Shocking and sad. :( Tony Dungy just seems to embody the idea that one can be successful and still be conscientous rather than self-absorbed. It makes this seem completely . . . unfair.
There are members of Tony's family, and families around the world, who are non-religious, and are also suffering a loss. Their suffering is no greater and no less. I think it's important to remember that at a time like this.Please do not take this a place we do not want. Crosseyed made a kind comment. Save the debate for the FFA.So if Tony was not religious, he wouldn't be fine? I don't understand the implication.But I've heard him speak of his faith in God and he is a man of strong faith. He will be fine.
Updated: Dec. 22, 2005, 10:48 AM ET
Dungy's son, 18, found dead in Tampa suburbESPN.com news services
James Dungy, the 18-year-old son of Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, was found dead at 1:30 a.m. ET Thursday in his apartment in Lutz, Fla., a suburb of Tampa, Debbie Carter, a spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, confirmed Thursday.
In a news release on its Web site, the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office said it "responded to the Campus Lodge Apartments this morning at approximately 1:32 a.m. The girlfriend of James Dungy had returned to the apartment and discovered Dungy."
Police performed CPR on Dungy before he was taken to University Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
No foul play is suspected, but a cause of death won't announced pending an autopsy, said Vida Morgan, a secretary in the sheriff's public information office.
Tony Dungy has left the Colts and is in Tampa, ESPN has learned.
The coach and his wife, Lauren, have four other children: daughters Tiara and Jade, and sons Eric and Jordan.
The Colts (13-1) are at Seattle on Saturday.
Fans posted prayers and messages of support for Dungy, who also coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on a message board on a Colts fan Web site.
"Not only was he a great football coach for the Bucs, but he is an even better person," one Tampa Bay fan wrote. "It makes me sick that it happened at this time of year to a person that is so giving and caring."
Another person wrote for God to give strength to Dungy during this difficult time.
"When things like this happen it adjusts our perspective on life," one person wrote. "What was considered major yesterday doesn't amount to more than a footnote today."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report
Sorry if I am stepping on anyones toes, I am just reporting what I am hearing on the radio. Everyone is pretty much saying how great of a kid he is and what a shock it is. Some people are saying they talked to him recently and there were no signs of troublePlease stop. The man's son is dead. Please don't trash this kids reputation. The FACTS will be out shortly. The Dungy family has my deepest sympathy in this time of need. I lost a family member to a violent crime and people judged him before all the facts were told. These theories of demise only add further stress to the family. Please let them have time to grieve. Thanks again guys
James Dungy, son of Tony Dungy, found dead
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's department is confirming the death of 18-year-old James Dungy. Dungy, the son of former Buccaneers coach Tony Dungy, was found dead in his North Tampa apartment by his girlfriend early this morning. A death investigation is going on now. At this time, it appears suicide is the cause of death.
The sheriff's office reports an emergency call came in at 1:30 a.m. from Dungy's apartment at Campus Lodge Apartments near USF. Paramedics responded, finding Dungy not breathing. They attempted CPR on Dungy, then transported him to UCH hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Tony Dungy was flying in to Tampa Thursday morning.
Stay tuned to WDAE and WDAE.com for the latest information.
hmmm interesting, they are reporting his myspace site has a Randy Moss theme and he is wearing a black hoody and saying something about f-the police. If this is his site it could be a sign of a troubled individual. Again all just what i am hearing on the radio
One could argue that it's "best" during the holidays as other family members probably planned to visit anyhow. Sadly, there has been several times that coaches have lost a loved one. Each time the work is a distraction, a break from the sadness and a hint of normalcy that they covet. Prayers for Tony and his familyThere's never really a good time for this to happen but during the holidays is all the worse. Not sure how you celebrate future Christmases.
Heck, just for fantasy purposes, how can we expect this guy do anything for the rest of the year? If I had a kid I'd be devastated for a long time after news like this. :( :( :(
Just checked out his page... do a search for "dungy"The kid def was into a rebelling thing and had serious issues..... not just a rap fan.hmmm interesting, they are reporting his myspace site has a Randy Moss theme and he is wearing a black hoody and saying something about f-the police. If this is his site it could be a sign of a troubled individual. Again all just what i am hearing on the radioOr it could just mean he's in to rap music like million's of kids today.
