Thursday, March 22, 2007

So why did James Dungy commit suicide?


Back in late 2005, we were saddened to hear of this story regarding James Dungy, the 18 year old son of NFL coach Tony Dungy. Why would such a fine young man abruptly kill himself? It was sad, it was tragic, and there seemingly were no answers.

But knowing Coach Dungy and his constant religious pontificating, my gut told me that his son was hiding a deep secret. My instinct told me James was gay, and if you understand the parallel universe that Christians operate in, sometimes death might be preferable to the *insert shriek here* horror of being gay.

Now my instincts are being reconfimed as I read this report in the Indianapolis Star, as Dungy was the keynote speaker at a banquet the other night for some nut group called the "Indiana Family Institute". This organization is apparently fighting to adopt legislation to ban same-sex marriage in Indiana and also rescind hard won equal rights initiatives in the state.

"IFI is saying what the Lord says," Dungy said. "You can take that and make your decision on which way you want to be. I'm on the Lord's side."

So tell us, Coach Dungy, when exactly did you and God have this conversation?

I used to admire and respect Tony Dungy. Suffice to say that is over.

42 comments:

Anonymous said...

"I used to admire and respect Tony Dungy. Suffice to say that is over."

Funny...I was thinking the same thing about you after this post, as much as it pains me to say that.

Why is it when a Christian man publicly states his beliefs, he is to be scorned and avoided? As far as that crack about James Dungy, well, it's one thing to disagree with the coach and other Christian conservatives on their views. It's another thing to speculate that a man's son killed himself because he may or may not be gay and was afraid to come out to his family.

That's not respectful or fair. That's just plain vicious, and shouldn't be condoned by anyone, regardless of your viewpoint.

So much for this tolerance I keep hearing so much about.

Andrew Kulyk said...

Rob - I used to admire and respect Tony Dungy. And I make that statement knowing he is a deeply religious man and uses his faith and principles to guide him in his life.

I would like to think of myself as "tolerant", and respectful of religious people. Religion was an important part of my family and my growing up years.

I am dismayed that Dungy crossed the line and decided to endorse a super charged political organization whose agenda is hate, disrespect for individual liberties and the dignity of people. And this is aside from whether one is for or against same sex marriage. It is about non discrimination in housing, jobs, health care, property rights and a myriad of other social issues.

As for James, I don't know why he did what he did. I am just speculating and just connecting the dots. But let's assume for a moment young James was gay. Here you live in a household and you idolize your dad, yet the constant message you get back is that there is something wrong with you. You are a flawed human being. You can only be "cured" by embracing Jesus Christ and repenting your "sins" unto the Lord.

Yeah, I think I'd blow my brains out.

And yeah, for that kind of twisted logic, which is preached by the Focus on the Family crowd, I have no "tolerance".

And I'm damn proud of it!

Anonymous said...

You wrote:
But knowing Coach Dungy and his constant religious pontificating, my gut told me that his son was hiding a deep secret. My instinct told me James was gay, and if you understand the parallel universe that Christians operate in, sometimes death might be preferable to the *insert shriek here* horror of being gay.

Now my instincts are being reconfirmed as I read this report in the Indianapolis Star, as Dungy was the keynote speaker at a banquet the other night for some nut group called the "Indiana Family Institute".


1.) Nothing in that Indy Star report you link to either “confirms” or “reconfirms” anything about your guess that James Dungy was gay. That report, in fact, does not mention James Dungy at all. So perhaps instead of “reconfirms”, you mean some other word?

2.) It seems tome a very bizarre guess on your part that James Dungy was gay. His girlfriend discovered his dead body.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2268593

From the ESPN.com story the day after his death:
“Until such time as the toxicology results are received, normally four to six weeks, the cause and manner of death are listed as pending. Typically, autopsy reports are available within six to eight weeks. James Dungy's girlfriend found him when she returned to the Campus Lodge Apartments at about 1:30 a.m., Carter said. He wasn't breathing, and a sheriff's deputy performed CPR before an ambulance rushed him to University Community Hospital, Carter said. He was pronounced dead there.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, typo:
"Seems tome..." should be "Seems to me..."

And yes, of course I realize having a g/f does not prove he wan't gay.

But the news at the time discussed fights they had been having and him being distraught at her leaving him.

Again, however, you can engage in whatever wild speculation you wish.

The blogosphere is full of bloggers who like to do that sort of thing instead of sticking to credible facts and expressing opinions about facts.

Peter Farrell said...

Hmmm...Dungy is on the Lord's side.

But is the Lord on Dungy's side?

Last I knew, the Lord Jesus never explicitly said a word on the subject that got Dungy in a bit of hot water. Old Testament another story....

Still waiting for clarification from the Lord. Last I knew he hasn't been proven to have said a word in about two thousand years.


Just sayin'....

Anonymous said...

Great work.

