Tony Dungy has long been one of the most respected individuals associated with the National Football League. Yet his image has taken a hit over the past several days and it is deserved. It also has nothing to do with him being a Christian either though his supporters believe that it is.
For those who are unaware on Wednesday, Dungy responded to a tweet by The Daily Wire.
Dungy stated in his tweet “that’s nothing. Some school districts are putting litter boxes in the school bathrooms for the students who identify as cats. Very important to address every student’s needs.” It took him hours to delete what he wrote and apparently he apologized for posting it.
Yet it seemed many were not aware that Dungy actually apologized. So, yesterday he posted it again, which seemed more like a copy and paste job from his public relations team, than anything heartfelt or meaningful. In other words he failed to take accountability for his actions.
Now Dungy sees himself as pro life. On Friday he spoke at March for Life rally.
Interestingly enough, his now deleted tweet went after the transgendered community. A group that has been marginalized and has high rates of suicide attempts. How does one who claims he is pro-life reiterate an outright lie that was only created to further hurt and stereotype a specific group?
The sad part is Dungy actually believed that it was true, hence why he tweeted it. He also has a long history of homophobia. When Michael Sam entered the NFL Draft in 2014, here is what got said “I wouldn’t have taken him. 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.”
In February 2014, Dungy also responded to a tweet by Brad Wells who was asking him about NBA center Jason Collins and he said ” I don’t agree with Jason Collins’ lifestyle but think he deserves respect and should have opportunities like anyone else!”
Imagine back in the year 2014 and still continuing to use the term “lifestyle” when addressing someone’s sexuality.
At the aforementioned March for Life rally speech, Dungy had the audacity to use the injury to Damar Hamlin as one of his talking points. That has not gone over well either. Therefore, it is much more clear to see that the criticism of him is absolutely deserved and once again has nothing to do with him being Christian and everything to do with his own actions or in this case words. It is definitely deserved and justifiable.