Dungy's Diary

My Take on the Trayvon Martin Case

Posted on April 12, 2012

 

In the last month, many people have shared their thoughts on the Trayvon Martin case and the facts that continue to surface. The biggest thing I see, is that we are beginning to operate under a fear mentality. Here’s more of what I think about the recent events surrounding this case.


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  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kelly-Henigsmith/1635093844 Kelly Henigsmith

    Thank you so much for your input. We shouldn’t be led by fear, but be led by healing for this. Blessings to you!

  • Rosalindb29

    Thank you for having the courage to say what you really think. It’s inspiring and motivating to me and the people that I am expected to influence.

  • http://www.facebook.com/TrueBlueFan4life Marlene Elena Sangalang

    As with everything you do, Mr Dungy- spoken like a true gentleman. Tons of respect for you. Thank you for being a true man of God. Yes, we should not be led by fear and by what the media states. God knows exactly what happened and he will sort it out. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/TrueBlueFan4life Marlene Elena Sangalang

    im sorry, thought it was going to post the pic as my profile picture.

  • Randy

    Tony: Always cool,calm, and courageous.Especially under pressure.A man well respected in all communities.  

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Cheri-Lockwood/100003598699167 Cheri Lockwood

    Everybody seems up in arms over the stand your ground law, but my thoughts are that you would feel different if it were you or your family in trouble

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1009990013 Ed Bonchak

    Thanks Tony…I agree with everything you said. I only wish you would have said it it a little sooner. Keep writing and spreading the Gospel through your many ministries. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1343820230 Joshua Waulk
  • Mel C

    Been there and yes, since my family was in “trouble” I stood my ground.  The difference is I stood “my” ground, my property, not public walking space.  However, I think you missed Mr. Dungy’s point.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Theresa-Lewis/631559383 Theresa Lewis

    But Cheri, in this case the only person in trouble was Trayvon Martin. George Zimmerman is and was the agressor! He pursued Tryvon even after being told twice to not pursue the police were on the way.
      

  • Keith Cross Sr

    As much as one would like to portray this as being a situation of protecting ones family, there was no family or individual in trouble until the confrontation, which could have been avoided; ergo, there was nothing to protect, so this identification of a situation to defend is of no consequence. The fact is that there are no pieces of property worth taking a life over. Televisions, toaster and inanimate items are not equal to the precious value of a life, which can never be reclaimed as the inanimate items can be.

  • Beagletwinsmama

    Well put. Unfortunately, FL is part of the bandwagon of states that have legalized “shoot first, ask questions later.” We don’t live in the Old West and even those who lived in that society years ago didn’t like it. That’s why they changed firearms laws back then.

    We need to turn the culture of “I’ll defend what’s mine” on it’s head and look instead at what can we all do to protect and support our communities. If we do that, every time, violence and guns will not be the answer. 

  • Buckeye27

    You might think differently if you were the one getting you head smashed in. As much as people would like to say they know what happened, they only know snippets. An unquestioned fact, Mr. Zimmerman’s head shows signs of a fight. Whether or not that means the shooting was justified is a question for 12 people. People need to acknowledge a universal truth, when you are struggling for your life, you’re going to react in the manner that preserves you. Whether your family or property is at stake is immaterial. It’s hard wired into every beings mannerisms.

  • Vessel

    In agreement with you.  

  • Jaff49

    I agree… no gun was necessary . Why the gun???. Hope we can heal from this thank you and God Bless

  • glorie

    Who was in trouble? How much harm can a pack of skittles do?

  • Webber2k12

    I find it difficult to understand how so much hate there still is based on color and the way this has unfolded in the media. I pray that the truth prevails and peace between all mankind can flourish once again. Peace Brothers and Sisters.

  • http://www.not-just-a-name.blogspot.com/ Sherrey Meyer

    Appreciate so much your perspective on this case.  A fear mentality isn’t a positive for us or our children or our country.  Praying for resolution that begins a healing process in many ways.

  • HRguru

    That law isn’t even relevant to this case.  And when someone from your community invades your home, your fuzzyheaded notions are not worth very much. 

  • Lmb23

    There are too many FACTS missing for anyones opinion to have any validity.

  • Drswil40

    His head would have a gash to and a bloody nose if a total stranger was following and trying to murder me.

  • Fernando

    Well said

  • Franzthemidget

     I would love to live in your imaginary world.

  • http://twitter.com/ASK1269 Amanda S. Kyle

    exactly. I did not understand stand your ground to mean this either. thanks for your perspective.

