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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Forever Strong | 1:04 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Collie reiterated what is said in the locker room. It's obvious that they're encouraged to live right off the field. Can't fault anyone for that...in fact, have to praise people for that. But his comment was a mistake. I agree with Sorensen that it does imply that BYU is more righteous than Utah. That may not have been what Collie intended, but that's how it came across. I'm glad Bronco has them bought into the system, but the comments to the media need to be tempered. I recently saw a screening of "Forever Strong." It's a movie that all will love. It's the story of the Highland High Rugby team and the great Coach Gelwix. One of the secrets to their success is that they live right off the field. They serve in the community, they are punished for use of illegal substances or breaking team rules...they are taught to live a strict code. Living "right" improves self-esteem...that's going to translate into improved performance in any field. I commend BYU's ability to clean up from previous years' embarrassment, but the comment he made was a Holier than Thou comment. A mistake he won't repeat.

Mike S. Fan | 1:06 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Way to go Mike! You've done you job perfectly. I for one can't wait for your next insightful column. I just hope your OPINIONS continue to stir such emotions, so we can all be entertained by this ridiculous banter.

CCR Ute | 1:26 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

It's not that Collie thanked God for his athletic ability that helped him make the catch, which would have been fine, he said that because he did the "right" thing off the field, he was "blessed" and the play was made. "Magic". Is he saying that those who have failures on the field are not living "right"? How many times do bad things happen to good people? Are they not righteous as well? As an LDS Ute, I cringe whenever BYU players/fans play this card. People are not getting on Collie for praising God, they are upset because he made his own spirituality the reason for his success. God blesses all of us in all we do, but we also all fail, every day, even good people. If Collie had not made the catch, I doubt he would have said that he was living "right" and that God blessed him to miss the catch to give him a chance to learn from his mistakes. BYU fans, this has nothing to do with Mormonism, but everything to do with humility and class.

Comments continue below

To All BYU Commentors | 1:27 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Let's get one thing straight. You all keep defending Collie saying there's nothing wrong with thanking the Lord or saying the Lord can bless you. You're right there's not. But that's not what Collie said. The last part of his statement is what really gets him into trouble "Magic Happens" That line, whether he meant it or not suggests the Lord helped him get wide open to miraculously get out of a huge jam for BYU and convert the near impossible 4th and 18. If he would've said he prayed to the Lord for strength and to play his best he would've been fine. He chose his words very poorly. You have to admit that much! What he meant can be up for speculation, but everyone has to agree he did not choose his words wisely, regardless of what point he wanted to get across.

The Big Picture | 1:32 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Don't trash this kid because of his beliefs. If he truely believes that is the reason for his success who are we to take that from him. Not to mention the fact that he goes to a PRIVATE, religious institution. Personally I don't think God cares about sports, but he does about all of our lives and what we personally need. If you don't like that, DEAL WITH IT, I'm not going to change and neither should Collie.

Guardian Angel | 1:36 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

You are all wrong. It's not that God likes and favors BYU, he just can't stand the U.

Tate | 1:36 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Why isn't anyone talking about Tate flipping off all of BYU's fans? Why do we spend so much time talking about Collie saying he worked hard and no time at all about how rude Tate and the other utah football players were?

Blake | 1:36 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

This guy is obviously ridiculous! Yes Mr. BYU, God took time from all the genocide in Sudan, the victims of the cyclone in Bangladesh and the horrible conditions in Africa to ensure that BYU one a football game. Seriously! Step outside of yourself for a minute...do you really think that you are that important! You need to get a life, not the people that are point out how ridiculous your comment is.

Bitter Utah Fans | 1:39 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

It all depends on how you want to look at it. If you want Collie to be a self righteous punk who thinks he is better than "Ute players" than you can make him that. If you want him to be a humble, spiritual guy giving credit where it is deserved, than so be it. We have all said something that can be taken the wrong way, but the only person who knows what we were really trying to say is the person who said it. I don't know Collie personally, but I would venture to say that he wasn't trying to say that he was more righteous. I just love how we are so quick to judge a person by one single comment that in most cases would be considered a great comment. And then to generalize it and say, "that is why I hate BYU Mormons". To me that is ignorance. Collie said it and it is over. What his real feelings are, who knows. Don't make it into another reason to "hate BYU Mormons". That is what is ridiculous.

