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Collie calls reaction to his post-game comments 'ridiculous'
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Cashing in Righteousness Chips | 11:06 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
I guess being humble isn�t a core value of the Mendenhall
led Cougars. Collie is doing no one a favor (including himself) to come out and
say what he did in this article. Why didn�t he at least
admit that the words came out wrong? Nope, he just tells everyone
�to get a life�.
Collie is the one who invoked God in a heavy handed way into the play. Most (especially Utah) fans would�ve looked at it differently if Collie had stated they had worked hard all year and that hard work paid off on that play. Or better yet, �luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity�. No, instead Collie implied because he was living right on and off the field the Lord let him cash in one of his righteousness chips. Many BYU fans have been saying other people like Tony Dungy have invoked God into conversations after big wins but Dungy only thanked God for blessing him for the opportunity to win a Super Bowl not �this was my reward for living a Christian life�.
Go ahead Cougar fans�defend and dismiss Collie�s knuckleheaded statement, it proves how blind you are supporting your team.
Collie is the one who invoked God in a heavy handed way into the play. Most (especially Utah) fans would�ve looked at it differently if Collie had stated they had worked hard all year and that hard work paid off on that play. Or better yet, �luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity�. No, instead Collie implied because he was living right on and off the field the Lord let him cash in one of his righteousness chips. Many BYU fans have been saying other people like Tony Dungy have invoked God into conversations after big wins but Dungy only thanked God for blessing him for the opportunity to win a Super Bowl not �this was my reward for living a Christian life�.
Go ahead Cougar fans�defend and dismiss Collie�s knuckleheaded statement, it proves how blind you are supporting your team.
Visitor | 11:07 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
I am an avid sports fan and came from another state to watch the game. I
enjoyed once again this great rivalry. I watched fans making lots of noise on
each side before and during the game. I laughed when I heard a Ute alumni make
fun of the BYU Honor Code at the tailgate party at Provo High. I was near the
Utah bench when one of the players yelled, "Where's your God
now?" after Utah scored their touchdown. I am an alumnus of the U of U and
find those ridiculing Collie to be ill-informed and intolerant. This seems to
be typical of many of those who support the athletics in the Salt Lake basin.
The press has now reached a new low for blowing this controversy out of
proportion. Mr. Collie is a young man of faith that could be exemplified by a
few. Sore losers often react in predictable ways.
Comments continue below
Give me a Break | 11:10 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Actually, it wasn't Austin's "rightous living" that got us
the win. It was mine. I've never prayed so hard in my life and I know He
answered my prayer. Oh, and by the way when did so many people become mind
readers. Give the kid a break. He's a good kid and a terific athelete.
Talk about self-righteous. I'm sure not one of you who has criticized
Collie has ever said anything that could be misconstrued. When Ute fans
criticize BYU for being self-righteous it's a little like the "pot
calling the kettle black". Give me a break, it's only a game! (Which
BYU happened to win thanks to me).
Anonymous | 11:12 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
I totally agree with Eric's comment. Austin needs to learn to word things
better so as not to offend others. Hopefully he will learn this lesson and be
more careful next time.
Divinity | 11:12 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Can anyone really prove that God doesn't care about football? Maybe He
does.
A Bitter, Biter Utah Fan | 11:15 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Austin Collie is a tremendous athlete, and from what I know, he has great
character. He has every right to praise God in whichever manner he feels
necessary. I don't think that he should have to apologize for his
comments, and I applaud him for sticking to them.
I wish that more athletes on this level were as humble as Austin Collie. A young man with his athletic prowess, giving credit to God. It just doesn't happen that often anymore.
Am I bitter, YES I AM BITTER! But not toward anyone with affiliation to BYU (except their dork fans). I am bitter towards our own program. Maybe, just maybe we ought not to put so much into trick plays. Trick plays are for middle tier teams that need a little extra to win the occasional game. We need to solidify our offense.
