Deseret News | Collie calls reaction to his post-game comments 'ridiculous'

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Collie calls reaction to his post-game comments 'ridiculous'

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Ute Fan | 8:02 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Apparently, there isn't a remedial logic course at BYU. When you say that a higher power steps in because you're doing "what's right on and off the field", the OBVIOUS implication is that those on the other team aren't. That's why these types of proclamations are inane regardless of the source's team or religious background.

Sure, God helps people in all their endeavors, but come on. "Magic happens"? Maybe if the check I had written at tithing settlment earlier that day had been bigger...

The great thing about this story is that Collie has actually said something more stupid than his "We're gonna put a hurtin' on 'em." comment prior to be rolled by the Utes on their way to the Fiesta Bowl.

Get a life is right | 8:03 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

How many athletes, actors, singers, etc. constantly say when they do something good or win an award thank God first! It happens every week in sports, they always thank God for everything first. Collie is right, just because he is a mormon from BYU, the media has to find some story and blow it way out of proportion. Why is it only a topic when Collie speaks of God, it happens EVERY week!! This is why the media gets a bad name, do your job!! And quit trying to stir up trouble!

coach c | 8:04 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

People can say what they want. Some media people are way over the top and showing that an analysis of this game, which BYU dominated, isn't what they want to postulate, they would rather stir up controversy because their beloved Utes lost and were dominated and they need something to draw the attention away from how bad the Utes looked. Personally, I agree with Collie. But the real story is BYU's dominating performance.

Comments continue below

Big A | 8:07 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Ute fans need to chill out, such sore loosers

Anonymous | 8:07 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Middle-aged female sports fan-
It appears as though you didn't watch any news reports after the Super Bowl and Tony Dungy's statments. People were ripping his comments on TV and radio for a week after that. If Collie couldn't take the heat that his comments were obviously bring, then he should have kept his mouth shut. I highly doubt rebuttling with "people need to get a life" will help him much with this one. Once again, should have kept his mouth shut!

Reality | 8:09 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

What happens when the Devil worshipers win a game and publicly praise Satan for their good fortune. Will everyone be as philisophical. Personally I'm glad that Collie has a friend in God, but I think he should keep it to himself. And, yes I'am a Utah fan still stung by the lose.

Amen | 8:10 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Amen to "anonymous' comments. I agree. Oops I used a realigious term with "amewn." Is that going to be censured?

Sara | 8:12 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Good for him. I think he was trying to give the Lord and not luck credit. If a person prays to do their best, and then is blessed with that, who should get the credit? This PC stuff is getting ridiculous.

KCFan | 8:16 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Stick to your guns Collie! You're right!

Ramirez | 8:17 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

The God I believe in doesn't care about football...

Worried | 8:17 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

It because when someone takes a kneem or says that they are a Christian, they are not implicating that God cares more about them than another team, another person or anything else for that matter. Gods last concern is the outcome of a football game. He has plenty of other issues to deal with, before the outcome of a football game. I think the issues lies in how specific the comment was. I dont drink or smoke so I am better than you. I am a member of the church and took offense to this comment. It shows how judgemental people can be...

Too many sports writers | 8:19 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

We have a handful of talking heads on the radio and sports casters on almost every local TV channel who desperately need something to talk about. They take molehill statements by athletes and make mountains of them on a regular basis in order to get listeners and viewers. Sounds to me that PK set this response up when he suggested it was luck evening itself out. Any truly religious person would take exception to luck being why they succeeded when they feel strongly that God has a hand in all areas of their life. I think Austin is right - more people need to get that kind of life.

Why the anger? | 8:22 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Why can't he just say "it wasn't my intention to suggest that I am more righteous than other athletes. I'm sorry if it came out that way"? Why does he have to get all angry about it and say people need to get a life? His reaction is as ridiculous as anyone else's.

By the way, Coach Dungy constantly emphasizes his belief that God does NOT intervene in football games and that to think otherwise would indicate a lack of perspective on life.

