"Many worship the hunt, the fishing trip, the vacation, the wekend picnics and outings. Others have as their idols the games of sport, baseball, football, the bullfight, or golf. These pursuits more often than not interfere with the worship of the Lord and with giving service to the building up of the kingdom of God. To the participants this emphasis may not seem serious, yet it indicates where their allegiance and loyalty are." Pres. Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, p 41

Some athletes have been known to cheat by taking prohibited chemicals into their bodies in an effort to temporarily enhance their performance. Whether in sports or in the game of life, we need to achieve honestly, under our own steam, and not on false merit.
Pres. James E. Faust (Gen Conf Oct 1996)

Our model is not the latest popular hero of sports or entertainment, not our accumulated property or prestige, and not the expensive toys and diversions that encourage us to concentrate on what is temporary and forget what is eternal. Our model--our first priority--is Jesus Christ.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks (Gen Conf Oct 1995)

Thou shalt not bow to any graven image.9 Our Father in Heaven must come first. Nothing in this world can take His place. Teach your children to recognize His hand in all things, to respect and honor Him.10 Show them how to worship Him through selfless service to others. Worship Him in family prayer and family home evening. We fail to worship Him when we give preeminence to sports, academics, entertainment, wealth, vanity, or anything else of this world.
Elder Lynn A. Mickelsen (Gen Conf Oct 1995)

At this very moment, international heroes in sports, music, and movies not only live immoral lives but teach that immorality around the world through the powerful influence of the media.
Elder Durrel A.Woolsey (Gen Conf Oct 1995)

Our meetinghouses are designed so that we may enjoy socials, dancing, drama, even sports. All of these are important. But these auxiliary activities should be subdued when compared with what the world is doing. Music, dress, and conduct associated with them are quite different from what is appropriate in the chapel or classroom on the Sabbath day.
Elder Boyd K. Packer (Gen Conf Oct 1991)

The heroes or superstars in the sports and entertainment world, and there are many, frequently become examples of dishonest, instability, and infidelity. They flagrantly and indifferently flaunt those weaknesses of character and immorality before a doting and accepting world, as Korihor said, "according to the management of the creature" (Alma 30:17).
Elder Durrel A. Woolsey (Gen Conf Oct 1990)

One example is sports. Many of us enjoy going to ball games and watching them on television. I am no exception. I love to watch a good athletic contest. If we spend excessive time with sporting events, however, we may neglect things that are much more important.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (Gen Conf Oct 1990)

Choose to be different. Distinguish yourself from worldly crowds. Defenders do not resemble offenders. Among them are clever merchandisers who plot to link beer with sports, tobacco with charm, and drugs with tin. Scripture warns of those who so deceive
Elder Russell M. Nelson (Gen Conf Oct 1988)

I have observed that some fathers spend too much time watching sports on television. This practice has almost become an addiction in today's world. It should never cause us to neglect family and Church duties. Television is out of control in some homes.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (Gen Conf Oct 1988)

Lately we have received at the Office of the First Presidency letters which tell of serious arguments on the sports floor or playing field, name-calling by parents, abuse of referees, and all that characterizes poor sportsmanship. We have room for improvement, brethren, and improve we must.
Pres. Thomas S. Monson (Gen Conf Oct 1988)

In the videotape produced by the Church and entitled The Church Sports Official, there is featured this truth from the First Presidency: "Church sports activities have a unique central purpose much higher than the development of physical prowess, or even victory itself. It is to strengthen faith, build integrity, and develop in each participant the attributes of his maker."
Elder Thomas S. Monson (Gen Conf Oct 1988)

May I mention two or three other messages which seem no longer popular? One is to respect the Sabbath day. While the Savior himself cautioned against extreme forms of Sabbath day observance, it is well to remember whose day the Sabbath is. There seems to be an ever-increasing popularity in disregarding the centuries-old commandment to observe and respect the Sabbath day. For many it has become a holiday rather than a holy day of rest and sanctification. For some it is a day to shop and buy groceries. The decision of those who engage in shopping, sports, work, and recreation on the Sabbath day is their own, for which they alone bear responsibility.
Elder James E. Faust (Gen Conf Oct 1986)

Today, our young people hear such expressions from boys and girls in their grade schools, from actors on stage and in the movies, from popular novels, and even from public officials and sports heroes. Television and videotapes bring profanity and vulgarity into our homes.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks (Gen Conf Apr 1986)