Another gem of knowledge: Hall is not better than Johnson. However, he plays how he is coached, as did Johnson. We went from McBride to a national contender under Meyer, just to go back to where we were before. Coach Witt is a good coach, he just needs to make offensive changes.
Santa wears red for the Utes!
I wish that more athletes on this level were as humble as Austin Collie. A young man with his athletic prowess, giving credit to God. It just doesn't happen that often anymore.
Am I bitter, YES I AM BITTER! But not toward anyone with affiliation to BYU (except their dork fans). I am bitter towards our own program. Maybe, just maybe we ought not to put so much into trick plays. Trick plays are for middle tier teams that need a little extra to win the occasional game. We need to solidify our offense.
Another gem of knowledge: Hall is not better than Johnson. However, he plays how he is coached, as did Johnson. We went from McBride to a national contender under Meyer, just to go back to where we were before. Coach Witt is a good coach, he just needs to make offensive changes.
Santa wears red for the Utes!
jim h is right on | 11:18 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
great point jim. Austin is just young and nieve. Success or lack thereof is
not indication of righteous living. Most people realize that and that is why
this is making such a fuss. What he is saying implies that because I am a ute
fan or cannot run a 4.4 forty that i'm not living right. It is offensive.
The reason BYU won is because collie found a hole in the 2 deep zone and hall
got him the ball. what does god have to do with that?
anyone remember... | 11:18 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
When Mike Salido crossed himself after scoring a TD for the Cougs in their upset
of Miami in Provo back in 90? There was no discussion about Salido's
actions at the time. Just as there shouldn't be any about Collie's
comments at this time. This is a non-story.
RE: Tired of self-righteousness
Maybe you should look on the positive side. I'm sure the RMs and other LDS faithful (i.e., your head coach) of your beloved Utes believe that God has had a hand in their success. We can probably trace Utah's recent success and competitiveness to recruiting these quality young men. Their faith and hard work has made them successful off the field and it reflects in how they play on the field. This "Holy War" has really almost become 2 Mormon factions battling against each other!
RE: Tired of self-righteousness
Maybe you should look on the positive side. I'm sure the RMs and other LDS faithful (i.e., your head coach) of your beloved Utes believe that God has had a hand in their success. We can probably trace Utah's recent success and competitiveness to recruiting these quality young men. Their faith and hard work has made them successful off the field and it reflects in how they play on the field. This "Holy War" has really almost become 2 Mormon factions battling against each other!
socal oldcoug | 11:21 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
After reading almost all of the comments it seems to me that those who took offense at Collie's comments were largely Utah fans.
Hey -- the kid made a statement from his heart that could have been crafted better. I will grant you that. But come on ute fans, get over it, you lost. I understood what he meant to say, and perhaps this world would be a little better if we all really tried to understand what everyone is saying instead of twisting the words to "prove" that one is right or wrong.
A great game. Played hard by both teams.
Better luck next year.
Former BYU Fan | 11:23 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Growing up as a young LDS boy, I worshipped the BYU Cougars. Then once I got to
high school I realized how self-righteous and prideful about half of BYU's
students are (only half, I won't make a ridiculous generalization). Really
half of them will look down on you if you don't go to BYU. They give you
that smug "I'm better than you" look. Their parents think their
child is genius because their son goes to BYU. Mr. Collie is in this half I am
talking about. He's likely one of those cougars who refers to BYU as
"The Lord's School". I hate when BYU fans use that phrase,
ridiculous. You make our church look so bad, when you do that! I had a
scholarship opportunity to attend BYU (my dream growing up) and turned it down
due to this attitude. You're not the Lord's School and the Lord is
not going to help you win. My buddy is a BYU fan and said after the game,
"I was excited til I heard Collie's comment, no wonder so many people
(including Mormons) hate BYU!"