  • Bud

    It is disappointing that Martin’s mother is saying “we are not going to sit still until there Zimmerman is convicted” rather than saying we want to see justice done. That attitude is an unfortunate consequence of people like Rev (not) Al Sharpton and others like him who only foment hate in the black community. What a tragedy in itself.

  • Slickwazeomg

    I seriously doubt Zimmerman’s intent was to murder anyone.  He was working, that’s his job to patrol that neighborhood. 
    Trayvon was visiting, because he was suspended from school for a week.  Therefore, he may have looked out of place to Zimmerman. 
    I feel that Zimmerman shouldn’t have followed him closely enough for confrontation and should have had law enforcement come out to assist. 
    And yeah if I was getting my head bashed into the pavement, I would probably fight very hard to survive (by whatever means necessary).

  • Chantina819

    Great observations Tony.

  • Dptyjones45

    Talk about a person that looks ahead. I think this is a very good statement!
     

  • Marriedawwyspas

    Slick dog, Mr Zimmerman was not on duty. He was not doing his job and was told not to follow Trayvon!

  • Davidredman24

    Tony, as a christian I hope I would have pulled up to Travon and said- do you need a ride son. Do you want to get out of the rain. I’ll take you home! But there is that fear factor I might not have had but maybe George did.

  • Ednaosborne

     
    I totally agree with you, Coach Dungy. I’ve taken my hood off. The law must take the evidence and evaluate the case and the judge and jury will decide Mr. Zimmerman’s fate. Thank your for setting the record straight. We cannot allow anything to divide the Nation. God Bless America.

  • Missionary Edna Osborne

    Amen!

  • David Portee

    Hi Coach you hit the nail on the head. Nothing can be gained by operating out if fear!

  • http://twitter.com/clblackburn81 Chris Blackburn

    ”
    There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”  As a Christian parent, I find to this situation to be a great tragedy.  I can’t imagine losing my son.  I also can’t imagine having a worldview where judging one’s appearance and stereotype is commonplace.  God made us in His image.  I believe God loves diversity; all you have to do is look around.  My prayers go out to everyone involved and the loved ones that have been impacted by this.  I pray that the truth will be revealed and justice will be served.  Thank you Tony for thoughts and insight, may God Richly You in His Service.

  • Uncgal81

    Well said, coach!
     

  • http://www.facebook.com/teamoink David A Blackburn

    Thank you for being a true leader and taking a stance. Yes hopefully we will learn from this and avoid further losses of our young Americans.

  • Vanessa

    This killing was definitely a tragedy ! However ,how can we be of any support or comfort to Trayvon’s or Zimmerman’s family if we just keep running our mouths with our angry thoughts ,comments and what we think we know ?If there’s one thing I do know — God is in control ! He said ,If MY people ,called by My name would humble themselves and pray ,seek My face ,turn from their wicked ways then will I heal the land .  — We can all agree that this land needs healing ,so lets get it together —- stop talking ,debating and getting angry over things which you know not –and PRAY  ! Let’s give the families of these victims some hope —-I’ll say it myself —AMEN  !   ———Love you Tony Dungy -you are one of
    ‘the voices “of this time –God bless you as you continue to speak for HIM !

  • Lyssa

    Thanks for getting right to the point. Fear (perhaps totally warranted) is driving the rush to judgment, just as it likely provoked the shooting. Of course, I have no idea what really happened in this tragedy, but I’m praying for truth to be revealed (not sure this is likely) and justice to be done (I remain hopeful).

  • Karen hicks

    I like what you had to say I am a leo and working on the road I see how quickly people are willing to jump on the band waggon. This is not a easy situation, and you are  right we were not ther, but quick to judge. We need to let the States Atorneys Office or Law Enforcement Agency Investigate and kno that they are capable fo making the best decisions. It is sad that a young man died and I have no doubt that many people all over agree with that. As a officer I kno that If you had to take a mans life that is something you have to live with and that would be a hard thing to do. We put it in the right hands now and pray that only something good could poss come out of this situation. Just as we do with anything in out lives we pray about it. 
    Also im glad you put something out their because we do need to move forward.    

  • http://www.tours4fun.com/ Antwan Odom

      I believe God loves diversity; all you have to do is look around. 

  • http://www.tours4fun.com/ Antwan Odom

      I believe God loves diversity; all you have to do is look around. 

  • http://www.tours4fun.com/ Antwan Odom

      I believe God loves diversity; all you have to do is look around. 

  • http://www.northyorkmovers.net/ moving companies north york

    We put it in the right hands now and pray that only something good
    could poss come out of this situation. Just as we do with anything in
    out lives we pray about it.