Swine | 1:41 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I think the quote to remember is "Don't cast your pearls before swine!" Why is it OK to pray to have help on a test, but not OK to pray to catch a ball? Why is it OK to recognize God for your health or a good job, but not for the skills that you have that helped you win a game? Obviously, Collie's only mistake was sharing his pearls with swine. What does that say about those that donï¿½t like his comment?

what a joke | 1:40 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

The joke here is how long it took me to read all of these comments. What a waste of time that was. I feel even worse about it that I'm now adding to all of this. Visitor at 11:07 had it exactly right. Why is it ok for a ute player to yell out "Where is your God now?" after scoring but wrong for a player to acknowledge God after making a big play?

Austin was simply acknowledging that his God has given him the ability to play this game and that by doing his best (both on and off the field) in his schoolwork, training, life, etc. he has reeped blessings. Some of his blessings include speed and football sense among others. He never said, nor do I believe, implied that BYU won because their players are more righteous. To those of you that take such huge offense at such a little thing really have some issues. I've seen many like you that have left the church or other organizations by taking offense at little issues over who said something. If you bishop states that his family is blessed and prospering because he's doing his best to be......

Mr. BYU | 1:43 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Mr. "Westernsport and NY", you are the ones who are clueless! Austin Collie did NOT say "I'm glad that the good Lord blessed me to be better than all the other football players & that he helped BYU win the game".

Are you saying that The Lord does NOT bless those who work hard and asks for his help in all things? Collie is merely saying what most of us who have been taught the gospel have learned that if you do what is right and ask the almighty for help then in many cases you will be blessed--as he feels was the case here.

The Lord doesn't just bless in spiritual things but if the almighty sees fit then he will bless with temporal blessings as well. Collie has obviously been blessed with great athletic skills and in this instance the concentration to catch that great pass. If you don't believe that then you better brush up on the teachings by going to church meetings more often.

Funny | 1:47 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

So does that mean Austin and his team mates were naughty during the week of UCLA and Tulsa? Or how about during the crowton years.

People there is a huge difference for thanking god for looking out for you not being injured or thanking him for your gifts.

Like it or not his word imply he was more rightous on and off the field than his counterparts.

Put down the 44 oz Diet Coke and BYU pen and think about it.

Ute Fans | 1:47 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Most of you are a bunch of sore losers

Give me a break | 1:53 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

How many have prayed for help on a test that they studied for hours for, and expressed thanks when they did well on that test? Did God favor them more than the kid that did poorly?

Give me a break. He wasn't claiming that he or BYU was better than the Utes. He was simply acknowledging that God helped them to play to their abilities, to perform as they practiced. He's trying to give some due credit to God. It wasn't a lucky play. They prepared for it. He felt they blessed to perform to their abilities, and felt that the blessing came as a result of living right. This is what every LDS member believes. Whether it be a musical performance, job interview, test, or athletic event...

Anonymous | 1:59 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Whoa, he's right! If he were African-American and Baptist no one would've thought twice. In fact, if he were himself in any other state, no one would've thought twice. It's just a matter of everyone in Utah being overly sensitive about the Mormon thing. Just more of that Us v. Them mentality that runs down the Wasatch Front. Utahns relax!

Ute Fans | 2:01 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

The only part I think is hilarious is that Ute Fans are concerning themselves with this. The Utes played a good game and came up short. Don't get mad at a 22-year old player because your team lost. Whether you agree with his comments or not, why don't you keep your comments to yourself as that is what you are telling him to do.

No Matter What He Said | 2:03 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

No matter what Collie said...How many MILLION times have we all heard guys "thank God" or "I just believe my faith in Jesus helped me overcome" etc. etc. etc. I remember what a big deal the reverend Reggie White was and he used to say that kind of stuff non-stop. So saying that because he's a white kid at BYU draws the attention - AMEN. And heck I'm an ex-mormon who hates the arrogance of some. But it is no different than Evander Holyfield saying God played a hand in his boxing win etc. etc. etc. And on and on and on!!!

situations | 2:05 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

although I am adding to this problem, everyone from both sides has blown this into a bigger issue then it needs to be. No matter where you come from your gong to get bashed for your beliefs, sure Collie faced some critism but lets face it he did kind of say it in an unfamiliar way to most other people, so of course people are going to take it the wrong way. Now, for the people trashing Collie, who cares he has the right to believe in God, and believe that God plays a role in his life. He's one of the best receivers out there so who can really argue with him if he wants to credit God for his success and not himself.