Put a sock in it. Dungy's faith is well-known and genuine. We know that he derives personal strength from it. That's all anyone is saying here. If you're so touchy about the subject that mere mentions of other peoples' faith (during a time of terrible personal crisis no less) gets you defensive, then that's your problem. Out of respect (if you understand the word), discuss your defensiveness elsewhere.There are members of Tony's family, and families around the world, who are non-religious, and are also suffering a loss. Their suffering is no greater and no less. I think it's important to remember that at a time like this.Please do not take this a place we do not want. Crosseyed made a kind comment. Save the debate for the FFA.So if Tony was not religious, he wouldn't be fine? I don't understand the implication.But I've heard him speak of his faith in God and he is a man of strong faith. He will be fine.
The gossip in this thread is sickening.
Dungy is one of the better guys in the league, really a sad story. :(
Indeed. I have met members of the family, and that includes Dungy, here in Mid-Michigan and I can assure you that they will be leaning on their faith in a tragic time like this. If that isn't YOUR thing...ok. Just leave it alone and let them be.This is a terrible thing but it happens and the last thing anyone needs is a bunch of stupid speculation on this board. I know, that's what we do best with FFB, but this aint that, so let's all take the high road, for once.Put a sock in it. Dungy's faith is well-known and genuine. We know that he derives personal strength from it. That's all anyone is saying here. If you're so touchy about the subject that mere mentions of other peoples' faith (during a time of terrible personal crisis no less) gets you defensive, then that's your problem. Out of respect (if you understand the word), discuss your defensiveness elsewhere.There are members of Tony's family, and families around the world, who are non-religious, and are also suffering a loss. Their suffering is no greater and no less. I think it's important to remember that at a time like this.Please do not take this a place we do not want. Crosseyed made a kind comment. Save the debate for the FFA.So if Tony was not religious, he wouldn't be fine? I don't understand the implication.But I've heard him speak of his faith in God and he is a man of strong faith. He will be fine.
As for the "he'll be fine" statement, I wouldn't go that far, man of faith or not. This is a severe test for anyone. The death of a young child is bad enough, but by suicide is as bad as it gets. I've known two kids who I grew up with who committed suicide; one of them was one of my best friends who lived two doors up from me - I was going to spend the night at his house later in the day that his parents discovered him. They were never the same.
Either way, my thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. This is simply awful, awful news.
That isn't what I said. I was merely pointing out that Tony Dungy is a man who trusts God with his life. I have personally heard him speak about his faith. And having been to many funerals, it has been my observation that those with a strong faith tend to deal with these types of tragedies better than those without faith. That's not to say that people without faith cannot get through difficult times, it just seems to be easier for those with faith.But as it has already been pointed out, this is not the time or place to debate this isue. My prayers are with the Dungy family and all who have been affected by this tragic loss.So if Tony was not religious, he wouldn't be fine? I don't understand the implication.But I've heard him speak of his faith in God and he is a man of strong faith. He will be fine.
You are in the company of angels and saints on this board. They make Joe Buck look like Robert Mitchum.I guess it offends people to gossip about the mysterious death of an 18 yo. Sorry, but people are not suppose to die at 18, so it is not bizzar to be curious about cause of death. Besides most of what people are reporting is coming from other sources like the radio. So I suggest not listening to the radio it may also be considered "sickening".
Don't shoot the messenger. I feel bad for anyone that loses a family member, especially the coach that transformed the Buc's from a bunch of losers.
Well said.Yes, it's possible it was a suicide, a genetic heart-related disease, drug overdose, etc. But the details will come out soon enough. I don't see any positive result in speculating right now.
The point is that the Dungy family has been dealt a horrible tragedy - the death of their son, which I wouldn't wish upon anyone.
Well said. I intend to do the same.Devastating. Prayers go out to the Dungy family. I don't know how he will be able to move forward short term with the team. I would cry non-stop for months. I'll hold mine closer this Christmas, that's for sure. Bad things sometimes happen to great parents. Very sad.
I don't know if you'd say it's "offensive" to gossip about the death of a young man like this. But please let's not do it here. There will be plenty of places to analyze and criticize and speculate over his myspace site and all that kind of gossippy stuff some people do. Please find another board to do it on.Thanks.I guess it offends people to gossip about the mysterious death of an 18 yo. Sorry, but people are not suppose to die at 18, so it is not bizzar to be curious about cause of death. Besides most of what people are reporting is coming from other sources like the radio. So I suggest not listening to the radio it may also be considered "sickening".
Don't shoot the messenger. I feel bad for anyone that loses a family member, especially the coach that transformed the Buc's from a bunch of losers.