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I am regular visitor of this website[url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/lose-10-pounds-in-2-weeks-quick-weight-loss-tips].[/url]Lots of good information here thesportsroadtrip.blogspot.com. Frankly speaking we really do not pay attention towards our health. Let me show you one truth. Recent Research shows that almost 60% of all USA grownups are either chubby or overweight[url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/lose-10-pounds-in-2-weeks-quick-weight-loss-tips].[/url] So if you're one of these citizens, you're not alone. Infact many among us need to lose 10 to 20 lbs once in a while to get sexy and perfect six pack abs. Now next question is how you can achive quick weight loss? [url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/lose-10-pounds-in-2-weeks-quick-weight-loss-tips]Quick weight loss[/url] is really not as tough as you think. You need to improve some of you daily habbits to achive weight loss in short span of time.

About me: I am writer of [url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/lose-10-pounds-in-2-weeks-quick-weight-loss-tips]Quick weight loss tips[/url]. I am also mentor who can help you lose weight quickly. If you do not want to go under hard training program than you may also try [url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/acai-berry-for-quick-weight-loss]Acai Berry[/url] or [url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/colon-cleanse-for-weight-loss]Colon Cleansing[/url] for quick weight loss.

Anonymous said...

Maybe he got molested by a song leader or a pastor. Maybe Eddie long or some cogic Guy got to him.

Anonymous said...

The Powerblock products possess a pin technique to
change the weight of just about every dumbbell.


Also visit my website: http://www.getfitnstrong.com/adjustable-dumbbells/

Anonymous said...

Hello! I just wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for your great info you've got right here on this post. I am returning to your blog for more soon.

Also visit my site :: exercises To increase vertical

Anonymous said...

The hassle your legs put in to transferring the treadbelt would seem for
being the secret.

my web page bowflex selecttech 552 dumbbells

Anonymous said...

Make sure to breathe out although executing the chest push.


Take a look at my homepage simply click the following post

Anonymous said...

Good answers in return of this issue with solid
arguments and explaining all regarding that.


Feel free to surf to my web site: Yapıkredi

Anonymous said...

Weights and resistance teaching can also be fantastic strategies for shedding fat.



My site - mouse click the next web site

Anonymous said...

Development in fat decline and physical health and fitness will probably
be made inside a series of tiny measures and life style changes.


Here is my webpage; Reporte abuso

Anonymous said...

If this sounds like you, then you definately should realize that these
different types of thoughts are likely to
conclude up causing a great deal much more harm than
enable for your needs in the long term.

my website - Read More Listed here

Anonymous said...

Your way of telling everything in this paragraph is genuinely pleasant, every one be able to simply be aware of it, Thanks a lot.


Feel free to visit my web page verticaljump.einfohound.com

Anonymous said...

The easiest and most effective means of strength instruction is
figuring out with dumbbells.

Also visit my webpage; Read This

Anonymous said...

So significantly there is not 1 matter which i do not
like in regards to the PowerBlocks.

Check out my web blog: http://www.getfitnstrong.com/bowflex-dumbbells/

Anonymous said...

Hi there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I really enjoy reading through your blog posts.
Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums
that deal with the same subjects? Thanks a lot!

Also visit my blog post; http://www.mtsco.net/TerrellSa

Anonymous said...

A Bow Flex might help you can get in good
condition for actively playing baseball in case you utilize it usually and the right
way.

Look into my page :: Learn More

Anonymous said...

Also, they permit me to go considerably further into my pushup than a typical pushup, as
a result offering me more variety of motion in my
pectoral exercise routine.

Here is my site - Top

Anonymous said...

google law firm

Anonymous said...

Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group?
There's a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Cheers

Feel free to visit my webpage; exercises to improve vertical

Anonymous said...

Great information. Lucky me I ran across your site by accident (stumbleupon).
I've book marked it for later!

My blog post ... exercises to improve vertical jump

Anonymous said...

Including a lot more very good extra fat may help retain you fuller for a longer time, and assistance
aid in burning all of those excessive fat shops you not require.


My web site: bowflex selecttech dumbbells

Anonymous said...

You recognize the one particular, he receives sand kicked in
his experience, starts training, training challenging and ahead of you
are aware of it.

My web-site ... bowflex for sale

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your info. I really appreciate your
efforts and I am waiting for your further post thanks once again.


Stop by my web site - vertical leap exercises

Brian said...

This is a pathetic attempt to find a reason to dislike Tony Dungy because he is a Christian. His son's death not not be speculated upon since no one can know what was going on inside him. BTW, the Word of God clearly calls homosexual behavior a sin. Of course, in your atheistic worldview, this is "intolerant" so I know you will rage on against Christ and those who live for him. God bless you abundantly, Tony Dungy!!