Collie spoke without thinking, and I hold nothing against him for it. But the quote itself is worlds away from crossing yourself after a touchdown. Don't even make that comparison.

Utah Mormon fan | 8:27 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I'm a mormon and a Utah fan, so I understand where Collie's comments came from. I am also a huge sports fan who has seen many times when players give thanks to God after big plays or games. However, Collie's comments have drawn such attention because they weren't simply praising God. "Obviously, if you do what's right on and off the field..." Without this part of the comment, there would be very little controversy, but because he made him and his team as "better people" on and off the field, it has drawn so much attention. It was an offensive comment, whether BYU fans are willing to admit it or not.

Robo | 8:28 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Exactly!

Observer | 8:29 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

This whole thing has been completely overblown. Obviously the kid was speaking about how the Lord has blessed him. It had nothing to do with God helping his team win a game. Many many people have prayed for help with getting a job, passing a test in school, and doing their best in a sporting event at some point in their life. These same people certainly give at least some credit to God for their success in these competitive areas, but when Mr. Collie does the same thing, it turns into a circus overnight. Rather than crucifying the kid for his religious beliefs, and making assumptions about what he meant, perhaps congratulating him for being a great player (and an even better human being) would be the appropriate course of action. It's never a bad thing to give the Lord some credit for success in life. Nor is it wrong to thank him for our blessings.

Dance, Austin, dance! | 8:33 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I love how he's trying to get the spotlight off himself by pointing at others.

I have no problem with players thanking God or making religious gestures during sporting events.....what bothers me (and many others) about this is when Collie says his righteousness was in any way responsible for their victory, he's also saying his opponent's lack of righteousness (compared to his) was responsible for their defeat.

Many Ute players live very righteous LDS lives (and they manage to do so with no Honor Code office holding their hands). If righteousness were the key to winning, why did they lose?

Another way of putting it: Randy Moss and the Patriots must be the most righteous people on earth.

Austin Collie is a good young man who said something dumb (like young people in the spotlight tend to do). He would gain a lot of respect from me if he would admit he said something dumb instead of trying to place blame on others.

whatever | 8:32 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

The lesson to be learned here--at least for Collie and other BYU athletes--is that when being interviewed or in the public eye as a result of actions performed on behalf of the university, a higher standard of communication is required. Had he made the comment to his buddies or at church in testimony meeting, he wouldn't be staring into the bright lights of public scrutiny. Would I have been able to walk that higher road myself after such a thrilling victory? Heck no, I'd have called the Utes "evil incarnate" and declared a battle won for truth and righteousness. Nonetheless, I'm cognizant of the leadership that Bronco is providing and hope that all students who represent BYU in one capacity or another will choose a higher road than what might be commonly chosen by those from other schools.

Kudos | 8:32 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Very well put "Anonymous". The media is always looking to spice a story up. Report the news.

Active LDS Utah fan | 8:35 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I conducted a small unscientific poll here at the office of those who do not consider themselves sports fans and come from various faiths. Every one of the persons polled took exception to Collies comments. They feel the comments give the impression God somehow intervened to ensure that the most righteous team prevailed. I share your faith brother, but ease back on the livin' right speaches after a game (especially a victory). The comments can be perceived as self righteousness instead of an expression of faith in God.

Amen! | 8:36 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I couldn't agree with Anonymous more. I'm a University of Utah student, and frankly I am so dissapointed at how Utah fans have reacted to this comment. Things like this are said all the time in sport eventings. I realize that Utah lost the game, and all this uproar is just because fans want something to latch onto after the tough loss. Let go. Get over it. Leave the kid alone, and go pick on one of these other guys who refernce God all the time in sports. I'm embarressed for other Utah fans. It's too bad we have to harp on something so stupid like this. What about our defense for blowing the 4th and 18 coverage. Harp on that kid. Leave Collie alone for being religious.