What was wrong with the Oxycotin thread Joe? We had an acquaintence die from a drug overdose this week...no foul play by the Tampa Police Dept...its not hard to connect the dots...but that thread was not intended to hurt anyone Joe.Joe, I have met Tony Dungy, many that live in Tampa and are/were Bucsfans probably have...the guy is one of the absolute best human beings I ever met..."Promise Keeper" the whole nine yards. i think you are being quick to close threads un necesarily. The Myspace site I understand somewhat but it is on public domain...its not a secret. Soemtimes we need a place to vent...your site usually provides that, i am a bit upset that you would be so closed minded friend.I don't know if you'd say it's "offensive" to gossip about the death of a young man like this. But please let's not do it here. There will be plenty of places to analyze and criticize and speculate over his myspace site and all that kind of gossippy stuff some people do. Please find another board to do it on.Thanks.I guess it offends people to gossip about the mysterious death of an 18 yo. Sorry, but people are not suppose to die at 18, so it is not bizzar to be curious about cause of death. Besides most of what people are reporting is coming from other sources like the radio. So I suggest not listening to the radio it may also be considered "sickening".
Don't shoot the messenger. I feel bad for anyone that loses a family member, especially the coach that transformed the Buc's from a bunch of losers.
J
Speaking of Oxycontin, that drug has affected my family adversely many times over. My brother spent 5 years in prison because of that drug. A girl I went to school with, and was a very good friend of mine, got her brains blown out by her husband who was on Oxycontin. I had another friend of mine overdosed on Oxycontin, while mixing it with booze. She drowned in her own puke.I'm not saying that Dungy's son was taking drugs, hell I don't know, but I feel sorry for their family.What was wrong with the Oxycotin thread Joe? We had an acquaintence die from a drug overdose this week...no foul play by the Tampa Police Dept...its not hard to connect the dots...but that thread was not intended to hurt anyone Joe.Joe, I have met Tony Dungy, many that live in Tampa and are/were Bucsfans probably have...the guy is one of the absolute best human beings I ever met..."Promise Keeper" the whole nine yards. i think you are being quick to close threads un necesarily. The Myspace site I understand somewhat but it is on public domain...its not a secret. Soemtimes we need a place to vent...your site usually provides that, i am a bit upset that you would be so closed minded friend.I don't know if you'd say it's "offensive" to gossip about the death of a young man like this. But please let's not do it here. There will be plenty of places to analyze and criticize and speculate over his myspace site and all that kind of gossippy stuff some people do. Please find another board to do it on.Thanks.I guess it offends people to gossip about the mysterious death of an 18 yo. Sorry, but people are not suppose to die at 18, so it is not bizzar to be curious about cause of death. Besides most of what people are reporting is coming from other sources like the radio. So I suggest not listening to the radio it may also be considered "sickening".
Don't shoot the messenger. I feel bad for anyone that loses a family member, especially the coach that transformed the Buc's from a bunch of losers.
J
JU, that is what happened unfortunately to one of the employee's friends here where I work this week...she is being pulled off life support as we speak...not good.Speaking of Oxycontin, that drug has affected my family adversely many times over. My brother spent 5 years in prison because of that drug. A girl I went to school with and was a very good friend of mine, got her brains blown out by her husband who was on Oxycontin. I had another friend of mine overdosed on Oxycontin, while mixing it with booze. She drowned in her own puke.What was wrong with the Oxycotin thread Joe? We had an acquaintence die from a drug overdose this week...no foul play by the Tampa Police Dept...its not hard to connect the dots...but that thread was not intended to hurt anyone Joe.Joe, I have met Tony Dungy, many that live in Tampa and are/were Bucsfans probably have...the guy is one of the absolute best human beings I ever met..."Promise Keeper" the whole nine yards. i think you are being quick to close threads un necesarily. The Myspace site I understand somewhat but it is on public domain...its not a secret. Soemtimes we need a place to vent...your site usually provides that, i am a bit upset that you would be so closed minded friend.I don't know if you'd say it's "offensive" to gossip about the death of a young man like this. But please let's not do it here. There will be plenty of places to analyze and criticize and speculate over his myspace site and all that kind of gossippy stuff some people do. Please find another board to do it on.Thanks.I guess it offends people to gossip about the mysterious death of an 18 yo. Sorry, but people are not suppose to die at 18, so it is not bizzar to be curious about cause of death. Besides most of what people are reporting is coming from other sources like the radio. So I suggest not listening to the radio it may also be considered "sickening".
Don't shoot the messenger. I feel bad for anyone that loses a family member, especially the coach that transformed the Buc's from a bunch of losers.
