Nearly two years ago, Tony Dungy became the first black head coach to win a Super Bowl. He's also considered one of the nicest guys in sports, a committed family man, and a devout Christian who also has strong views on homosexuality, and gay marriage, in particular. In the past, Dungy has shared his thoughts on what he would do if he had a gay player on his team, and has supported the Indiana Family Institute, "a conservative policy organization that has sought to make gay marriage specifically illegal in the state of Indiana."
So it's with some surprise that the Colts head coach would be such a big fan of the Democratic nominee for president, Barack Obama. From Peter King's MMQB:
"I pay a lot of attention to it. I never thought I'd see it in my lifetime and until [the] Iowa [primary], I still had my doubts whether it would happen. It's thrilling. It's important. When we won the Super Bowl, people said to me they never thought they'd see an African-American coach in that position. But this is so much more significant, obviously. It's great for our country."This isn't the first time Dungy has praised Obama, but it paints an interesting portrait of a deeply religious man who also appreciates the struggles of African-Americans in this country.
--Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy, on Barack Obama winning the Democratic presidential nomination.
I asked Dungy if he'd be interested in making an appearance with Obama, if the senator asked.
"I would do it,'' he said, smiling broadly.
As MDS pointed out this spring, Dungy has never declared an affiliation to a particular party, endorsed a candidate, or contributed money to a campaign, but his actions suggest that he's well right of center on the political spectrum.
But whatever their differences, maybe Dungy can appreciate Obama's stance on gay marriage:
"I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in a hospital and to live lives free of discrimination."Or maybe, as Dungy told King, Obama winning the Democratic nomination "is so much more significant, obviously. It's great for our country."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
9-01-2008 @ 12:38PM
Marlowe Johnson said...
That rumor about Obama being sworn in on the Quran is NOT true. Aside from the fact he is NOT a Muslim, he WAS sworn in on the Bible.
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9-01-2008 @ 1:55PM
James said...
Lee, your lies have no basis in fact. Obama has been sworn in to all of his offices with a Bible. There was a congressman from Minnesota who used a Koran, and people have tried to use this to smear Obama.
If you'll actually check out the facts (why don't you try snopes.com), you'll see that this is just part of a campaign against Obama.
I'm not a big Obama fan (why isn't really important here), but I'm really tired of people like you spewing hatred and ignorance.
I'm glad to see people like Ryan reporting things like this. Support is a very complicated, nuanced thing. Very rarely do we agree 100% with someone. This is where compromise and change comes in.
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9-01-2008 @ 1:55PM
Rich said...
I have no problem with Dungy liking whoever he wants for a presidential candidate. I simply get tired of hearing about the continued struggles, etc etc. Maybe someone should stand up and say that alot of the problems in the African-American community are created by the same. Maybe someone should stand up and say that the young people in that community are seperating themselves from other ethnic groups, by various means, including intimidation. Maybe someone should stand up and say that if you want to be accepted, act like it. How would it be viewed if a white country singer, sang a song about an African-American, and used the oft maligned 'N' word. So then how is it acceptable for African-American rappers to completely berate and ridicule white people, and include in their verbage many racial epithets. Its not. Period. The majority of African-Americans want respect where they do not give it in return. 'Respect' is a word thrown back and forth in that particular community, and it is something that is so important that fights and killings take place over it. However, they do not feel the need to show that same respect they demand, to other ethnic groups. Instead they want to focus on the struggles of their community. I know many African-Americans who are good decent people, and who do show respect to other race groups. Last thing I want to see is another comment defending rap lyrics. They are rediculous in terms of racial equality. It can all go back to the good ol' Golden Rule. If a group of the African-Americans want to taunt other race groups and particularly, the Caucasian's with the everyday lyrics of current rap music, and then do not expect the same in return, they lack the social understanding that is needed to continue to make advances in racial areas. By the way, I am an African-American. Wake up. We cant sit there and berate the 'crackers' with our music, see a white man walking down the street in our neighborhood and run off the porch at him trying to intimidate him, and expect him to show us respect. Wake up. Realize what our community needs and stop destroying things daily that have taken decades to cultivate and grow. Show Respect and you will be given Respect.
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9-06-2008 @ 10:31PM
Gladys said...