Tommy | 8:37 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

This story is absolutely ridiculous. I find it hard to believe people really are taking Austin's comments that far out of text. He simply is recognizing God's hand in his life. What is so wrong with that? I agree 100% with Austin, that people need to get a life. That includes all those idiotic Ute fans that called into the radio stations to rip on Collie, and also the media for putting their own spin on this. So not only can we not say in God we Trust anymore, now a good Christian kid, from a private Christian school, can't profess how God has had a hand in his life for living right.. Seriously people, get a life..

arc | 8:40 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

The player was and is correct. The media are way off base. The law of the harvest. Nice Biblical principle. He wasn't boasting. He was responding to specific question. Give the guy a break.

E | 8:38 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I think he is pretty rude for telling everyone to get a life.

Matt | 8:38 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I'm so glad that Collie didn't apologize for his "off-base" comments. I think his point is valid and I'm glad that he reaffirmed them come Monday morning.

Sticking up for Sorenson | 8:45 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Sorry people, but Collie's comments crossed the line and Sorenson was right to call him out on them. It's one thing to thank the Lord or cross yourself, it's entirely another thing to imply that the "Lord steps in" in response to actions "on and off the field". God stepped in and helped BYU win because their players are more righteous off the field???? Gimme a break! Mormons need to stop being so defensive; anyone who implies such a ridiculous concept would and should be critized for it.

true blue | 8:44 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Austin is a heck of an athlete and a good individual.

Steve Salmon | 8:50 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Collie can try to make it a non-issue all he wants. The fact is he said, "The Lord stepped in." The implication is that the Lord helped him in a meaningless athletic competition that the Lord does not give a hoot about. Other athletes that make the sign of the cross, or give thanks in the open public arena is seemingly more self-promotion than anything else. Give thanks and praise in a private setting. Yes, it does come across as self righteous and holier than thou.

cg | 8:49 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I agree with Collie wholeheartedly. He gave credit where credit was due. The Lord is in the details of life, even the seemingly "trivial" events. Does this mean that the Lord foreordained BYU to win, NO. He simply gave strength to those Utah and BYU players who were in line to receive strength because of their diligence to principle. Those who choose to be offended, let them be offended. This world seems to seek to belittle anything that points to gratitude from a higher power.

It is rejuvenating to finally hear someone (Collie) face the liberal media and speak his mind. We should be exhilarated to hear a young kid giving the credit for an amazing accomplishment to another. He could have said "yea, it was all me". Awesome catch and good luck to both teams.

Bob | 8:50 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Condemning Collie for his comments is gross hypocrosy for those who profess to be a part of any religion.

Joseph Price | 8:55 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

The Lord cares what we care about when we involve him in our lives more than he cares about football. Even if what you care about doesn't matter in the long run or is silly - like sports. He's not a sports fan, he's a fan of us and helping us take the next step.

Good Call Collie | 8:56 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

We are pathetic society driven by a need for news to even make this a story. Who cares what he said, other than if you do care you need a life. He isn't the leader of the free world or in any political office or position where he must keep his eye on being politically correct. This is not embarassing to himself or the university or BYU fans as some may suggest. I am embarassed by those trying to sensationalize a non-event. By the way, what he did say is a non-event and should be left at just that. Don't take the fact that the guy was instrumental in hanging a loss on your team as a right to victimize him.

Illinois Cougar | 8:59 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I am happy to see that a majority of the postings seem to get "The Spirit" of Collies' comments. I can honestly say that Collie could have crafted his comments better, but those with an open mind understand his feelings.

Collie is an outspoken individual who is willing to put it out there. Good to see someone still has guts to say what they feel without fear of the PC Gestapo! Enough has been said in his defense. However, to those who can't get past his team colors; GET A FRIGGIN' LIFE!!!

Utah Man | 9:00 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Ha! I love it! Collie is now super defensive about the comments he made, which just proves his arrogance. This could all be blown over if he would politely say that he felt his comments were taken the wrong way and left at that. Instead, he lets his pride step in and gets "angry" about what has been said of him. If Collie and the rest of you Cougar fans haven't figured that out that pride becomes before the fall, you better start reading The Book of Mormon and brush up on the pride cycle.