J
Dungy will not coach this weekend. The loss of a father is different than that of a son...I know brett Favre played, Bellichek coached...but when you lose your 18 year old son...not good.I do think Dungy will coach week 17...and than will definitely coach the playoffs and dedicate it to his 18 year old son...and I will be pulling for him the whole way.KFFL reporting dungy out indefinitely
KFFL Breaking News
Dungy's Son Passes Away
ESPN.com reports Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy's son, James, was found dead at 1:30 a.m. ET Thursday, Dec. 22, in his apartment in Lutz, Fla. James Dungy, 18, was reportedly found by his girlfriend. Police performed CPR before he was taken to University Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. While no foul play is suspected, a cause of death won't be announced due to a pending autopsy. Tony Dungy has left the Colts and is in Tampa. KFFL extends our condolences to Dungy's family and friends.
Team president Bill Polian said Tony Dungy will be away from the team indefinitely due to the passing of his son. Jim Caldwell, the team's assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach, will take over Dungy's role with the team while he is away.
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i couldn't imagine working after the loss of one of my children. this is truly unfortunate but puts the whole quest for perfection and superbowl dream in perspective.
Quez, I don't believe he that weak of a man...in fact I think after he takes a step back he will finish this season with the Colts. What he does after is pure speculation probably...I think he can heal himself thru football and dedicating the playoffs to his son...he has 51 players to answer to and lead...that will motivate him to finish the season. he has worked too hard, come too far, to just dive off a cliff at this point. He will assume God is trying to test him...there is a biblical story about a son being sacrificed...Tony is strong.I wouldn't be surprised if Dungy never coached again. He could feel like it is his fault or something. You know, the whole "not being there so I blame myself" kind of thing.
very very sad![]()
go awayThe gossip in this thread is sickening.
Weakness is a relative term. To say that he is a weak man if he does not come back to coach is pretty weak. Perhaps he realizes that Football is a game, and that the pain of his family is more important. I would expect to see him back on the sidelines. But to call him weak if he does not come back is probably the wrong terminology. I see what your point is and agree that he will probably come back to lead his team, but everyone deals with tragedy in different ways quoting the scripture should not determine whether someone is strong or weak.Quez, I don't believe he that weak of a man...in fact I think after he takes a step back he will finish this season with the Colts. What he does after is pure speculation probably...I think he can heal himself thru football and dedicating the playoffs to his son...he has 51 players to answer to and lead...that will motivate him to finish the season. he has worked too hard, come too far, to just dive off a cliff at this point. He will assume God is trying to test him...there is a biblical story about a son being sacrificed...Tony is strong.I wouldn't be surprised if Dungy never coached again. He could feel like it is his fault or something. You know, the whole "not being there so I blame myself" kind of thing.
very very sad![]()
What's wrong is you jumping out and speculating the young man died of a drug overdose when you have zero to back that up other than you know a guy that it happened tWhat was wrong with the Oxycotin thread Joe? We had an acquaintence die from a drug overdose this week...no foul play by the Tampa Police Dept...its not hard to connect the dots...but that thread was not intended to hurt anyone Joe.Joe, I have met Tony Dungy, many that live in Tampa and are/were Bucsfans probably have...the guy is one of the absolute best human beings I ever met..."Promise Keeper" the whole nine yards. i think you are being quick to close threads un necesarily. The Myspace site I understand somewhat but it is on public domain...its not a secret. Soemtimes we need a place to vent...your site usually provides that, i am a bit upset that you would be so closed minded friend.I don't know if you'd say it's "offensive" to gossip about the death of a young man like this. But please let's not do it here. There will be plenty of places to analyze and criticize and speculate over his myspace site and all that kind of gossippy stuff some people do. Please find another board to do it on.Thanks.I guess it offends people to gossip about the mysterious death of an 18 yo. Sorry, but people are not suppose to die at 18, so it is not bizzar to be curious about cause of death. Besides most of what people are reporting is coming from other sources like the radio. So I suggest not listening to the radio it may also be considered "sickening".
Don't shoot the messenger. I feel bad for anyone that loses a family member, especially the coach that transformed the Buc's from a bunch of losers.
