Tony Dungy

Abookamongstthemany wrote:

Nobody is being hyper sensitive here but the people getting worked up because some of us think it's laughable to bring up god when talking about sporting events. We are laughing and you guys are the ones who can't seem to handle that.

I think it's laughable to put words in someone's mouth. There's been this giant leap to take his comments and say that "yeah, I thank God for helping us win" when that's not what he said. The man has experienced deep personal tragedy. The team has exemplifed the idea that you should never give up. They have faced so many obstacles, it came to the point where EVERYONE has doubted them. They were down 21-6 to the team that always kicks the shit out of them 2 weeks ago...but they overcame all of that. The man has deeply held religious beliefs, and a lot of us believe in something...and look for inspiration....obiously Christianity helps him and helped him overcome.

That's the reality. Admittedly, it's not as easy as assuming "another dopey high profile someone saying God was on his side" but the former is closer to reality.

hippiemom wrote:

I can't read 7 pages of this nonsense again, so would you please be so kind as to quote the post from whoever was offended and uncomfortable? The only posts I remember are the ones where people thought it was funny.

I don't feel like going back either...but why would anyone think what he ACTUALLY SAID would be funny? I know very few posts actually addressed what he said but a lot have insinuated that he thought "God was on his side."

soulsinging wrote:

i hope you're not referring to me here.

No, I'm not referring to anyone specifically, just generally (not even here, but also including conversations I've had with others).

To tell you the truth, it honestly AMAZES me that anyone would actually care #1, and #2, find what he said (again, not what someone "thinks" he said) funny...

Purple Hawk wrote:

I think it's laughable to put words in someone's mouth. There's been this giant leap to take his comments and say that "yeah, I thank God for helping us win" when that's not what he said. The man has experienced deep personal tragedy. The team has exemplifed the idea that you should never give up. They have faced so many obstacles, it came to the point where EVERYONE has doubted them. They were down 21-6 to the team that always kicks the shit out of them 2 weeks ago...but they overcame all of that. The man has deeply held religious beliefs, and a lot of us believe in something...and look for inspiration....obiously Christianity helps him and helped him overcome.

That's the reality. Admittedly, it's not as easy as assuming "another dopey high profile someone saying God was on his side" but the former is closer to reality.

I thought soulsingings post was funny and still do. If you have a problem with it then take it up with him.

hippiemom wrote:

I didn't watch the SB, I never do, so I was responding to what was posted. I suspect most were doing the same. Still, no one claimed to be offended or uncomfortable.

I still have no idea what the guy said, nor do I care. Until last night, I didn't even know who he was, and if you ask me in a few days I'll probably have forgotten by then. I just think it's funny that football games and god might have anything to do with one another. If they don't, then ok, I take it all back.

Who said that football games and god have anything to do with one another. That's the whole point of contention.

Wow, say if I thank God for helping me get through a lecture...does that mean god has anything to do with class? Of course not, it's merely me thanking something (whether it's god or not) for giving me strength and inspiriation.

but again, it's EASIER to assume he was linking god and outcomes of football games.

soulsinging wrote:

i didnt hear what he said. so you might want to blame miller for framing his speech as being such a great christian. all it called to mind was the endless series of "id like to thank god for my awward." and those speeches always crack me up.

I agree with you! I have made fun of numerous athletes (jason sehorn, chris carter)...guys who are real dopes and trust me, I'm on board with a lot of you in these situations, and have mocked them just like you guys have done...

but this is not the case with dungy...like other football fans have said, the man believes deeply in his spirituality, and it's important to him. and when you consider everything they've gone through...you can understand him thanking his belief.

if you really step back, it is inspirational.

soulsinging wrote:

well, i dont know a damn thing about him and didnt see his speech. all i saw was miller, our resident right wing, hard-on for jesus-lovin republican saying "dungy is the best christian ever!" i assumed the worst, so thought id try to slip in something kinda funny. guess it backfired. cos some of the christians round here apparently cant take a joke.

It's not about taking a joke...I just think we are way too uptight about everything...:) And like I said, I would normally find your joke funny, b/c idiotic athletes say that stuff all the time, and I do make fun of them.

Purple Hawk wrote:

Seriously? Yes, he linked God to his ability to face obstacles. Nobody is saying that God wanted the Colts to win. Nobody is saying God chooses sides...Just that they may find personal inspiration in believing in something. I seriously don't believe that you or anyeone else can't understand the distinciton. But feeding into stereotypes is a lot of laughs.

Whatever. I probably just don't get the whole inspiration from god thing. You win the game because you worked the hardest and played the best. Bringing up faith seems odd to me because I'm sure many of the Bears have had to overcome plenty throughout life and also have faith in god. To me, bringing it up is like saying yeah, god helped me to get to this point and win the super bowl. But tell that to the guy on the Bears who is just as much of a believer and equally inspired by his faith as Dungy. It just seems silly...but oh well.