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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PK's question was insulting | 9:31 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

PK knows Austin as well as anyone having covered BYU sports in the past. To ask a leading question that implied the catch was pure luck finally coming his way was intentional. He knew Austin would speak his mind and right after a very emotional win he would probably say something that would give PK the chance to keep his job for another couple of weeks. What else do people tune into KFAN for anyway?? Actual sports analysis?? PK said on TV last night that his impression of Austin's comments were not that he was implying God wanted them to win. I think even PK - the reporter who staged this whole response - is now embarrassed by how big it has become and that it was he that instigated it.

RE: westernsport | 9:33 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

and all others who are still criticizing Collie...

Stop judging Collie based on what YOU are inferring from his comments. Don't put words into his mouth. What most people are criticizing him for and what he actually said are two very different things.

Some people still seem to believe that Collie meant that God made BYU win. Did he ever say that? NO!!!!!! Obviously they're just looking for a reason to justify their anger and hatred for BYU.

Once again, there is a difference between God helping you to do your best and God helping you to win a ball game.

tac | 9:36 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I think we (LDS) are slowly drifting from one of our bedrock principles - free agency - we are responsible for our actions and yes, that includes the inventions we develop and the skills of the athletes.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 9:37 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Hans Olsen and John Lund have done a great job on this subject, they keep it light, It is a joke. Take it as such. 1280 knows how to shed light on things, not dark!

Judge not. . . | 9:39 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

To think that Collie was saying the more righteous team in this game won is ridiculous. Here is a young man, who believes God has blessed him, and will continue to bless him in whatever endeavor, as long as he is doing his best to live a good life. You don't know him. I think people that do see his point of view exactly. I don't know him but for that reason, I give him the benefit of the doubt. To do otherwise is judgmental and creates a bitter taste in my mouth. Anytime we judge critically, not understanding the whole situation, we are embracing an attitude that we know best, when actually none of us do.

Head in the sand | 9:38 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Praising God is awesome, there is nothing wrong with the act itself. The problem lies when you add to the comment and insinuate divine preference. Collie's words couldn't be construed as anything but divisive judging by the reaction.I don't think he intentionally blasted his opponent, but I do believe that he is a young man who is isn't very adept at word choice.He had a chance at contrition and sadly never showed any. He doesn't have to apologize for his beliefs, but maybe a sorry for the misunderstanding would have eased the situation.

Zoobe Hater | 9:40 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Amen Jim Jr.

Dave | 9:39 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

A self-righteous cougar.

What exactly is the news here?

mcw | 9:41 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I find it amusing how many anonymous Ute fans can get so excited about Collie's "arrogant" comments after the game, but seem to have forgotten Mack's proclamation prior to the game regarding Unga that "You can't even compare us...I've got more moves than he'll ever have" Then Unga racks up over 140 yards rushing to Mack's 50 yards rushing. Any Ute fans (or BYU fans for that matter) calling Mack arrogant or demanding an apology?

If an opposing player would have made that comment Whittingham would have taken it personal and focused his game plan solely on Mack showing up the competition.

Any local media jumping on this story?...No, because the religion card guarantees more ink and air time. The media will beat this like a dead horse because they will do anything for market share in an over flooded market. And they're not ashamed of it either. They thrive on controversy so they try to create it by fanning the flames.

Dave | 9:42 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

A book I loved as a kid was called "I Am Third" by Gale Sayers who put God first, family second, and myself third. Austin Collie and Max Hall and the oter cougar players suscribe to this philosophy, unfortunately the utes and their followers think "I am third" applies to their place in the Mountain West Conference.

Come On | 9:47 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Collie had no right saying that. It is a game he should treat it like a game. The first thing I do when I win Monopoly is look to the sky and thank the all mighty. How about we talk about something more important BYU' Blue Zone offense. That was sad.

Better Pass the Memo | 9:46 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I bet Notre Dame hasn't gotten the memo letting them know that they can't talk about their lord. Hang up the crosses.. People, when you are so overly concerned about a comment someone makes after a game you obviously have never played the game. I watched my son suffer a loss this year where he was devastated for days-did God play a roll in the other teams victory? No-Our team didn't do what we had to in order to win. But emotions are high after a game. But this is just something most athletes do(thanking god). Much like looking at the camera and thanking your mom.
MOVE ON!