Dear Austin Collie | 11:25 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Quit playing the persecution card. You said something ignorant, be a
responsable adult and own it. When you drop the "my God is better than
your God" or "my faith is stronger than the faith of my
oppenents" or "I'm more righteous than my opponents" take,
you're going to take some grief. And deservedly so. And it's not
because you're a "white Mormon". You insulted people of all
faiths- including your own- along with people who are not religious. That is
extremely weak to play the persecution card. Own your ignorant opinion and
statement.
Sincerely,
Good People Of All Kinds
PS Were you not living right on and off the field in 2004? 52 - 21.
Sincerely,
Good People Of All Kinds
PS Were you not living right on and off the field in 2004? 52 - 21.
correction | 11:27 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
to: jim h is right on:
Collie did not find a hole in a 2 deep defense. Watch the replay, the coverage was not 2 deep. It was man free, McCain bit, Collie took advantage of McCain's mistake.
When Collie was interviewed, he was excited. Could he have worded it better, probably. But, his priorities are better than most college sophomore football players.
Collie did not find a hole in a 2 deep defense. Watch the replay, the coverage was not 2 deep. It was man free, McCain bit, Collie took advantage of McCain's mistake.
When Collie was interviewed, he was excited. Could he have worded it better, probably. But, his priorities are better than most college sophomore football players.
Bryan | 11:28 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
I wouldn't call this self righteousness. I would call this sharing the
team secrets of success.I admire Austin for not backing down on his comments.
He is right - God does bless those who are doing everything they can to live
good lives.
CA Cougar | 11:27 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Westernsport wrote that "[Collie's] comments suggest that Heavenly
Father loves BYU & helped them convert on 4th down." What Westernsport
should have wrote was that this was his interpretation of Collie's
comments. I certainly didn't interpret Collie's comments this way.
He was simply excited and he praised God for the help that He's given him
on the football field. That's my interpretation of Collie's comments.
I truly believe that God doesn't care about the outcome of football games,
but he does bless his children regardless of which team they're on.
Tongue in Cheek | 11:27 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Does anyone remember the scripture where it says that God does not care about
football? And why would BYU not be God's favorite team. It is His Church
that owns the school, so it should be His football team. I'm not sure why
Austin Collie didn't just point this out. Also, the only reason why BYU
ever loses in any sport is just so the Lord can humble them. It will only help
to make them work harder and become better!
Go Cougars!
Go Cougars!
Listen and maybe you'll learn | 11:28 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Collie's original comments should his arrogance, and don't deny that
cougar fans. To say "the Lord stepped in" is a lot different than
giving thanks to God. Collie's reaction to the comments not only solidify
his arrogance, but shows he is ignorant as well. He's ignoring the facts of
what he said and isn't being responsible for it.
His ignorance and arrogance remind me of a lot of people on this blog.
His ignorance and arrogance remind me of a lot of people on this blog.
Utah stupidity | 11:32 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
It's good to be reminded of the silliness I left behind in Utah before
coming to Georgia, where high school, college, and professional athletes say
things strikingly similar to what Collie said (sometimes even more pointed, and
apparently more offensive, as it would seem from some of the responses above),
but we just shrug and move on without getting our knickers knotted. God helping
your team beat someone else is rather commonplace here. The Georgia God is quite
big on sports. It may be compensation for God's failure to preserve the
southern lifestyle and secession in that unpleasant affair from 1861 to 1865.
For what it's worth, from the outside, Collie isn't the one looking like an idiot in this affair. The idiots are the ones who are irate because they assume Collie is saying he is more righteous than they, and then, in a lusciously ironic twist, using Collie's statement to justify their own disdain for BYU -- effectively placing their own righteousness above Collie and anything else BYUish. The latest rendition of the ever-popular "My righteousness trumps yours" argument that has been going on since time immemorial beween BYU and Utah. Idiocy. Just shrug and move on, folks.
For what it's worth, from the outside, Collie isn't the one looking like an idiot in this affair. The idiots are the ones who are irate because they assume Collie is saying he is more righteous than they, and then, in a lusciously ironic twist, using Collie's statement to justify their own disdain for BYU -- effectively placing their own righteousness above Collie and anything else BYUish. The latest rendition of the ever-popular "My righteousness trumps yours" argument that has been going on since time immemorial beween BYU and Utah. Idiocy. Just shrug and move on, folks.