Unga - Needs to learn | 2:08 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Mr Ungha needs to learn from Brother Collie. If only he were more righteous he would have cought that pass. Maybe he can rectify that by next game.

If BYU really wants to be righteous and win all their games Bronco needs to be fired and replced by President Hinckley.

BMan | 2:12 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Having grown up just outside of Provo as a church member, and having graduated from BOTH BYU and Utah after serving a mission, I believe those who make Austin's remarks appear benign and not unlike others talking or expressing their religious beliefs are completely missing the underlying significance of his words. The bottom line is that Austin's remarks offended and hurt many in this state whether they are church members or not because his words bolster the very real perception that many, but certainly not all, BYU fans feel (and sometimes express ) they are intellectually, morally and spiritually superior to their neighbors up north. Which, ironically, goes against the very tenants and teachings of the religion and its cornerstone - Jesus Christ. Therefore, I would hope Austin and others have learned something from this situation, but judging from Collie's response that people need to "get a life" and others responses above, I sadly don't think many have.

East Coaster | 2:15 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

This is truly an amazing discussion and I can hardly believe the number of comments it has generated. I for one am not one to respond to things like this, but I'm making an exception here.

Collie's comment reflects one of the major reasons I want to send my 5 children to that school. I am proud to hear someone like that is willing to openly speak about his faith. If Collie walks his talk, that makes him a great example; one I will not hesitate to share with my children and remind them it's possible to be successful while maintaining your values.

By the way, I feel pretty sad for those of you who feel God doesn't care about football. I believe God cares about His children being happy. I believe God wants us to and helps us accomplish our personal goals. Of course things don't always go our way and there are reasons for that, but I for one am grateful for that kind of faith.

BYU fan | 2:17 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Austin should have spoken more carefully.

It was right after an emotional victory and in response to an unexpected question - he is young - I suggest we all forgive him.

Many who are piling on BYU as being self righteous are still hurting over a very close loss. I understand that hurt as it has happened to my teams as well. I suggest we all forgive them.

Journalists have used this subject ad naseum to further their craft and improve their ratings. They have kids to feed and perhaps now wish they would have kept a better perspective. I suggest we all forgive them.

Collie will hopefully learn.
We as fans will hopefully learn.
Local Journalists will hopefully learn.

Wow | 2:20 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

We have taken some comments made by a young football player and turned them into major reasons to hate:

Austin Collie
Sports writers
BYU
BYU fans
UU
UU fans
LDS Church members
All those living in Utah
All non-Mormons

No wonder there are so many wars around the world.

TrueBlue | 2:25 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I honestly think that Austin's comment had nothing to do with the fact that the game was BYU vs Utah. I think that he was grateful for the fact that he had the priviledge of making such a big play. It was 4th and 18, it wouldn't have mattered who BYU was playing. Going back and reading the context of his answer, it seemed to me like he was just thrilled with making the big play, and he felt that such a wonderful blessing was God given. When he was scrutinized for his comment, he was aware of why people responded the way they did. So, like myself, being a BYU fan and a mormon, I think he's just sick and tired of people criticizing us for everything we say and do.

ND Fan For Life | 2:33 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

A few thoughts:
- Had Collie been at Notre Dame (let's pretend for a minute that the team was actually winning games) and made a comment like that after a USC game, he would have likely received the same criticism. Players at religious schools are more like to be scrutinized for making comments about God. (I can think of a few cases where comments by ND players were subjected to the same scrutiny)
- I will admit that when I firt heard Collie's comment, I interpreted it as a holier than thou comment. Now I have no doubt that this comment was not made with any malice or meant to be high-minded. However, the religious arrogance that can be excerted by some mormons in Utah results in the over sensitivity being shown in this case.
- And finally, talent and hard work may have helped BYU win that game, but God doesn't care about football.

If god blesses me? | 2:42 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

In the interview, Collie gave kudos to Max Hall, practice, play execution, living right, the lord and magic as to the success of what has been coined a ï¿½miracleï¿½ play.

It seems strange to me to think that people are treating this interview as self righteous and a mistake.

The reasoning against Collie is,

IF living right and the lord favored Collie on this play, THEN the lord loves Collie (BYU) and not the U.

Does that mean Collie also thinks that the U has no magic, and does not practice, is incapable of play execution?

The reasoning suggests an IF/THEN scenario.

IF a coach after a win talks about all the practice and hard work the team did the past week, THEN he must think the other team sat around watching daytime TV.