Neutral | 9:47 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

As a neutral observer, BYU fans needs to stop down playing his comments and see it for what it is. Collie thinks he is more righteous than the next guy. It probably does not stop with him either. A rose by another other name is still a rose. Of course Utah fans are going to jump all over it.
Having moved here from out of state and seeing this rivalry for over 15 years now, Utah dislikes BYU for the exact comment that Collie made. They look down there noses at Utah fans for whatever reason, whether is be the religion issue or because BYU was better during the 80's and 90's than Utah was and there is a feeling of self righeousness that comes from the fans towards Utah.

Both sides need to get over there differences. Have fun with the rivalry and realize that Utah needs BYU to be successful and BYU needs Utah to be successful. I have seen to many 'haters' of the other team on each side who call themselves fans of one team or the other.

Cougar Dad | 9:48 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

This is all a distraction to to real point that Ute fans don't want to face. "Harline is still open" was followed this year with "4th and 18". BYU is not more righteous than Utah, only better in football the last 2 years.

Josh | 9:51 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Hey "Amazed", it's not so amazing when you look at what Collie said in the context of the rivalry, which has a lot to do, in the minds of many Utah fans, with BYU's nagging and incessant claim to moral superiority. Comments like that will ALWAYS arouse controversy where this rivalry is concerned.

Stewbad | 9:52 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I have a degree from Utah and a degree from BYU. I root for the school that gives me the most blessings.

Class Act | 9:53 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Austin Collie is obviously not the brightest one of the bunch. It's not just because he's a white mormon that goes to BYU. If a player from Notre Dame, SMU or some other religous school made a similar comment he would also be criticized. Think about where you are. And retaliating by saying 'get a life' is real classy. Way to go Austin.

Mookie | 9:53 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Just when I think that I just might give it a shot and start rooting for the college that is named for one of my Church's presidents, I am reminded why I have grown to dislike BYU athletics.

There is more to life than BYU football and many fans either forget that or are looking for something other than faith to satisfy the emptiness in their lives.

BYU fans, what would you do if The Church discontinued BYU football?

Football Purist | 9:55 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

He didn't say "I want to thank the lord". He said "The lord stepped in".

Initially Speaking | 9:56 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I donï¿½t take offense at Austin's comments and but they were dumb and here's why. By making the comparison of doing what is "right" and the Lord stepping in to assist is fine, except when used following a competition. Because there was direct competition, using words just as "doing what is right" infers that those you were competing against weren't. Try and justify it all you want, but it does.

Many of you have claimed that his comments were no different than other athletes thanking God or Jesus after a game. The difference is a big one. Had Collie said, I just thank God for the opportunity to make a great play doesn't undermine your opponent whereas saying "God picked me" absolutely does. BYU has a reputation of being self righteous, and this is why.

If Collie really was as good a person as he claims, he would be apologizing for offending people, not saying, "get a life". My favorite part? Talking about the plan of salvation and using terms such as "b.s." in the same breath. Further evidence that he shouldn't have a microphone in front of him.

Mohan | 9:57 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

What a difference it makes to quote someone correctly. Collie told Kinahan: "I wouldn't say it was lucky. We executed the play well... Obviously, if you do what's right on and off the field, I think the Lord steps in and plays a part in it." Who in the world would disagree or take offense with this statement? Any reference to being "righteous" totally illudes me in his comment, just like Collie totally illuded his defender for the 1st down. Don't try to modify his words so you can impose yet another layer of self-righteous hate and bitterness onto a program that has really made a "miraculous" turn-around by doing what? Obviously by doing what is right on and off the field is what makes a team successful. To "do what is right" is not just a Primary theme or a cool symbol on a championship ring. It means to train, to work, to condition, to prepare, and then to execute. Go Collie. Go BYU. Go Utah - work it out of your minds.

Utah State Fan | 9:58 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Where's the story? I think people are reading much more into this than they should. There is nothing wrong with Collie giving credit where it's due, and even as a USU fan I don't take exception and think the Lord doesn't love one team as much as another. That's not the point here at all. We all need to remember where our blessings come from, and quit picking on those that honestly give praise where it's due.

Blucoug | 10:01 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Overreacting jealous Ute fans.