Freedom of Speech | 11:33 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Since when did Freedom of Speech mean "shut up, and don't criticize a
football player?"
Freedom of speech means that when a football player says something dumb, people can point it out. Perhaps the mormons who are offended by the criticism could choose not to be offended, as they have been counseled to do.
Freedom of speech means that when a football player says something dumb, people can point it out. Perhaps the mormons who are offended by the criticism could choose not to be offended, as they have been counseled to do.
God's School? | 11:33 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
I don't think God stepped in to help Collie. If I recall, he was in South
Bend helping the Irish defeat Stanford.
Sigh... | 11:40 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Assuming that God cares about football, why would God care so much about a sport
that consistently keeps millions and millions from going to church on Sunday?
Is there any sense to this whole argument?
Weather a team wins or losses makes no significant difference to my day, week, month, or life. The person who advances medicine, or technology makes a significant impact to untold billions.
Sports junkies are just that.
Weather a team wins or losses makes no significant difference to my day, week, month, or life. The person who advances medicine, or technology makes a significant impact to untold billions.
Sports junkies are just that.
Henry Drummond | 11:41 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
**sigh**
I moved here from another state and am simply bewildered by all this. Austin's expression of faith is not particularly to my taste, but does it have to be?
It seems that people in this state are living on a religious powder keg. It never takes much to set things off. It seems like everyone here feels they are persecuted and abused. Maybe we would all be better served by talking to each other rather than at each other.
Sorry for the sermon, but I have found that people in this State are kind and intelligent and caring and giving and forgiving ... just not with each other. I really don't understand why.
I moved here from another state and am simply bewildered by all this. Austin's expression of faith is not particularly to my taste, but does it have to be?
It seems that people in this state are living on a religious powder keg. It never takes much to set things off. It seems like everyone here feels they are persecuted and abused. Maybe we would all be better served by talking to each other rather than at each other.
Sorry for the sermon, but I have found that people in this State are kind and intelligent and caring and giving and forgiving ... just not with each other. I really don't understand why.
BBKing | 11:43 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
How many times have I personally watched a football, basketball, baseball,
rugby, or hockey player (once) thank G-- for the results of their hard work?
Mmmm, literally hundreds of times.
And how is this different? Two ways: First, it gets at the heart of the Holy War, the perception BYU is religious and the Utes are heathens. And two, Collie is Mormon.
Truth be told there are probably as many Mormons at Utah as there are at BYU but it is perception that plays here. If this had been a Mormon saying this between say USC and UCLA it would have been far less an issue. But I still think and issue, which gets to the Mormon thing.
In any case, I did not take it that he was saying BYU was chosen by G-- but instead G-- will bless people that work hard.
This is much to do about nothing. It may even show a hint of antithesitic attitudes by the nerds who are making a big deal of it on the radio. Too bad that under any circumstances the mention of G-- causes such problems. If the Utes had won and someone mentioned G--, sincerely good for them.
Mmmm, literally hundreds of times.
And how is this different? Two ways: First, it gets at the heart of the Holy War, the perception BYU is religious and the Utes are heathens. And two, Collie is Mormon.
Truth be told there are probably as many Mormons at Utah as there are at BYU but it is perception that plays here. If this had been a Mormon saying this between say USC and UCLA it would have been far less an issue. But I still think and issue, which gets to the Mormon thing.
In any case, I did not take it that he was saying BYU was chosen by G-- but instead G-- will bless people that work hard.
This is much to do about nothing. It may even show a hint of antithesitic attitudes by the nerds who are making a big deal of it on the radio. Too bad that under any circumstances the mention of G-- causes such problems. If the Utes had won and someone mentioned G--, sincerely good for them.
Big Guy Upstairs | 11:44 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
If it's important to you, it's important to me. That's how
I've always handled the prayer department. No prayer too trival, but
whether I answer or not, well, that's up to me.
