On Dungy

A few thoughts on the "controversy" about Tony Dungy's comments on Michael Sam:

-There was no need for Dungy to clarify his comments, the only people who had any trouble understanding them were those looking for an excuse to criticize Dungy.

-Why were they so eager to attack Dungy? He's been outspoken about being a Christian.

-Dungy's comments were exactly the same comments I heard all over ESPN Radio before the draft.

-The sports media just loves to prove how socially conscious they are. It's kind of pathetic.

-If it's not okay to avoid a player because of a potential media circus then I guess all those people who hated on Tebow are going to admit they just hate Christians, right?

-Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports is a self-righteous jack@ss.

Imagine That

Michael Vick, on returning to the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles:

"I think everybody deserves a second chance, I think as long as you are willing to come back and do it the right way and do the right things and that you’re committed, then I think you deserve it. But you only get one shot at a second chance, and I am conscious of that."

Shocking that the guy who desperately needs a second chance after taking a wrecking ball to his life believes in second chances. So did Vick actually change, or just learn that he's not untouchable? Tony Dungy seems to think he's changed. Does anyone else?

Dungy Done

Tony Dungy has decided to retire after 13 years as an NFL head coach, the last seven with the Indianapolis Colts. Dungy also took teams to the playoffs to the playoffs ten consecutive season, an NFL record.

Dungy plans to spend time with his family and work with various ministry outreach programs that he's involved with. He'll be missed as an NFL coach, but I'm sure he'll be doing more valuable work in Tampa.

I've heard the sports commentators already asking if Dungy will come back. I feel very confident in predicting he won't. As much as he loves football, the things he can do in ministry are far more important. He won't be lured back. Which is a shame for the NFL, because they lost the services greatest man they had today. I think it will be quite a while before we see another coach like Tony Dungy.

Cheat Codes

On PTI they just discussed a Gametap interview of Tony Dungy where he poked fun at Bill Belichick. Here's the quote:

GameTap: Are there going to be any cheat codes in the game where I can spy on my opponents?

Tony Dungy: [laughs] I don't know about any cheat codes. They say that's really a big secret around here, it's like Spygate. I don't know if they put that in there or not or what the penalty would be if you entered any cheat codes, but we'll probably only let New England have cheat codes.

Funny stuff. Read the whole interview here.

Tony Dungy...

...will return as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Dungy said he will coach at least this year, and potentially more. Of course the Colts don't have to worry about stability as they have alread named Dungy's assistant Jim Caldwell as successor whenever Dungy decides to retire.

The coolest thing I've read all week...

...from Tony Dungy's book, Quiet Strength:

Although my dad always considered the University of Michigan his alma mater, those three years at Michigan State-- while my mom and dad earned their advanced degrees-- had a dramatic impact on me. We were there from 163 to 4966, and while I vividly remember looking at microscope slides with my dad, I remember being just as enthralled by Duffy Daugherty's Spartan football teams. Those Michigan State teams ultimately altered the trajectory of my life in an unexpected way.

MSU football is partly responsible for Tony Dungy's career in football. How cool is that?

Interesting Fact

I was just reading this article at FoxSports.com and learned that Tony Dungy is the first coach to beat all 32 NFL teams. This begs the question: How many coaches have beaten every team in the league at the time they were coaching? Also, how many other coaches are close? Is there someone who's beaten, say, everyone but the Ravens (how many times would you count the Browns?)?