What exactly is the news here?

My Two Cents Worth | 10:02 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

First, I know that God helps us -- does He help one side win over the other? I don't know if He does in every case, but He heard the prayers of those under Hitler's reign of terror & helped them to ultimately regain their freedom. I also know He heard the prayers of good Germans so I think righteousness (not self-righteousness) does play an important part in prayers being answered.
Thank goodness God is in charge, for as an all-knowing, all-seeing, ever loving Father, He knows when to step in, and when to allow us to experience things for ourselves.
Second, my only objection to Collie's comments was his use of "B.S." to emphasize his point. I'm sure it was said just as it was written, and out of frustration in trying to get his important point across (I've done it, with regrets later!), but it's use distracted from the message.
It helped me realize that I need to be careful, myself, that I don't take away from what important things I could say by slipping into even mock cursing.

Collie Fan | 10:02 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Anonymous is spot on!!

Sorensen needs to get a grip!

Does God care about football? I can't speak for God, but I would venture to guess that he cares a whole heck of a lot more for the student athletes - on both sides of the ball, equally the same. Collie was not suggesting he was "superior" or "holier than thou" because he keeps his nose clean on and off the field. He was simply acknowledging the Lord's hand in his success.

Calling Collie prideful, boastful or self-righteous completely misses the boat. It tells me that there are those who don't know what it's like to give credit where credit is rightfully due. You, that don't understand this concept, need to try it for once. Just try it; give praise to God for what you have received and see if your outlook on life is better! That's all Collie was trying to communicate!

PS | 10:05 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I remember hearing a story about mothers on both sides of a team or battle praying for their side to win -- rather than praying for winning, I've turned to praying for a safe, good game. It makes watching a lot more fun! (Although I must admit I have prayed for a successful touchdown attempt every once in a while :-)!)

Dannyboy | 10:06 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

You would never hear anything about this outside of Utah. Get a life Utes!!!

BYU | 10:07 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I would never question anyone's relationship with the lord. Or the feelings of how they are blessed and how there prayers are answered. To me those things are very sacred and personal and I don't feel comfortable talking about them in a setting other than a spiritual situation.

Collie should not be suprised by the backlash. Football is very emotional and the hatred in rivalries is very high and as much as I like football I would say the hate goes to far.

The bottom line is there are probably many people that do what they feel is right and yet their lives are filled with trials and problemes. SO obviously people get offended when he says if you do what is right everything will be great. For him maybe it has but there are many that have years of struggles before they feel like things work out.

BYU fans and players have to get away from the Republican LDS attitude of my life is great because I'm a good person. If your life isn't you its your fault.

Lay off Collie it was an emotional game and his feelings and beliefs should be honored.

God is watching U! | 10:12 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

That's why we pray , we got to pray just to make it today! Give the young man a break , every athlete has a physcological approach or spiritual approach matters not what color. People have died so this guy can make any statements he chooses! There are more important issues like my life so that is why I'm getting off this site, so don't Taze me Bro!

Alabama Cougar | 10:13 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

This is insane. Here we are arguing about the comments of a respectable kid. He's a fantastic athlete who strives to live a religion. Why is such person lambasted by many of the people on this blog? It seems that some of these people would respect him more for being a thug involved in criminal activity. God forbid that someone thinks that the God they strive to serve will bless them for so serving.

Stay quiet | 10:14 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Just keep you mouth shut and play the game. Nobody cares about your personal beliefs! Youre a football player not a philosopher!

Picked on | 10:17 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I am shocked to see how many mormons and BYU fans feel that they are so picked on because of their religion. Can anyone not see how Collies comments might be interpreted by others not of the LDS faith? Instead of becoming so defensive, why not try to understand where other people are coming from? Seek first to understand...

Alternate | 10:20 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Mike Sorenson and the DNews crossed the line. Should never have been written. Terrible journalism!

Missionary tool | 10:18 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I've been all over the country and talked to non-members and recent converts about the LDS Church, and I've never heard one convert say "yeah, I got interested in the gospel because of BYU athletics."

However I've heard quite a few non-members say they will never be members because of the words and actions of BYU athletes and fans.

How many people do you suppose Austin Collie (and those of you rushing to his rescue) have driven away from the gospel with this latest incident?

