. How did the community respond to KGB's involvement with the Straitway Ministry?

• The community was deeply concerned about KGB's involvement with the Straitway Ministry, which has been accused of cult-like behavior and indoctrination.
• Parents of children at Providence Academy were worried about the potential for further incidents and the safety of their children.
• The Green Bay Police Department, the FBI, and Packers security have all been monitoring KGB and his associates, further straining the relationship between KGB and the community.
• Some families, including that of Packers kicker Mason Crosby, even withdrew their children from Providence Academy after the Christmas program incident.