Tony Dungy called a ‘hateful f***’ and ‘piece of ‘s***’ over Michael Sam remarks
Tony Dungy’s one remark has turned fans and the media against him photo/USAF public domain
Former NFL coach Tony Dungy has always been considered one of the nicest, kindest and most respected figures in the sport. Now Dungy is in the center of firestorm after explaining why he wouldn’t have drafted the first openly gay player, Michael Sam, in the NFL Draft.
In an interview with the Tampa Tribune, Dungy stated: “I wouldn’t have taken him,” said Dungy, now an NFL analyst for NBC. “Not because I don’t believe Michael Sam should have a chance to play, but I wouldn’t want to deal with all of it…It’s not going to be totally smooth…Things will happen.”
So even after years of being loved and adored by fans, players and the press, his remarks drew criticism, name calling and profanity. The LA Times says he’s “drawing some ire,” so judge for yourself:
@TonyDungy You piece of s**t. So you wouldn’t take Sam because ‘wouldn’t go smoothly’. You’re a f***ing COWARD. PERIOD.—
Jimmy Bobby (@SportoBob) July 21, 2014Tony Dungy LOVES being a mentor to young players. Unless you’re gay. That’s too much of a headache http://t.co/dVAnMOOHCm—
Chief (@BarstoolChief) July 21, 2014I had respect for Dungy. No longer. RT @Russ_Steinberg: Tony Dungy is a distraction—
Shlomo Sprung (@SprungOnSports) July 21, 2014Tony Dungy: Christian, and a hateful f**k. You shouldn’t get away with the latter just because of the former.—
Almighty Ruler (@jfishSOTW) July 21, 2014Disappointed in @TonyDungy. His book Quiet Strength was so inspirational for me and is my favorite book. Shocked by his stance on Sam. #NFL—
GC Kokell ESPN 106.3 (@REALCOACHK) July 21, 2014
Twitcy has a ton more – check them out if you like HERE
Dungy has been vocal about his Christian faith, but never attention grabbing or sensationalized for the media. Moreover, his reputation had been to pass over college players with any issue which could be a distraction. Now that was usually off-field issues like arrests, but the parallel can easily be seen.
Sam was taken in the seventh round, so even making an NFL team will be a huge topic of discussion once training camp begins.
It’s also interesting to note how Dungy is being attacked for supporting Michael Vick during his return to the sport after the dog fighting incident. So the media and fans demand you be tolerant of the media circus which comes with a 7th round mediocre player because he’s gay and don’t forgive a former superstar quarterback because he was linked to dog fights.
