Opinion: Dungy Has Selective Reasoning When It Comes to What Is A Distraction
Photo by Keith Allison. License information here.
Super Bowl Champion and member of Athlete Ally’s Board of Directors Brendon Ayanbadejo is again standing up for the inclusion of gay players in the NFL.
Responding to comments by former NFL coach Tony Dungy that having an openly gay player like Michael Sam on his team would be a distraction, Ayanbadejo explains why nothing could be further from the truth.
“The NFL is a different place today than it was when Dungy coached. As much esteem and acclaim that Dungy received for his memoir, “Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices and Priorities of a Winning Life,” you must equally scrutinize the man — known as a coach’s coach — for the comments he made about Sam.
Dungy is known for putting faith and family before football. He knows, appreciates and understands that football is not everything. What’s more, he knows that before you can be great at anything, you must have a foundation of morals, principles, integrity and commitment.
Dungy preaches: “Nothing great happens after midnight.” Well, Michael Sam has never been in trouble with the law and is a stand-up citizen.
Dungy also shared these beliefs in his book:
“… You can have an impact anywhere you are. … We need somebody to give us a chance.”
I agree 100 percent, but this doesn’t exclude people who are gay, African-American, short or women. Anyone.
“… We have a number of difficulties facing our nation, but I believe fatherlessness is right at the top of the list.”
How many deadbeat dads did you encounter while in the NFL, Mr. Dungy? Michael Sam wants to be a father and have three children. He already knows what he wants to name them, as well.
“… Sometimes I think God wants there to be a circus so we can show there’s another way to respond.”
This quote is exactly what Rams coach Jeff Fisher is following! A gay player doesn’t need to be a distraction. Branch Rickey understood this fact more than 60 years ago. It’s not about color or sexuality. There is something larger here at stake for society and the world to see.”
You can read the full article here.