Minister is heart and 'Soles' for Bulls

A man of the cloth giving pre-game advice to an NBA player before a game?

It's not so unusual. "A preacher invented the game of basketball," says the Rev. Henry Soles, the Bulls' team chaplain since 1979, referring to Dr. James Naismith. "So, I have every right to be here."

For the past 25 years, Rev. Soles has been as much a part of the Bulls organization as mascot Benny the Bull or the Luv-A-Bulls dance team. A highly recognized, ordained minister who is an associate pastor at the Du Page AME Church in Lisle, Soles, along with his assistant, the Rev. Scott Bradley, attempts to keep the Bulls winning in their spiritual lives.

An hour or so before every Bulls game at the United Center, Soles or Bradley, or both, conduct a chapel service. For about 15 minutes they read passages from the Bible and talk with the players about the importance of having God at the head of their lives.

Not only are players from both teams welcome at the chapel services, members of the media and employees of the Bulls and United Center are also invited to attend. Chapel services are considered private and reporters looking for a good story are advised to keep the services that way.

Although most players are going through their pre game rituals, many still find the time to stop by for the chapel service.

Over the years such high profile players as Grant Hill, David Robinson, Reggie Theus, Julius Erving and Michael Jordan have been regulars at chapel services. "Just because these players make millions of dollars and are highly recognized, doesn't mean they don't have problems," Soles says. "Take away the ball, uniform and glamour and they are just like the rest of us."

In addition, Soles lets players realize that they have a responsibility to the community.

"The Lord taught us to share our blessings," Soles told the Defender. "I tell the players they should share what has been given to them, particularly in the Black community."

Every NBA team conducts a chapel service during home games. Indiana Pacer broadcaster and former player Clark Kellogg is a regular contributor to the chapel service at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

"Chapel service is a way to expose players to the Word of God," Kellogg says. "They travel so much during the season it's not easy for them to attend regular church services sometimes."

Soles is among the senior team chaplains in the NBA. A native of Anniston, Alabama who grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, Soles also has held chapel services for the Cubs, Bears and White Sox.

Soles says he attempts to let players know that their athletic ability is a blessing and that it won't last forever.

"The pressure on these players can be enormous," says Soles. "With all their money and fame, temptation is sure to follow them."

Bradley joined Soles as assistant chaplain of the Bulls in 1984. With his bright smile and friendly manner, it's hard to imagine that he is a former Marine.

Soles and Bradley not only talk to players and others during the pre-game chapel services, but they give out their home phone numbers so they can seek counsel whenever they need it.

In 1979, Soles offered to conduct chapel services for the Bulls. With the help of former Bull Dwight Jones, Soles received the go-ahead to perform the services at the chapel.

Things have changed at chapel services. At the old Chicago Stadium it was held in a cramped dressing room that also served as the dressing room for Benny the Bull, who also was a regular at chapel services.

One of Soles' memories of players is of Jordan. It was Soles who counseled Jordan when his father was tragically murdered in 1993.

It was also Jordan, who wore a black armband during a game to mourn the death of Soles' mother in 1997.

"Michael was the greatest player ever, but because of his strong family background, he still found time to give thanks to the Lord," Soles says.

The Reverend recalled the time one player asked for a prayer to let his team win a game. Instead, Soles said a prayer for both teams and that no player would be seriously injured during the game.

"God is not a fan for any certain team over another," Soles said with a smile. "He loves all of his children no matter what team they are playing for."

Article copyright REAL TIMES Inc.

Photograph (Kenny Thomas, Tyson Chandler)