Hypothetical | 11:45 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
What if I apply for a job and do all I can to get that job including live right
in order to ask for a blessing? If I get that job am I not right in thanking
God for blessing me to get that job? Does that mean he loves me more then he
loves the other candidates for the same job? Was Austin unworthy when he got
hurt against Tulsa? No. All he is saying is when you work hard and live right
you will be blessed.
BYU Grad | 11:52 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Collie was right to recognize God's hand in his performance. Think about
how appropriate his comments would seem in any other aspect of life (school,
career, family, etc) and you'll realize that he was simply recognizing
God's helping hand, which is fitting considering the time of year.
While God does not favor one team over another, He also does not stop blessing righteous players once the game starts and then refuse to give blessings until the game is over. This is not how it works. My point is that there are football players from both Utah and BYU who benefit from righteous living, meaning they receive blessings while they are off the field AND when they are on the field. But God still doesn't care who wins.
While God does not favor one team over another, He also does not stop blessing righteous players once the game starts and then refuse to give blessings until the game is over. This is not how it works. My point is that there are football players from both Utah and BYU who benefit from righteous living, meaning they receive blessings while they are off the field AND when they are on the field. But God still doesn't care who wins.
apples to apples | 11:57 a.m. Nov. 27, 2007
For a person to say they are blessed due to their own personal righteousness is
one thing. To thank God for their success is something else.
Most athletes you see pointing to the sky are thanking God - not saying they were blessed becaused they deserved it.
Most athletes you see pointing to the sky are thanking God - not saying they were blessed becaused they deserved it.
It's just like he said | 12:03 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
This is obviously about a lot more than football. Austin simply said that he
compared it to anything. Anytime we try our best to do what is right God blesses
us, I'm a firm believer in that. Was he arrogant in saying he was trying to
do what is right? I don't think so. Did he say he was perfect? No, but
according to what he said, he is trying his best to do what's right.
Anybody can do the same, and sometimes things turn out, and sometimes they
don't.
Texas football fan | 12:03 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Get a life, people. Down here in the Bible Belt, players pray before a game to
insure that God helps them play their best. I've heard all-conference Big
XII QB's "thank God who helped me play me best this game--I give all
the thanks to Him for helping me pull this out."
No negative comments like what I've heard here. No "holier than thou" accusations. No arrogance aside. If a player thanks God for helping him play well, isn't that the same as thanking God for helping him win? It's a fine logic point, but let's just move on. Like it or not, Collie thanked God for helping him play well.
Let's talk about other stuff, like how Utah and BYU, both good teams who played a great game, will do in their respective bowls.
No negative comments like what I've heard here. No "holier than thou" accusations. No arrogance aside. If a player thanks God for helping him play well, isn't that the same as thanking God for helping him win? It's a fine logic point, but let's just move on. Like it or not, Collie thanked God for helping him play well.
Let's talk about other stuff, like how Utah and BYU, both good teams who played a great game, will do in their respective bowls.
Listen to the interview! | 12:04 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
It is amazing how people react in this state about any religious comment, or
rather reference made to deity. I just listened to Collies complete interview
and am amazed that this has become a comment of discussion. If BYU had lost the
game and the interviewer had asked Collie the same questions his response about
that specific play would still be valid. The comments were not made about
winning the game, but about a play. In the bulk of the interview the comments
were about one play. Only in the end, long after the comment, did Collie talk
about the game as a whole. Listen to the interview!
Thanks | 12:05 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Thanks, Divinity. God DOES care about football. In fact, he cares about a lot
of things that would otherwise be meaningless but for the fact that those things
create opportunities for us to develop our relationships with him. The most
profound spiritual experiences in my life have arisen from answers to prayers as
trivial as, "Please help me find my car keys," or from slighly less
trivial things like, "Please help me pass this exam so that I can have a
job." Does he care about football? Presumably only to the extent that his
intervention lends itself to the spriritual development of his children, but,
yes, in those cases (which are many), he does.
