In the largely secular space that is professional sports, it’s not uncommon for those expressing overtly Christian beliefs to get mocked in the media. Case in point, Tim Tebow.
After the Philadelphia Eagles’ big win over the Patriots this Sunday, NBC Sports analyst Tony Dungy also found himself under fire for his comments on the faith of Eagles QB Nick Foles.
The commentator for “Football Night in America” ruffled feathers in the Twitterverse with his congratulatory statement to the Eagles in saying, “Nick Foles told me last week that he felt the Lord had him in Philadelphia for a special moment and he played like it tonight.”
Congratulations to the Eagles. Nick Foles told me last week that he felt the Lord had him in Philadelphia for a special moment and he played like it tonight. pic.twitter.com/BgYvucnK6Q
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 5, 2018
For the next two days, social media users slammed Dungy for his lack of journalistic integrity, “bigotry,” and audacity to “spout this nonsense on the air.”
The retired NFL coach and outspoken Christian who “lives by Mark 8:36” according to his Twitter bio (“what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul”) responded to his critics with poise and confidence.
“Why is it bigoted to believe in Jesus Christ? I don’t follow you???” Dungy questioned in response to being labeled a bigot.
“Does that mean the lord hated the Patriots,” snarked another irritated commenter. “Does NBC want you preaching on air?”