Tim Tebow finds himself at the center of a serious controversy after journalist Pablo Torre investigated his ties to Life Surge, a prominent faith-based motivational and financial organization.
In the latest episode of the "Pablo Torre Finds Out" podcast, Torre examined Tebow's relationship with the company and highlighted multiple cases in which people said they lost thousands of dollars through the organization.
Torre also reported that Tebow's relationship with Life Surge has been substantial, with the former Denver Broncos star allegedly earning between $50,000 and $100,000 per appearance.
Tebow addressed the situation publicly for the first time Friday, Sept. 25.
"I think the allegations are extremely, extremely serious," Tebow said. "And it's something that we take very seriously.
"For us, we're having our team do an investigation but also pausing our relationship till we can learn more about the facts to be able to understand more."
Tebow was also asked whether he was aware of the allegations before Torre's investigation. He chose his words carefully in response.
"Honestly, I was at an anti-human trafficking conference yesterday, and the team shared with me when we were leaving as we were flying to Alabama for an event," Tebow said.
"Kind of caught off guard with some of it, and that's why we're trying to understand more of the facts to really learn it."
For the record, Life Surge's website still lists Tebow as a featured speaker for its Oct. 10 Charlotte event, although his announced pause in the relationship leaves that appearance uncertain.
Naturally, the situation sparked divided reactions on social media.
"There's just an endless supply of people who continue to fall for these religious scams. It seems so easy to spot when you're being scammed, but I guess God blinds them," one user on X noted.
"Jeez, man. The prosperity gospel is the biggest stain on the church. Shame on these people. Thankful someone is exposing this," another fan said.
While Tebow admits he was "caught off guard" by this week's report on Life Surge, Torre said he had attempted to contact the former NFL quarterback several times before publishing his findings. Tebow did not respond.
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Several fans also backed Tebow online, with one arguing , "Tebow is a legit good guy. He can get scammed too. If true, he will own and hold himself accountable."
According to Torre, those who attend Life Surge events are urged to sign up for "impact classes" for $97. Those who sign up for those courses are then presented with mentorship and coaching options that cost at least $10,000.
He described this strategy as "predatory."
Life Surge has disputed that characterization, saying its programs are optional and that it does not train employees to pressure customers into taking on debt they cannot afford.
Another fan shared their thoughts on the situation, writing , "Religion SCAMS are the worst! How sick can these people be? Glad Tebow at least spoke up regarding this. Seems like a good dude, but don't change; he's front for a huge SCAM!"
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Another fan piled on, "I just straight up don't believe that he didn't know it was scammy."
Then this X user chimed in , "If he is truly sorry and apologetic, then perhaps he should use some of his personal funds to pay back the people who were defrauded by the Life Surge. Put his money where his mouth is; otherwise, he is just full of [expletive]."
It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds in the coming months and whether customers who say they lost money through Life Surge will receive any reimbursement.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network .