Anonymous said...

to Andrew, why is the Indiana Family institute a hate group? let me ask you a question? do you think homosexuality is a natural act? think about what transacts between a man and man? do you REALLY believe it is love? or do you think that the participants BELIEVE it to be love? and that the devil is getting them to believe it is love? and even if you don't believe it, do you think it at least REASONABLE that others believe it and profess that? I believe it is corrosive. not only because of the Bibblical statements but because there is an INHERENT difference between love and lust?
I believe Jesus wants us to help others. part of that help, I and many others believe is to help people turn away from sin, turn away from lust, turn away from the devil. I don't disagree that there are 'Christians' that are hatemongers. but perhaps the real Christians are the ones with the compassion by wanting them to turn away from the devil. so, you say you 'no longer respect Tony Dungy, (a good Christian man with deep faith) and are damn proud of it.' I will say a prayer for you.

Anonymous said...

This article has even more prevalence with Tony's latest remarks.

Anonymous said...

You do realize Jesus was gay, right? His intimacy with John was well documented. For Christians to cling to this concept that being gay is a sin, they really need to further study the truth.

According to the US Biblical scholar, Morton Smith, of Columbia University, a fragment of manuscript he found at the Mar Saba monastery near Jerusalem in 1958, showed that the full text of St. Mark chapter 10 (between verses 34 and 35 in the standard version of the Bible) includes the passage:

"And the youth, looking upon him (Jesus), loved him and beseeched that he might remain with him. And going out of the tomb, they went into the house of the youth, for he was rich. And after six days, Jesus instructed him and, at evening, the youth came to him wearing a linen cloth over his naked body. And he remained with him that night, for Jesus taught him the mystery of the Kingdom of God".

Anonymous said...

gays don't want equal rights they want special rights. Gays can have any job they are qualified for. There are laws in place already to prevent them from being discriminated against. They can have health insurance coverage as domestic partners. there are already laws in place to secure that and there is no proof required for a partner to be covered. You can leave a will and leave anything you want to anyone you want including a house. so there are already laws in place to protect gay people just the same as anyone else. Gay people want the right to get married. marriage is a moral issue anyway based on the bible. Since gays don't live according to the bible why get married? And as for Michael Sams he stirred up all of the publicity he got in hopes it would over shadow his lack to talent. It didn't work. It seems to me that gays don't want to be treated equal just more special than the rest of us.

Unknown said...

This is a distainable, half cocked, and bias article. You provided no information about the pill overdoes, no back story, it is obvious you are not a Christian, you have spent zero time working hand in hand with the:mentally ill, addicts or any in depth personal relationship/first hand experience with gay people and the gay community. I have years of experience with all these areas listed above. I hae used Tony Dungy's book, "The Uncommon Life, for almost two years now... it changed my life through my addiction, homelessness, and brought me back to God. I know what sexual immorality is because i sepnt years dabling in it.You don't have a CLUE about... well the topic at all. Denying Christ and being mislead about what his life was about and why he was here... is willful ignorance and ignored out of fear. Wake up guy...

I Hate Rapists said...

I respect everyone’s view to disagree with Tony Dungy. In my opinion, we need MORE MEN like Tony Dungy in this cruel world and ESPECIALLY in the NFL! May God have mercy on us all.

Unknown said...

Prayers for you. Truly I mean that, no joke.

TheBibleIsWicked said...

Well, these last few posts are more evidence that Christians are sanctimonious worshipers of a god and religion that overtly supports the torture of human beings for imaginary crimes.

Anonymous said...

Hey Anonymous above! You really really suck. Your disdain and lack of empathy for others is disgusting and shows that you are sick to the core. Hide behind God if you want but I'm pretty sure God would disapprove of your *ssholery. I hope you find love and friendship in your life, although I imagine you must be a challenging person to deal with on a daily basis.

The Wizard said...

I am pretty sure that Tony Dungy is about as devoted to the Lord and loving towards other people as they get. Andrew above says "super charged political organization whose agenda is hate, disrespect for individual liberties and the dignity of people." It is so easy to play that stinking trump card of "hate". Why is it always construed that Christians are about hating gays and others? On the contrary BECAUSE of Christian beliefs, we believe homosexuality to lead to destruction because their LUSTS have turned them away from God. Why is it that its okay to generally believe the Bible but you better not believe Romans 1!? And assuming you are correct that his son was gay, you have no idea what kind of conversations he may have had with his Dad. His Dad would loved him no matter what. We all make choices. Life is difficult. It was for his son, it is for Tony, it is for you, and it is for me. If you had proof that Dungy in some way overtly shamed hi son that might be a different story. But you seem to imply that he might have felt shamed due to his fathers beliefs. That is entirely different, and should no way be pinned on Tony. Is Tony to change his way of life, his core beliefs because his son might not agree with it?

Anonymous said...

��������

Unknown said...

Well said

gq said...

I am a lesbian that Jesus rescued from drugs & alcohol 34 years ago! He knows I'm gay & always have been! The drugs & alcohol were killing me! Not me being a lesbian! If God had a problem with my sexuality, he could have let me die but, he didn't! So if you can't handle gay people, that's your problem not mine!