We don't always know when God is or isn't intervening, but I'd rather err on the side of giving him more credit, rather than less credit, than is due. And I certainly don't fault Austin or any player from any other school or religion for doing so, or for acknowledging the hand of God publicly, however inartfully he may have been able to do so when caught in front of a camera at a very emotional moment.
We don't always know when God is or isn't intervening, but I'd rather err on the side of giving him more credit, rather than less credit, than is due. And I certainly don't fault Austin or any player from any other school or religion for doing so, or for acknowledging the hand of God publicly, however inartfully he may have been able to do so when caught in front of a camera at a very emotional moment.
MWC Champs | 12:10 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Not once has Collie or anyone else ever said that God helps Cougars and not
Utes. He helps those who ask.
SEC Country | 12:25 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
This is not a national news item, only in classless Morman hating Utah is this
an issue. The University of Utah, from personal experence, has no respect for
any thing good.
Holy War | 12:26 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
I am totally offended by anyone calling the BYU/Utah game a Holy War! Which of
these 2 schools is a church school? It's BYU. So, which one is
"holy"? It's BYU. So that implies that Utah is not holy. How can
you say that it's a "Holy War"? Please stop, it's offensive.
Why BYU is hated | 12:30 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Another reason BYU is hated so much. Self-righteous and arrogant. Collie, thanks
for reaffirming our hatrid for BYU.
Only Collie Knows! | 12:33 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Surely, the guy was super happy after his team won the so-called 'holy
war'. He was happy and said what he said! The Cougars won, the Utes lost!
Will it be a 3-peat come next year? I think that's the real question!
Mahalo to the Cougs.
BYU | 12:34 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
We're so sorry Mr. Sorenson, I know that losing two years in a row must
sting very bad. It's tough when your favorite team loses to its rival,
especially when you work at the Deseret News, hope your fellow employees are
being kind. We are so sorry that Mr. Collie is a Mormon, served a mission, and
caught an unreal 4th and 18 to snatch the victory. We are sorry that Mr. Collie
acknowledged the Lord in his success. Looking back he should have forgotten the
Lord completely and only praised himself for the win. Next year we will change
our name from Brigham Young to Bobby Young so that we are not exploiting our
religious origin, we will stop praying before games, and we will stop executing
on 4th down so that we do not cause you any more pain. Does that sound fair? I
wish you the best in dealing with this current set back and again we apologize
for all the harm we have caused.
Cougs can't win | 12:35 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Nice job Collie - way to respond and I'm glad so many readers agree - even
Ute fans.
When BYU has players getting in trouble the comments are "I thought you guys didn't live that way, stop being hypocritical..." Then a comment like Collies is interpretted as "stop thinking you guys are better or have God pulling for you" I have to believe that deep down everyone knows what Collie was saying - but the BYU haters had to try to use it as ammunition against the Cougars.
The Lord's school??? View it how you want - I believe it's the Lord's church and BYU is owned by the church. But I would never think He gives preferential treatment for something as trivial (to Him) as a sporting event.
I think all athletes can be blessed for treating their bodies and minds right. An option open to anyone, including any athletes on any school's team. With a different environment at BYU and players buying into it, my guess is that there are more doing the right things in a religious sense. Why is it OK to tell recruits to not go to BYU because of the rules?????
When BYU has players getting in trouble the comments are "I thought you guys didn't live that way, stop being hypocritical..." Then a comment like Collies is interpretted as "stop thinking you guys are better or have God pulling for you" I have to believe that deep down everyone knows what Collie was saying - but the BYU haters had to try to use it as ammunition against the Cougars.
The Lord's school??? View it how you want - I believe it's the Lord's church and BYU is owned by the church. But I would never think He gives preferential treatment for something as trivial (to Him) as a sporting event.
I think all athletes can be blessed for treating their bodies and minds right. An option open to anyone, including any athletes on any school's team. With a different environment at BYU and players buying into it, my guess is that there are more doing the right things in a religious sense. Why is it OK to tell recruits to not go to BYU because of the rules?????
