Colts Coach Dungy Endures Tragedy

The Indianapolis Colts organization was shocked this morning when the 18-year-old son of head coach Tony Dungy was found dead in a Tampa, Fla., area apartment of what is currently being called a suicide.

Dungy's girlfriend found James Dungy on the floor, not breathing, at 1:30 a.m. A sheriff's deputy performed CPR before an ambulance rushed him to University Community Hospital, where was pronounced dead.

Football becomes irrelevant; and rivalry, insignificant, at such times. The Colts had just lost their perfect season, but were still considered by many to be nearly prohibitive favorites in the Super Bowl. Dungy has left the team indefinitely; assistant coach Jim Caldwell will take his place.

Our New England Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys head coaches have both suffered losses this season. Bill Belichick's father Steve and Bill Parcells' brother Don both died earlier this year. But I think we can all see -- and feel -- the difference between a grown man losing his father and a grown man losing a son, especially at what is supposed to be a joyous and peaceful time of year.

I wish to extend my condolences to the Dungy family.

You may post a comment to do the same.