I really like this article by ESPN writer Michael Smith about the character of Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith. It talks about how we should talk about them based on their character and accomplishments. Here’s a quote:
On Jan. 15, the nation celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We could honor his dream by celebrating Dungy’s and Smith’s achievements not because of the color of their skin, but the content of their character.
There’s a lot of talk about hoping for a day when black coaches in the Super Bowl won’t be a big deal, when we won’t find it necessary to refer to a coach as a “black coach” (or any person by their race, for that matter).
What’s wrong with that day being today? Dungy and Smith have made history, and we happily acknowledge it. As for our practice of categorizing NFL head coaches, let’s make that history, too.
When Dungy was the coach in Tampa, he made a difference in the community. In fact, he still does contribute to the Tampa Bay community, even though he isn’t the coach of the Bucs. Pretty much all of Florida is rooting for him. He is a class guy. A great example for fathers. And, he’s a good coach.
Whichever team wins this year’s SuperBowl has a good coach. They both deserve to win.
Related story: Super Bowl coaches Dungy, Smith known for Christian testimony