Acronym for Fully Invested: Y is full [of] itself.

Grace | 9:02 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

His comment illustrates the doctrine of ï¿½earning Godï¿½s graceï¿½ that really rubs a lot of non-LDS Christians the wrong way. There is a subtle difference between thanking God for divinely intervening in a football game, and thanking God for rewarding your righteousness with divine intervention in a football game.

Sick and Tired | 9:01 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

What a non-story. Since when should anyone care what a 21-year-old college student says and/or thinks. This is simply the media digging for a story, and as usual, blowing things way out of proportion. Why don't we just stick with what happens on the field.

I'd just like to thank the Lord for helping me write such a strong and well thought out comment.

The real issue | 9:02 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

The real scary part of all this is not what Collie said. He is just an excited kid saying something without thinking. The scary part is how many others are writing to say they also believe the 4th down conversion was a gift from God.

Look, nobody has a problem with an athlete thanking God for a great experience or humbly giving credit to God for giving him extraordinary athletic ability. Everyone will have a problem with an athlete (of any faith or race) who implies that God changed the outcome of the game because of the athlete's righteousness. Find me an example of a Baptist or Catholic saying something comparable and not getting criticized for it. Please don't let this add to some kind of Mormon persecution complex.

Rambis | 9:03 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Let's see if I get this straight. Had BYU NOT converted the 4th down, would Collie have said, "Obviously we weren't living right on and off the field, so the Lord didn't step in and help us"? Is he also implying that the Utes haven't been "living right" on and off the field? Were BYU players not "living right" before the UCLA and Tulsa games? It was a dumb comment. The implication of the comment is that he was living right and so good things happen to him (except, of course, offensive PI), and that the defender was NOT living right, so good things DIDN'T happen to him. Terrell Owen points to God a lot after his TDs, but he's not the finest example of "living right".

God has endowed all those young men playing with great athletic ability. They all work hard. They are all passionate about the game. I just don't think that the Lord made any "magic" happen.

GOD LOVES BYU MORE | 9:05 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

The next time Utah beats BYU in football I hope that a Utah player says those exact words. It will be interesting to see how BYU fans respond.

represent | 9:11 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Collie draws heat for his comment, not because he is a white Mormon, but because he plays for a Church school whose entire identity is based on its religion. There is no other school like it in all of football - not Baylor, SMU, BC, or Notre Dame. If Bob Jones U had a football team, you can be sure people would react to the comments of its players.

Collie (and all Cougars) know that they are under scrutiny and that they play for a school that has often had problems with holier-than-thou attitudes. He knew that this game in particular has drawn out self-righteous comments and accusations in the past. He should have been more careful.

Ryan | 9:12 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Another day, another ad nauseum analysis of someone's words.

Since when do we all belong to some sort of moral authority with the right to judge people based on their beliefs and comments? Let them say what they want - how is it hurting you at all?

I agree with Collie. If you were offended - get a life! You're too thin-skinned and eager to be offended.

Ute Student | 9:15 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

This IS Ironic. After Dallas's win over the lowly Jets the NFL network did an interview with TO. He went off for like 30 seconds about how God had blessed him with ability, a great team, and with the such a great season. Now I don't know the minds of God but maybe he does favor TO on the football field and maybe he does favor BYU, in fact after watching that game and last years game I would bet on it. Than again there were were years there where we musta been the more righteuos School. Anyways give the Kid a break, anyways I would like to think it was devine intervention myself makes me feel better about my team not covering BYU's best reciever two years in a row! Maybe they were made invisible.

JimJr | 9:15 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I've been listening to the local sports talk radio shows and the announcers are totally freaking out at Austin's comments. They are implying that Bronco Mendenhall teaches his players to think in this religious "fanatical" way.

As a BYU grad, I thought Collie could have expressed his comments a lot better. I think when you speak off the cuff this way (especially about spiritual stuff)in a football environment that it has an overall negative effect.