Anonymous | 12:37 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
the fact is, no one from any other school would have said this????!
Answered prayers | 12:38 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Hey, I pray for help with things I have to do (work, new projects,
realtionships, tests, long road trips, etc.). I feel I've received help
with those things in various ways and sometimes I take an opportunity to tell
other people about it. The only thing Collie did differently was tell a reporter
about it and all that reporter is interested in doing is selling news stories,
getting higher radio show ratings, and promoting his own career. To me most
reporters are low lifes. Austin will learn to not cast his pearls before swine.
What gives? | 12:38 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
I don't know of too many other people who don't get upset at times
when someone criticizes them. True, I think Collie could have handled it better,
but he didn't. That doesn't mean you wouldn't either if you were
in his spot, so just lay off.
All Hail BYU | 12:38 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
We all know the main reason why Collie is getting this attention from angered
Utah FRUTES is because they're beginning to realize maybe the Lord
doesn't like them after all.
just a fan | 12:38 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
don't care what anyone says, byu still thinks they're better than
everyone else, especially AUSTIN COLLIE
Anonymous | 12:49 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
I have been a BYU football fan for all my life. I inherited that from my grand
father who took all his grand children to every game. We sat behind the visitor
section and never had a bad experience until the Utah game would come to town.
Every time this game took place in Provo we would endure constant references
about the LDS faith. They would sneak in and spray beer on the
Y�s fans and be completely rude. All this as a protest to
BYU�s beliefs system. My grand father played football for
Utah and lettered. My mother and father graduated from the U. I have no bias,
but I find that Ute fans can be as self righteous about their school as any BYU
fans. Every year I have to listen to my in-laws talk about their football god,
Urban Meyer. Not only do they praise this god but they talk about BYU players,
fans and school as if its hell on earth (even though their daughter's a BYU
graduate). As much as I love them, there is no one as self righteous as they are
when it comes to this football game. I hate this game!
Ute Fan | 12:50 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
I agree with Collie that the uproar is because he is from BYU. Most BYU fans I
know winced when they heard his comments because they know that some BYU fans
have a reputation for being self righteous. Most BYU fans are great. It is the
exception 1% to 5% ? of BYU fans who come accross as self righteous.
Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for Collie to talk about his personal
spiritual conviction without being lumped in with them.
BYU Alum Utah Fan | 12:51 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
I agree with Collie's comments, however they were made with poor timing.
Had they been made after any other game this year, they would have been brushed
off as another BYUism - similar the the comparison of the Title of Liberty to
classic football uniforms and the importance of Friday night firesides.
Unfortunately, they were made after miraculously beating Utah where the rivalry is no longer athletic, it is spiritual. Collie had to know what kind of backlash this would set off.
Unfortunately, they were made after miraculously beating Utah where the rivalry is no longer athletic, it is spiritual. Collie had to know what kind of backlash this would set off.
We have a right | 12:56 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
People have a right to thank God if they want.
To all of you criticizing Collie for this, are you somehow able to divine that God did not help him?
Do you know all of the circumstances surrounding this and exactly what had been going on in his life that he might have had to overcome?
You don't know everything he's been going through and I guess he feels like he has recieved help from above for trying his best to do the right things.
For anyone to criticize him for what he said is pretty cruel and insensitive and plain ignorant.
To all of you criticizing Collie for this, are you somehow able to divine that God did not help him?
Do you know all of the circumstances surrounding this and exactly what had been going on in his life that he might have had to overcome?
You don't know everything he's been going through and I guess he feels like he has recieved help from above for trying his best to do the right things.
For anyone to criticize him for what he said is pretty cruel and insensitive and plain ignorant.
From Afar | 12:56 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
I am a native Utahn, devout LDS, and now live in the South. I am aware of the
stereotype that is present in relation to 'redneck' lifestyle. While
we have been treated so very well here by new friends and neighbors (much better
than we were treated in Utah), there are some who do perpetuate this stereotype,
to the disadvantage of others.
