TONY DUNGY STORIES

This story happened when Tony was the Defensive Coordinator for the Pittsburg Steelers, and it was a test to his integrity.

It was just a day, or so, before the Steelers' first playoff game at the end of the regular season. The TV technical crew was in the stadium getting their equipment set up when the Steelers' opponents were on the field going through a few plays.

A cameraman happened to notice the Steelers' opponents running a trick play. Later, when the Steelers took the field, the cameraman told Tony about the play. He, of course, had time to defend against the play. However, Tony chose not to mention it to his defensive team. He later said he didn't want his team to have an unethical edge.

As it turned out, the opponents did run the play and scored a touchdown. "However," Tony said with a chuckle, "it was called back because of a penalty."

Doing sports God's way is making godly choices!

[Please post any story you might have about Tony Dungy on this site.]

IS BARRY BOND LEGIT?

With Barry Bonds closing in on the all time home run record held by Hank Aaron, I thought it might be interesting to look at some of the greatest sports records of all time in a short series.

I'll write more about Bond's achievement when he actually breaks the record. However, for now, lets take a quick look at what Hammering Hank Aaron accomplished to better appreciate what Bonds is now doing. In a world hostile to Aaron for closing in on the immortal Babe Ruth's all-time record, he endured the boos and death threats to smash Ruth's record of 714 home runs, and end up with 755.

Aaron is the only player in major league baseball history to put together more than 700 homers, 3,000 hits (3,771) and 2,000 RBIs (2,297) in a career.

Each of those achievements is incredible in itself. But, to do them all, what a remarkable ball player Aaron was. And, arguably, the home run is the most difficult of all sports accomplishments, requiring precise timing, blazing bat speed, power, and keen eyesight, all while an opponent is trying to make the tiny ball jump around as its hurtling toward the hitter at 90 plus miles per hour from a distance of only sixty feet away.

So, whether you like Barry Bonds as a man, applaud what he's doing as an athlete. To break such an incredible record takes an incredible athlete. Now, I'm not in favor of anyone who uses steroids. And, I'm not a fan of people who treat others with contempt. Yet, I'm trying to set aside my personal feelings about Barry Bonds, and look at what he is doing as an athlete with unusual physical skills and mental discipline.

In a hostile world, amidst the boos and death threats, he is about to break the record of an athlete who was also a "hated" man at the time of his pursuit. Aaron knows well the pressure Bonds is now facing. Interestingly, Bonds is also closing in on the 3000 hits for a career, and the 2000 RBIs in a career.

All the marks of a great player.

To break a record held by Aaron, one of the greatest players of all time, it takes and extraordinary ball player.

So, whether you like him, or not, give Bonds his due.