Missionary tool, my foot.

bombadil | 10:26 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Austin, it's a good thing you caught the ball. If you dropped it, you would have disappointed 13 million people. (tongue firmly in cheek)

JB | 10:35 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Amen to the wise words of "Initially Speaking"

Concast-hater | 10:37 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

4th and 18 conversion to win a game is something so rare, God very well could have been a part of. With that said there have been worse things said and done by BYU football players. Lets move on.

jonny | 10:39 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

i think collie said it best...if he weren't a mormon playing at BYU his comment would have received no attention. that's 100 percent true. if kobe bryant, or peyton manning said that no one would have cared... if anything they would be pleasantly surprised.

Jim TPA | 10:39 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

How many of you Y detractors really believe Collie intended his comments to convey the message that God cares enough about the outcome of football games to intervene on one team's behalf? Deep down none of us believe that's what he meant. This is one reporter trying to create controversy where really none exists!

Sympathy | 10:40 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Us Mormons are sooooo picked on!! It drives me nuts. If this was any one else, it'd be fine!

ME | 10:43 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Could agree with Austin Collie more.

Gordy | 10:48 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Collie was right. While we know that God does not control or care about the outcome of sporting events, we also know that righteous living yields blessings. And once the game begins, God does not suddenly cut off a righteous player from his/her access to those blessings.

In addition, I think we're all mature enough to realize that both BYU and Utah have righteous and unrighteous players on their teams. Neither school has a monopoly on righteousness.

Not a Ute Fan | 10:50 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Why can't we focus on the truly important topic, namely that BYU is better than Utah at football?

LOL | 10:51 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Sure I agree with Collie, this is the same guy who was going to put the hurt on Utah when he was a freshman... It is because he is white and morman and lives in utah and goes to byu. No respect, none BYU should be ranked #1 but no respect... It is because he is white and think of all the suppressing that he has had to go through being a mormon and living in utah it is hard life...

Football Fan | 10:53 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

If anyone ever listens to Patrick Kinnihan on the radio in the morning with that silly David James, you know that he set up that question. These radio "personalities" are a hoot. David James talks so fast he foams at the mouth. Kinnihan says and does everything contrary to get a rise out of people. The both are so silly I can't stand to listen to them anymore.

Anonymous | 10:55 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Note how Collie specifically said action "on and off the field". If he truly believed that how his actions on the field influenced how the Lord blessed his life he is way off base. This is exactly why so many people believe that BYU and it's players have a "holier than thou" belief.
How a player acts on the field does not influence the Lord so don't say that it does. BYU and its players should be held to a higher stantard and the problem it they don't live up to it.

jim h | 10:57 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

So maybe we can identify the people in this world who aren't doing the right things. Perhaps Mr. Collie should visit Primary Childrens' Hospital and talk with some of the parents & kids. Maybe he could clue them into where they went wrong.
Mr. Collie certainly has been blessed, but for him to assume that it's his doin' is arrogant.
Righteous living is no guarantee of wealth, success or winning ballgames. Sometimes the wicked have a pretty good run.
It would be a shame if the LDS church was drifting towards a philosophy of evaluating someone's righteousness through the external trappings of health, wealth, success & winning ballgames.

Eric | 10:57 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

After re-reading Austin's quote, it still came out wrong as much as I know what he was trying to say. The problem is he implies (with or without wanting to) that he was living right and succeeded, therefore his opponent didn't. His comments beg the question. He will learn to be more careful, like we all need to, in not offending. He had an opportunity to set the record straight, but ending it with "people need to get a life" was not a good way to do it. It appears he is still learning.

His premise is incorrect too. Barry Bonds cheated on his wife, on his taxes, and in baseball with performance enhancing drugs. He was not living right on or off the field and he "obviously" is the all-time home run leader.

McMahon | 10:57 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

We all know that Jim McMahon was righteous on and off the field. I think that is why he was so successful as a Cougar.

Tired of self-righteousness | 11:02 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007

This is the kind of attitude that I HATE from BYU. What about all the players on the U team that are doing what they are supposed to be doing? They lost so implied I am better than you are. That is what is getting everyone up in arms. If he would have said I thank my Heavenly Father for giving me the strength that would have been different.

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