There is also the stereotype of BYU as being a self-righteous, holier-than-thou institution, and that has spilled-over into people's perception of the LDS Church. Sadly, Austin Collie's comments, and the comments of those responding here, have only perpetuated this stereotype. Austin Collie's comments CLEARLY indicated that he believed divine intervention on his play on the last drive. It is one thing to have divine intervention in your belhalf when trying to better your position in life, it is another to claim intervention at the expense of another of Heavenly Father's children.
Then, when people take issue with his comments, Austin cowardly tries to play the martyr and makes himself, and what he represents, look even worse. It would be hard for friends to see that conduct form one of or own, and then believe my words.
There is also the stereotype of BYU as being a self-righteous, holier-than-thou institution, and that has spilled-over into people's perception of the LDS Church. Sadly, Austin Collie's comments, and the comments of those responding here, have only perpetuated this stereotype. Austin Collie's comments CLEARLY indicated that he believed divine intervention on his play on the last drive. It is one thing to have divine intervention in your belhalf when trying to better your position in life, it is another to claim intervention at the expense of another of Heavenly Father's children.
Then, when people take issue with his comments, Austin cowardly tries to play the martyr and makes himself, and what he represents, look even worse. It would be hard for friends to see that conduct form one of or own, and then believe my words.
Utes that misunderstand | 12:57 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Collie is not perfect. But there is nothing wrong with him saying that living
right results in blessings in whatever you do. Should he say that living wrong
gets you blessings? Should he say god doesn't care about football players
actions off the field? Also, telling belligerent Utah fans (including
columnists) to get a life is actually great advice and you should be thankful.
To all the other Utah fans that don't care, I applaud you.
Something to think about | 1:01 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007
Anyone doubt that some Utah players prayed before the game that they would play
well?
Anyone doubt that Utah also has a lot of good (honest, religious, etc...) student athletes?
Is it really self-righteous to say you were blessed by God?
Too many people are treating this as a mutually exclusive comment (If Austin is living right and was blessed...He must think he is better than me because I lost). Can't it just mean he thinks the Lord blessed him?
How many of us have been promoted or recieved a prestigous award? How many of us have privately told our family and friends that we felt "the Lord stepped in" and "blessed" us with such promotion or award? Does that make you self-righteous because you got it and someone else didn't? How many of us would be accused of being self-righteous if we announced to the the media (and the 50 other applicants who didn't get the promotion) that "the Lord stepped in" and "blessed" you with this job.
Probably all of us!
Hmmmm...the message didn't change but the reception sure did. I don't believe any offense was meant so I am choosing to give the guy a break.
Anyone doubt that Utah also has a lot of good (honest, religious, etc...) student athletes?
Is it really self-righteous to say you were blessed by God?
Too many people are treating this as a mutually exclusive comment (If Austin is living right and was blessed...He must think he is better than me because I lost). Can't it just mean he thinks the Lord blessed him?
How many of us have been promoted or recieved a prestigous award? How many of us have privately told our family and friends that we felt "the Lord stepped in" and "blessed" us with such promotion or award? Does that make you self-righteous because you got it and someone else didn't? How many of us would be accused of being self-righteous if we announced to the the media (and the 50 other applicants who didn't get the promotion) that "the Lord stepped in" and "blessed" you with this job.
Probably all of us!
Hmmmm...the message didn't change but the reception sure did. I don't believe any offense was meant so I am choosing to give the guy a break.
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I can't ever recall a conference talk where a prophet or an apostle talked about how righteous he was. I thought the TEAM won the game.
Does a righteous person use "B.S." in a public interview? Does it stand for Boy Scout?
Does a righteous person condemn others for disagreeing with them and demand they get a life?
Pride comes before the fall. This is for me as much as anyone because I have many failings and faults. I am human and I make mistakes. Its hard for Collie to admit that... Just like me.