You stated that very nicely. People should understand what goes around comes around. I wish more people of all cultures could see that. You reap what you sow. Many of us have turned the other cheek too long. We all need to take a stand on present times not the past we can't change it or make up for it. it is what it is. The past. People need to work and not sit around complaining vote and do something for your community.
11-07-2008 @ 8:21PM
Kevin said...
I thank you for your words of knowledge. This country has gone in the wrong direction for years. I liked Martin Luther King's line that said "People should not judged on the color of there skin... instead on the content of they're character... I hate how the laws in this country prohibit most white poeple from standing up and saying the truth... or that they are so afraid to offend somebody from another race that they refrain from saying the truth... or that you can have anything on t.v. that puts down the white male, but if you put anything that puts down minorities or women you will be threatined with a lawsuit... Where I work has a job add that says that they're an equal opportunity, affirmitive action employer... "then it says minorities and females are encouraged to apply." Why don't they just come out and say "everyone but the white male in encouraged to apply." I believe if we're going to get past racism we have to start in the hearts of people, but stopping things like this would be a start... God Bless...
9-01-2008 @ 1:57PM
Chris Troutman said...
Lee -- that rumor that you cast around as fact is false. Just because it is on the internet doesn't make it true.
Obama has repeatedly stated that he was sworn in on a bible and that he is Christian. Two statements that can be verified my several newspapers through a simple internet search.
That email-chain "gem" may confuse Sen. Barack Obama with Rep. Keith Ellison. Ellison, who represents Minnesota's 5th district, was sworn in on a Koran because he is Muslim.
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9-01-2008 @ 1:06PM
myra said...
Get a grip, Barack is a Christian.
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9-01-2008 @ 2:00PM
Dave said...
Tony Dungy is just like every other brain-washed person who lives their life by that book Learn to think outside of your narrow-minded views.
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9-01-2008 @ 2:26PM
Dave said...
Tony Dungy, you are just like many other brain-washed people who live your life how someone tells you that you should.
I have no problem with gay people. Why would someone CHOOSE to be part of one of the most maligned minority groups in the world? It is my belief that homosexuality is not a CHOSEN behavior--it is part of hormones...do people even know what it is that makes someone attracted to their opposite sex or the same sex? Most don't. That is what a former professional athlete, John Amaechi asked, and it makes perfect sense. Why would one choose to be gay? Do some research on it. Most institutions, including the government, would not want such research done on homosexuality and the like, because they do not want dissent from the social norms and the way things are, nor would most people want research done. They want people, to a reasonable extent, to be separated by boundaries--I mean..if we weren't, people might actually come together and do something to change the corrupt ways of the government or those in charge that were to allow it may lose their jobs.
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9-01-2008 @ 2:26PM
Drew said...
barack wasnt sworn in on a koran, that was another politician. he was sworn in on the bible. however, dungy just wants obama cause they are both black. thats all.
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9-01-2008 @ 2:32PM
Sam said...
Barack was sworn in on a Bible, but it also doesn't matter what he was sworm in with, because there are no laws saying you have to use a Bible. If I was elected, I'd be sworn in on a stack of comic books. That'd be awesome. And I'd have every right to do so.
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9-01-2008 @ 3:18PM
Rico said...
Tony Dungy - what has happened to your deep religious beliefs? You only support Obama because he is black and refuse to acknowledge what he truly stands for. If a caucasian says that they will vote for McCain because he is white, he will be ridiculed to no end by the politically correct American society. It is however, fine for a black to support another black based upon color more than substance. How sad it has all become. Go for it Tony - but be willing to accept the consequences.
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9-02-2008 @ 3:23PM
jd said...
I am truly disappointed. while i am not a fan of the indy colts, i respect tony dungy and all he has accomplished..but this..wow. this is what this election is all about. blacks are simply voting for obama because he is black. dungy calls himself a strong christian with strong personal convictions about abortion, same sex marriage, etc...and yet he's willing to say 'screw it' to all that and vote black? wow tony. shows where your flag flies...on the side of race, not on the sanctity of life or marriage. im so disappointed :/
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9-03-2008 @ 7:26AM
Michael said...
