Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy, who was the first black coach to win a Super Bowl, has been often linked to anti-gay and social conservative groups that oppose gay rights, such as Focus on the Family and its rabidly anti-gay founder James Dobson. Via Jocktalk, the Outsports blog, is news of Dungy's recent profile on HBO’s “Costas Now ” where Bob Costas questioned Tony Dungy on his religious views:
Costas: What if you had a player who was openly gay? Would that be alright with you?
Dungy: I’m sure I would talk to him about my views on it, what I think the Bible says about it. I would hope that I would give him the same respect as every other player, treat him exactly the same way I treat the other 52 guys, and show him the kind of love that I think the Bible says we are to show everyone.
Costas: And if he’s a good football player, he’s on the Colts.
Dungy: He would be, yes.
Regarding that last question. Outsports editor Jim Buzinski noted that "Dungy paused before answering the question and seemed uncomfortable when replying."
Tony Dungy is a fantastic coach and an his strong faith has undeniably helped him both on- and off-the-field. He has previously stated that his team prayer sessions are not mandatory and he does not proselytize to players. Apparently, the coach draws the line at players who might happen to be gay and feels the need to quote biblical passages.
Some Background ...
Bush Appoints Dungy to Presidential Panel [R20]
Dungy Sits Down with Anti-Gay Dr. James Dobson [R20]
Why Is Dungy Endorsing Anti-Gay Fundamentalists? [R20]
While I find his comments to be offensive, since anytime they start spewing the Bible, they need to be reminded, that the same book they chose to condemn homosexuality, was used to justify slavery.
That said, his comments are his, and, even though, I don't care for them, I'm old enough to realize, there are lots of people who feel the way he does, and, he has to be taught that he's wrong in a manner that he can understand, which is hard for people who are holier than thou while hiding behind the Bible.
Posted by: Luther | 11 December 2007 at 20:29
If it werent for me hating the Patriots as much as I do I really would be pulling against the Colts this year. Not feelin Coach Dungy at all....
Posted by: DFS | 11 December 2007 at 21:08
Alright: all those players--
having sex outside the relgiously-sanctified covenant of marriage
using the Lord Thy God's name in vain
working (playing?) on the Sabbath...
OFF THE FIELD, Coach needs to counsel you.
Posted by: Andy Niable, Fagnostic | 11 December 2007 at 23:21
i think that ur sex life should not reflect on what u love to do if you love to play football and your gay then so be it let the player play.
Posted by: melissa | 24 April 2008 at 09:02