Posted on 03/23/2007 6:21:03 AM PDT by Abathar
INDIANAPOLIS -- Tony Dungy is a deeply religious man who puts his faith first in his life, even above family and football. So his support of a proposed gay-marriage ban likely surprised few.
What was surprising is the Indianapolis Colts' quiet coach shared his position publicly, sparking discussion about the impact of the Super Bowl winner's comments.
Dungy caused a stir Tuesday when he accepted the "Friend of Family" award from the conservative Indiana Family Institute.
The coach told the audience he supported the group's efforts to amend the Indiana constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman.
"I appreciate the stance they're taking, and I embrace that stance," Dungy told the crowd of about 700 people.
Dungy said his comments should not be considered gay bashing.
"We're not trying to downgrade anyone else. But we're trying to promote the family -- family values the Lord's way," Dungy said.
Colts president Bill Polian was at NFL meetings in Phoenix on Thursday and was unavailable for comment.
"Coach Dungy's feelings on the importance of marriage and family are well known to the overwhelming majority of American sports fans," said Myra Borshoff Cook, a spokeswoman for Colts owner Jim Irsay. "He, of course, is free to speak to any group he wishes. The club does not take positions in political issues in which it is not directly involved."
Supporters of the proposed ban hailed the endorsement.
"That was sort of a double for us," said Curt Smith, president of the institute, which is associated with but independent of James Dobson's "Focus on the Family" group.
Smith said he was unaware Dungy, who received the award because of his pro-family ethic, not for his views on public policy, would address the issue.
The resolution's sponsor, Sen. Brandt Hershman, R-Monticello, said Dungy's endorsement made the proposal more credible.
"I certainly appreciate him being able to step forward and speak out strongly in his beliefs," Hershman said. "I don't think that anybody should criticize him for exercising his First Amendment right to speak as a private citizen in support of some deeply held beliefs."
Some in the gay community disagreed.
Bil Browning, who runs bilerico.com, a blog that focuses on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues, wrote: "When the head coach publicly states that part of the Colts fan base should be second-class citizens, you can't expect those same fans to support the team."
Dan Funk, executive director of the Interfaith Coalition on Non-Discrimination, a network of 21 congregations, invited Dungy to meet with members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.
"All types of families from across Indiana are Colts fans," he said. "We would like coach Dungy to meet with our families so he can better understand the negative impact (the resolution) will have on countless Hoosier families."
Dungy is not the first public figure to draw fire for anti-gay comments.
Former NBA star Tim Hardaway apologized twice after responding to a question about his reaction to a gay teammate by saying "I hate gay people." Actor Isaiah Washington, of the hit television show "Grey's Anatomy," sought counseling after using a gay slur when he referred to another cast member. Author-columnist Ann Coulter was chastised for repeating the slur when referring to Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards during a speech to a conservative group.
The NFL sought to distance itself from the matter.
"Coach Dungy is speaking for himself and expressing his views, which he is fully entitled to do," league officials said in a statement. "No doubt there are people in our league that have a different view. We respect the right of employees to have and express their views and don't regulate the political or religious views of team or league employees."
David Morton, principal of the Indianapolis-based sports marketing group Sunrise Sports Group, doesn't believe Dungy will suffer any lasting backlash from his comments.
"Tony's position on this or any other political issue should be as one person's opinion and one person's opinion only," Morton said. "It's not as Tony Dungy, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. It's not the Indianapolis Colts, because I doubt if he asked Bill Polian or (Colts owner) Jim Irsay or anyone else what they thought.
"He's never tried to take advantage of his position on the pulpit," Morton said. "He spoke from the heart, and honestly, and I don't think you can ask anyone to do anything else."
I wonder if Tony Dungy would consider running for President. At least he will take a stand.
Unacceptable to liberals everywhere including Big Media.
A couple of weeks ago, the media was hoping Tony would cancel this appearance.
Wishful and once again incorrect media.
He is unafraid.
Dungy has a RIGHT to express his beliefs, even if it means those beliefs are against homosexuality. The 'don't do as I do, do as I say' liberals simply can not fathom this.
"..."All types of families from across Indiana are Colts fans," he said. "We would like coach Dungy to meet with our families so he can better understand the negative impact (the resolution) will have on countless Hoosier families."..."
That sounds like a veiled threat. Understand us or your life will be made into a living he!!.
The more I read about Tony Dungee, the more I like him. Even though he's ex-Steeler,(I'm a Cowboys fan), that can be put aside when it comes to issues like this. TD is a class individual and I back him on this.
So now both of the queer season ticket holders will cancel their tickets? This will have a real impact on the Colt's revenue stream. How long will it take the Superbowl Champ Colts to re-sell season tickets?
Which team does a queer ex-Colt fan support? The boys by the bay, the 49'ers.
While I agree with Dungy, I have to ask, "who really cares?" I don't look to NFL coaches for advice on family issues anymore than I'd look to a Hollywood actor for opinions on the war in terror.
There, fixed that.
That's why more blacks need to be up front in the pubbie party (except the lunatic Alan Keyes)
I think he'd be the perfect candidate to oppose Obama.
Like Condi Rice, Colin Powell, Clarence Thomas, JC Watts, Lynn Swann. The left attacks all these as a bunch of Uncle Tom sellouts to their race.
I've heard that Dungy is about to announce a book deal with a Christian publisher. It should kind of interesting to see how the media handles that news.
I am now an official fan of Tony Dungy..........Even tho I'm a Dallas team fan..............
?????? lunatic?........explain, please........
The media tried to intimidate Dungy by publicizing his appearance in advance.
Now that he spoke out they sought comment from someone in the NFL or team ownership to criticize him.
The media acts like brownshirts in Germany back in the Nazi days out to silence and destroy opponents. Its their way of writing "Jew" on the front of a shop they wanted people to boycott.
"I doubt if he asked Bill Polian or (Colts owner) Jim Irsay or anyone else what they thought."
Well - good! Too many people feel they have to ask what others think before expressing their own thoughts. Gotta like this guy, he's not mean or strident, he just says what's on his heart to say.
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