I don't think Collie meant to say that God favors BYU over everyone else but he did misspeak as far as the mass media is concerned.

I also think other players from different faiths misspeak when they bring God into a football environment. I think Bronco Mendenhall needs to be careful in this area as well.

Just play the game and leave all the other stuff at home or in church. GO COUGS!

Amazed | 9:16 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

We're so messed up as a society. We worship sterioid injecting, burglarizing, sexual assaulting professional athletes, claiming their extra-currular activities and belief systems are irrelevant to their games. Then we shriek and point the finger of scorn at a 21 year old college kid who dares to praise his God in the midst of an emotional exult after a rival college football game.

Sorenson and KFAN, Collie gave you some wonderful advice. Get a life. Take a day off, take inventory of your life, identify the cause of the emptiness, and resolve to fill your life with something substantial.

ogmson | 9:20 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Good for Austin for not backing down. PLEASE don't buy into this madness! Only discussion yesterday on sports radio is over a player talking about magic and, oh no...The Lord. Sad. Having grown up in the South and played HS sports, I can tell you that before EVERY game we had prayer. AND SO DID THE OTHER TEAM!!! I have seen players from every walk of life, PRO and College point to the sky and thank God. Oh yeah?? For what?? According to sports radio that shouldn't happen. God doesn't care. It's offensive to the other team. Last night on MNF QB Roth.. pointed to the sky and thanked God for the successful FG. Where is all the fervor today??!! I am blown away by the response of some for buying into the nonsense. Make something out of nothing seems to be the new mantra. I guess it is time for everyone to start attacking George Washington for his MT.Vernon prayers. I guess God didn't love England. Get a life. God does NOT care about a FBGame. He does care about his children. The NT taught the parable of Ten virgins...guess we have to delete that now...

Billy Smith | 9:26 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

So what is this fine, spiritual young man implying when he states "in this world is just B.S.". I thought you weren't suppose to use that type of language at BYU. I guess BYU will now lose it's bowl game cause he isn't living the way he should.

Observer | 9:28 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Many of you people have zero understanding of this situation and you are simply letting your Ute-loving, BYU-hating biases taint your view of what's going on here. What he said was totally benign, and if you can't see that then you have more issues than I thought!

please | 9:27 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I think you're all comparing apples to oranges. Most athletes do thank God, but they thank him for their talents. That's fine. Collie basically implied that God helps decide football plays. That's moronic. And yes, if someone of another religion implied the same thing, he too would be criticized.
This is not about LDS persecution, it's about a moronic comment. You people need to get out of Utah or Mesa more if you think only LDS people get criticized for stupid remarks.
God does not care about a 4th down in a game of football.

CR | 9:28 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Here's the problem with Collie's comments:
People in the public eye often give thanks or praise to God or a higher power, particularly in Athletics. This is acceptable to a secular audience because it shows humility.
Collie's comments do not show humility, but, rather, pride. He justifies the Lord intervening in the play because of how he's living his life on and off the field. His comments lacked genuine praise to God in favor of justification because he and the other Cougar players are such great guys. Even if Collie did not intend for this type of tone, its a bit offensive to Media and the public at large. Damage is already done.

pure arrogance | 9:29 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I think it's a weird thing to praise God in sports, but not particularly offensive. But Collie wasn't praising God. He was praising himself, and implying that because of his righteousness, God had no choice but to step in and make "magic" happen. BYU likes to claim that their sports programs are great missionary tools. If I knew nothing about the LDS church and heard this kid's arrogant statement, I would not be at all interested in learning more. Here's a thought Collie....truly righteous people are humble. You would never hear President Hinckley make a comment like you did...claiming that his own righteousness resulted in victory on the football field. BTW, apparently John Beck has stopped doing what's right. God's not working much magic with him anymore. Must be the playing on Sunday. So Collie....assuming that your righteousness continues and you are such an amazing player in a few years that the Sunday-playing pros come calling, will you make yourself available for the draft??

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