Tony Dungy's Son Found Dead in Apartment (Colts Coach's Son)

ESPN Radio | 12-22-06 | ESPN

[Steve_Seattle]

Without necessarily implying a causal connection with this tragedy, it is well-known that the life of a college or professional football coach places an enormous strain both on the health of the coaches and on their family lives. A couple of years ago, I was at a Seahawks game and was looking at the program, reading the bios of the various coaches - three years here, five years there, seven years there, two years there - it is a nomadic, high-stress life, and a lot of coaches begin to have serious health issues in their late 40s, early 50s, not to mention marital and family problems.

[tear_down_this_wall]

Sitting here crying. Just don't know what to say.

Jesus, please comfort their family...

[conservativebabe]

I sincerely hope it wasn't drugs or something like that.

So sad, prayers for his family.

[Steve_Seattle]

Is there any word whether Dungy will turn over coaching duties to his assistants for this week's game in Seattle, or does he still plan to coach the game? I have a hard time imagining anyone being able to coach under these circumstances.

[jennyjenny]

I didn't see the entire statement made by Pollian earlier, but from what I gathered, Dungy will not be in Seattle.

[MikefromOhio]

yeah....

I don't know, given the age of the guy. But if he had the character of his father, probably not.

I would guess suicide right now, but I don't think there are any indications one way or the other....

[MikefromOhio]

I don't know quite yet, but I wouldn't be if I were him.

And look for the Colts to come out firing on Sunday.

Nothing like this to focus a team.

[Lancey Howard]

bttt

[scott says]

I was surprised that nobody had seen the story and hit the list.
How tragic...my thoughts and prayers are with Coach Dungy and his family.18 years old and right before Christmas, how heartbreaking and untimely.

[MikefromOhio]

so what?

Generally Presidents and ex-Presidents get JERSEYS, not Tshirts.....

[MikefromOhio]

and beyond THAT, the guy just lost his son and it's a tragedy no matter his political affiliation, AGREED?

[jennyjenny]

What the heck is that suppose to mean? The man just lost his son.

[winner3000]

There was a week ago a controversy whether Coach Dungy would rest some of his players or go for the undefeated season. He answered that he'll think and pray about it. Not many coaches would say they would pray about a decision. I love coach Dungy and I pray for his family.

[MikefromOhio]

Owner Irsay on the other hand has had drug problems and is devoting his life to picking the Indiana taxpayers pockets to fund his mansions, helicopters, etc.

We could have done without this comment too. It has NO relevance....

[hummingbird]

Yes they do ......... but that increase usually consists of older people who look back at this time of year over their lives and see a lifetime of regrets.

Also consists of young who don't see a future. One of my in-laws committed suicide on the 4th of July, despondent over his broken marriage. That was maybe 10 years or more ago. Every 4th of July is difficult for the family still. He saw no future without his wife. So young and so very sad.

Like the guy said on "Hill Street Blues":

Sergeant Phil Esterhaus: "Hey, let's be careful out there."

And be alert if there is anyone around you who may be prone to impulsive, destructive acts...we are our brothers' keeper.

[TheGunny]

Easssssy. I think its because of money any and affluence, not race or anything like that.

[beyond the sea]

very, very sad day...

Yes.

By the way, I have heard these rumors of suicide on this thread and elsewhere. I saw some film of this young man on television about an hour ago. He was cheery and steady, and his countenance seemed the furthest thing from what I would expect of a person who was going to take his own life.

Ive seen a couple of family suicides up close, and Tony's son did not look like the type.

[Always Right]

What a beautiful family. What a tragic loss. Prayers to the Dungy family.

[JellyJam]

Here in the Tampa Bay area, Tony Dungy is still highly revered. Not only is he a great coach, he's a wonderful human being. My heart goes out to him. God bless the Dungy family.