SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES
Does ‘Entourage’ role contradict Russell Wilson’s values?
May 22, 2015, 12:23 PM | Updated: 2:47 pm
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson holds hands in a prayer circle following a November Seahawks game. (AP)
(AP)
The HBO series “Entourage” is making its move from the small to the big screen and is taking Seattle Seahawk Russell Wilson with it.
Wilson has a cameo in the film and recently hosted its cast in Seattle. But KIRO Radio’s Ron Upshaw is not entirely on board with Wilson’s enthusiasm over the cable show that seems to run counter to the quarterback’s promoted values.
“‘Entourage’ is about the least Christian-oriented show you can be,” Ron said.
“It’s not the least Christian show, but it’s in the top five,” he added.
Wilson is not just in the upcoming film, he is also a fan of the show, and grew up watching it in middle and high school with his friends.
“We used to sit in the house and watch the show from day one,” Wilson said in a video posted on the Seahawks’ website. Russell interviews the cast and director in the video.
Leading up to the film’s June 3 release, actors Kevin Dillon, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara and director Doug Ellin visited Seattle this week to promote the film. They were treated to a private screening of the movie, hosted by Wilson, for Seahawks players, coaches and staff at the VMAC in Renton.
Related: Entourage cast discuss Russell Wilson on 710 ESPN Seattle
Co-host Don O’Neill advised Ron to give Wilson a break.
“You should stop following him on Twitter because he puts up too many Bible verses, and then it bothers you when he says he likes ‘Entourage.'”
Ron notes that there are a variety of music stars that curse and use other foul language in their lyrics, then often cite God.
“Maybe you are a Christian culturally or … it’s part of your identity,” Ron said. “And you always believed you are a Christian in a Christian nation, and you go to church and you enjoy the fellowship part of it and the positive messages.”
“But then when it comes down to your day-to-day decisions and the things that entertain you or the things you like to do, it’s like ‘oh, Entourage, I like it,'” Ron said. “You wouldn’t show ‘Entourage’ at your church. But you would show it at the VMAC?”
Don attempted to remind Ron that he usually accepts the notion that a person is not defined by one thing or another.
“Why can’t you put Russell Wilson in that file of yours and let him be a Christian and let him like “Entourage?'” Don asked.
“And let him date Ciara,” Ron said.
