Posted on 02/05/2007 9:33:13 AM PST by Patriot28
Super Bowl XLI had been hyped as a major social milestone in U.S. history, since for the time, the head coaches of both teams were black.
But when the game was over and the Indianapolis Colts had defeated the Chicago Bears 29-17, the winning coach said Jesus Christ was more important than any racial moment.
During the nationally televised post-game show on CBS, coach Tony Dungy was asked specifically about the "social significance."
Jim Nantz of CBS Sports: This is one of those moments, Tony, where there is also social significance in this victory, and to have your hands on the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Tell me what this means to you right now.
Tony Dungy: I'll tell you what. I'm proud to be representing African-American coaches, to be the first African-American to win this. It means an awful lot to our country. But again, more than anything, I've said it before, Lovie Smith and I, not only the first two African-Americans, but Christian coaches showing that you can win doing it the Lord's way. And we're more proud of that.
The Associated Press reported Dungy's comments about God in stories it moved on its wire service, but the Bloomberg News Service only published the portion regarding African-Americans, and edited out the mention of Christian coaches.
Colts' owner Jim Irsay credited God with the victory as he held the sparkling Vince Lombardi trophy in his hands.
"Now there's an awful lot of shining glory, even more than last time up here," Irsay said. "But we're giving it all to God again because that's what got us here ... sticking together and believing that we could, and I know God has looked after us on this journey and bonded us into such a tight family."
Dungy has had a close relationship with Bears' head coach Lovie Smith since 1996, when Dungy hired Smith to coach linebackers for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"My relationship, first, is with Jesus Christ, and he is the center of my life," said Smith when asked about his faith earlier this week. "I try to live a Christian life. I would like for players to know my faith based on what they see on a day-to-day basis."
CBS anchor James Brown, himself a strong believer in Jesus Christ, told the Baptist Press this year's Super Bowl could be a welcome change in a sport that hasn't had that many Christian players and announcers in the past.
"Personally, I'm gratified to see that change," Brown said. "I think their faith is a wonderful example to see and I think both men are sterling examples of what character coaches should be. That's what we should be promoting."
I said the headline was "disingenuous." NOT "dangerous"
Since they are MORE proud of "being Christian coaches showing it that you can win the Lord's way". What is it you think he's comparing it too? Fashion sense? Political skills? Comprehesnion ability?
Since they are MORE proud of "being Christian coaches showing it that you can win the Lord's way". What is it you think he's comparing it too? Fashion sense? Political skills? Comprehension ability?
I live in Indy. Tony Dungy has always been proud of being a Christian coach. He said the same thing to the media after the AFC championship game. He said he would rather focus on the team and was proud of being a Christian coach. This is Tony Dungy. A great, kind and well respected coach who happens to be black. His accomplishments have nothing to do with his race to him.
It is not my fault that you don't have any comprehension skills. Bringing up Rosa Parks for this discussion is not only ridiculous, but it affirms what many think about what FreeRepublic has become.
Actually I (as a Rams fan) and Kurt Warner got alot of flack for shouting, "Thank you Jesus!" when it was his turn to speak after the 1999 Superbowl.
the FIRST FIRST FIRST FIRST African American coaches. That's what all the hooplah's been about.
It is AMAZING that anyone would keep in the black part and edit out the Christian part. It is CLASSIC.
It is AMAZING that anyone would keep in the black part and edit out the Christian part. It is CLASSIC.
THAT'S NOT WHAT HE SAID.
If that's true, it disingenous to their readers since it totally mis qualifies someone's own words out of context.
Whatever, I am sure that it's just semantics at this point (and probably what you are trying to relay).
"sorry----he's not dead yet."
And just what is it that "many" think FR has become?
Too funny. You know the 2001 Superbowl loss stings much more than the 1999 victory brings joy. I always feel sorry (for the most part) for the losers because the pain is great and they may never get back.
Tony Dungy is a class act no matter what. He deserves all the good things coming his way.
Agreed. Those guys showed one heck of alot of class. I honestly felt sorry that they both couldn't win!
Doh, thank you for the correction, I misread your statement. Although I still don't agree with your interpretation. To me, the man clearly wants the media to call him a Christian coach and not a black coach and it's forcing all kinds of silly media gyrations as they try to figure out what to do about this.
My guess is most MSM articles will completely ignore his Christian comments and write their own racially noted assessments of his performance. Thus, they will ignore his words and focus on his skin. One could suggest you are doing likewise.
Tony Dungy is a class human being and a brilliant football coach. His humility,commitment to excellence,work ethic and sportsmanship is an example to all Americans. I am very happy for him and the Colts to see the way they bounced back from the tragedy they suffered last year when his son took his life.
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