I have always believed that we all see most clearly through our own eyes.. "the opinions that we have make perfect sense to us" however, I have also learned that as I have the right to mine, as individuals, each has the same right and each has the right for it to be respected by others. That to every question there is usually not only one answer but many. It is the smarter person who strives to find as many of these right answers as possible. The fact that there are as many accepted religions in the world, most; an interpretation of Christianity (not Catholic) beliefs is an example of how many right answers there are to the same question.
In this political race, it is amazing and wonderful that two strong, talented, intelligent and capable minority candidates made their way through the "typical" standards of the past. Surely this would never have happened if the current administration hadn't, through arrogance and ignorance, created one of the worst periods for peace, economic prosperity, and image damage in our history.
If a person has talent and ability and has earned the respect in his/her field then its right that they be given the opportunity. If that person is of ANY ethnic background or sexual orientation should not enter into the picture... if we voted for the standing President because he is white and heterosexual then I say; give me a person of color devoted to a same sex partner and lets move on... we do no worse.
As for Barrack Obama vs. John McCain, there is no question in my mind that this man (Obama) sees things from outside the box... what he may not have in years in the political arena, I have no doubt that he overcompensates that with the intelligence to bring to the table that which he will provide him with the information he needs and the talent required to make the kind of changes necessary to get this country back where it belongs... an education level, health programs and judicial system, to be proud of rather than one to be ashamed of and LEAD the world again in our efforts to better the planet rather than feed the entities that are, at their core, created and THRIVING by destroying it.
9-01-2008 @ 5:41PM
Lee said...
I said if. Pay attention. He did say he would side with the Muslims. That is documented, and HE IS NOT CHRISTIAN. That is a rumor to try to put Obama in mainstream America. The guy has fipped more than a jumping bean. Dungy is straddling the fence, and needs to take a stand. Obama needs to put his head wrap back on so we can recognize him again.
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9-22-2008 @ 3:28PM
Allen said...
You're a sick man, Lee, and you're living in the past. Please offer proof that Obama is not a Christian. Did he attend a Christian church for the last 20 years as a front? Just in case he was going to run for president somday? And all this talk about black people supporting Obama only because he's black ... like there are no white people voting for McCain only because he's white. If Obama were white and had a more common name he'd win in a landslide given the idiocy of the Bush administration and the fact McCain says he has supported Bush 90 percent of the time. But for every black person voting for Obama because of race, there are two white people not voting for him because of race. Obama is smarter and has displayed better character. McCain lies and flip-flops endlessly to serve his political needs and showed his true colors when he cheated on his wife and lied to his new girlfriend about his age.
9-02-2008 @ 9:25AM
Bobby said...
At one time I had a lot of respect for Tony Dungy, but this recent comment which is only the latest, leads me to believe he is only another black praising another. This type of thinking has only hurt the majority of blacks. the back lash is terrific.
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9-02-2008 @ 1:19AM
critical thinking said...
Tony Dungy is an American and he allowed his opinion. He can define his belief anyway he wants too. As a white male who cut his political teeth in Civil Rights movement I welcome and apprecaite anyone with the courage to step outside of steretypes and support the Obama/Biden ticket. Why does equality have to be such a foot dragging affair? Remember when the sports world had to deal with the first wave of African-American quarterbacks? Oh the sackcloth and ashes crowd, the end of America crowd predicted doom and gloom and in the long run football is better (all sports are better). Thank you Tony Dungy.
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9-02-2008 @ 9:24AM
Steve McClintock said...
This is more liberal media word twisting. Tony can be proud that we have come to the point of having a black man as a candidate without supporting his politics. Note that Mr. Dungy never said he plans to vote for B.O.
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9-02-2008 @ 1:11PM
J said...
Oh my... you are missing the whole point here. Tony is saying that he respects the fact that another african american is running for the president of the united states. He is saying it is good for our country to see outside of the box. Tony recieved a great honor by becoming the first african america coach to win a superbowl. Now, he is saying, that it is an even bigger honor to have an african american be nominated for president. Anyone who can't understand where he is coming from is a complete idiot. Let the man speak his mind for God's sake....let him have his opinion and you can have yours. Don't be bashing him calling him a "black praiser". Yeah, he is proud of who he is and is proud that another black man has this great opportunity. There is nothing wrong with that. And if Obama wins this election, he will make history just like Tony did. And someone earlier made a good point...he never said that he was going to vote for him...he just thinks it's good for our country. Show some respect people, and try to see it from his point of view here.
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