J
Put a sock in it. Dungy's faith is well-known and genuine. We know that he derives personal strength from it. That's all anyone is saying here. If you're so touchy about the subject that mere mentions of other peoples' faith (during a time of terrible personal crisis no less) gets you defensive, then that's your problem. Out of respect (if you understand the word), discuss your defensiveness elsewhere.There are members of Tony's family, and families around the world, who are non-religious, and are also suffering a loss. Their suffering is no greater and no less. I think it's important to remember that at a time like this.Please do not take this a place we do not want. Crosseyed made a kind comment. Save the debate for the FFA.So if Tony was not religious, he wouldn't be fine? I don't understand the implication.But I've heard him speak of his faith in God and he is a man of strong faith. He will be fine.
As for the "he'll be fine" statement, I wouldn't go that far, man of faith or not. This is a severe test for anyone. The death of a young child is bad enough, but by suicide is as bad as it gets. I've known two kids who I grew up with who committed suicide; one of them was one of my best friends who lived two doors up from me - I was going to spend the night at his house later in the day that his parents discovered him. They were never the same.
Either way, my thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. This is simply awful, awful news.
Fox News does this sort of thing all the time and they're professionals.What's wrong is you jumping out and speculating the young man died of a drug overdose when you have zero to back that up other than you know a guy that it happened tWhat was wrong with the Oxycotin thread Joe? We had an acquaintence die from a drug overdose this week...no foul play by the Tampa Police Dept...its not hard to connect the dots...but that thread was not intended to hurt anyone Joe.Joe, I have met Tony Dungy, many that live in Tampa and are/were Bucsfans probably have...the guy is one of the absolute best human beings I ever met..."Promise Keeper" the whole nine yards. i think you are being quick to close threads un necesarily. The Myspace site I understand somewhat but it is on public domain...its not a secret. Soemtimes we need a place to vent...your site usually provides that, i am a bit upset that you would be so closed minded friend.I don't know if you'd say it's "offensive" to gossip about the death of a young man like this. But please let's not do it here. There will be plenty of places to analyze and criticize and speculate over his myspace site and all that kind of gossippy stuff some people do. Please find another board to do it on.Thanks.I guess it offends people to gossip about the mysterious death of an 18 yo. Sorry, but people are not suppose to die at 18, so it is not bizzar to be curious about cause of death. Besides most of what people are reporting is coming from other sources like the radio. So I suggest not listening to the radio it may also be considered "sickening".
Don't shoot the messenger. I feel bad for anyone that loses a family member, especially the coach that transformed the Buc's from a bunch of losers.
Jn this board, please show some respect for this family and this young man that died. There are plenty of other boards where you can speculate and gossip about him all you want.
J
Then go post on the Fox News site. Is that hard to understand this is Joe and Co.'s board and if he asks to take it to another board, you do so? Do you just want to argue and push your luck?Fox News does this sort of thing all the time and they're professionals.What's wrong is you jumping out and speculating the young man died of a drug overdose when you have zero to back that up other than you know a guy that it happened tWhat was wrong with the Oxycotin thread Joe? We had an acquaintence die from a drug overdose this week...no foul play by the Tampa Police Dept...its not hard to connect the dots...but that thread was not intended to hurt anyone Joe.Joe, I have met Tony Dungy, many that live in Tampa and are/were Bucsfans probably have...the guy is one of the absolute best human beings I ever met..."Promise Keeper" the whole nine yards. i think you are being quick to close threads un necesarily. The Myspace site I understand somewhat but it is on public domain...its not a secret. Soemtimes we need a place to vent...your site usually provides that, i am a bit upset that you would be so closed minded friend.I don't know if you'd say it's "offensive" to gossip about the death of a young man like this. But please let's not do it here. There will be plenty of places to analyze and criticize and speculate over his myspace site and all that kind of gossippy stuff some people do. Please find another board to do it on.Thanks.I guess it offends people to gossip about the mysterious death of an 18 yo. Sorry, but people are not suppose to die at 18, so it is not bizzar to be curious about cause of death. Besides most of what people are reporting is coming from other sources like the radio. So I suggest not listening to the radio it may also be considered "sickening".
Don't shoot the messenger. I feel bad for anyone that loses a family member, especially the coach that transformed the Buc's from a bunch of losers.
Jn this board, please show some respect for this family and this young man that died. There are plenty of other boards where you can speculate and gossip about him all you want.
J
Yeah, that shining beacon of righteousness and morale fibre! All Hail Fox News, and follow their example!Fox News does this sort of thing all the time and they're professionals.What's wrong is you jumping out and speculating the young man died of a drug overdose when you have zero to back that up other than you know a guy that it happened to.
On this board, please show some respect for this family and this young man that died. There are plenty of other boards where you can speculate and gossip about him all you want.
J