IF I thank the lord for my job, THEN I believe people who didnï¿½t get the job are not loved by god.

IF I thank the lord for safe travel, THEN I believe all the people who got in accidents where not loved by god.

I must be self righteous. IF I stop thanking god, THEN god will bless other people too.

Golden Hurricane(9-3) | 2:45 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Congrats to BYU! You are the best team we played this year and yes even better than OU. You won your conference(MWC) and we are in the Championship in
C-USA. We wish you luck at SDSU and in Vegas. We are a better loss than UCLA trust us we'd beat them good with their weak DBs!
GO TULSA!!!!!

jim h | 2:46 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

"God made me healthy, wealthy, pretty, smart and I get to win games because I am righteous." ARROGANCE

"I thank God for his blessings, I will strive to do the right things." HUMILITY

It's startling how many "religious" people can't spot the difference. Might make a good sunday school lesson.

Life-long Utah Resident | 2:49 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I want to disagree completely with BMan's comments about BYU students/fans thinking they are better than Utes. I've lived in Utah for a long time, and I have associated with hundreds of BYU and Utah students during that time.

You might find 1 out of every thousand BYU students who actually thinks he is morally or spiritually superior to Utah students solely because he goes to BYU (intellectually is another matter -- most students will defend their education and proclaim its superiority).

On the other hand, you'll find just as many Ute fans -- if not more -- who consider themselves superior to BYU fans because they don't go to such a "narrow-minded" school.

Both sides are obviously wrong -- people are people anywhere they are --

And by the way, Austin wasn't saying BYU won because the Lord loves BYU more than Utah -- so let's not act like we Utahns are all offended or ashamed by his remarks because we're not.

Bottom line is: who cares?

BYU Fan | 2:50 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Great game. I wish I could have seen that play on TV instead of listening to it on the radio. God doesn't care about football. He only cares about the way we treat each other.

Japan Coug | 2:55 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

The (over)reaction to Collie's comments about God is unwarranted. His original comments were no different from other athletes who thank God for their success. The worse that can be said is that maybe he should have considered that his comments might be misconstrued or misunderstood, given that he represents BYU.

However, one thing does bother me about Collie's comments in this article, and some of the comments from DesNews readers. I don't understand what being white has to do with this, or why Collie and others felt the need to mention that he's white and that his whiteness somehow affected public reaction. This is silly, and shows how out of touch some people are about race. Does anyone really think that the reaction would have been different if he had been a Polynesian, black, or Hispanic RM playing for BYU? IMO, white athletes are just as likely as others to thank God for helping them (just listen to Kurt Warner, John Kitna, and many Latin baseball players). His comments seem to imply that either non-whites get special treatment, or are more likely to invoke God than whites are. This seems more insensitive (or ignorant) than anything he said about God.

Faith=SUCCESS!!! | 2:56 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

People including athletes of faith are:
WINNERS
WEALTHY
LEADERS
MENTORS
ICONS
CHAMPIONS!!
WAY TO GO AUSTIN!!!!!

Mark | 2:58 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

No God doesn't care about football games. I asked Him and He said that He is more into soccer. More of his children play that sport and like any good Father, he tries to attend the games, but current events have kept Him busy at the office lately.

AZ Coug | 3:00 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

He's not at all saying that BYU is blessed for "living right". He said "on and off the field", reffering to himself living right, and possibly including Max Hall in the comment.
He's free to say that "on and off the field" they are giving 100 percent and being blessed for it (whether on the practice field or in life).
The backlash is due to over-sensitivity to spiritual issues. Think outside the bubble of Happy Valley before over reacting to what the rest of the world just calls "gratitude" to a higher power.
Enough of this "Holy War" talk. I cringe everytime they say that. Unless of course you're saying it's a Good Vs Evil thing...then I'm with you! The Devil is red, people! Go Cougs!

Swede | 3:12 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

It is very obvious that "The Bubble" has initiated an orchestrated Collie statement commentary! It was a dumb comment from AC and plays into the already negative perception that BYU & Mormons are favored!!

The Lord cares about the individual but doesn't much care as to who wins a football game.

The Church of Football! | 3:12 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Get ready for a full Church offense in
2008 Utah! Collie, Hall and Unga!!!
HalleluBYU..yah!

Deck Max Hall with bows of... | 3:17 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

What a season to spend with
family and friends. Snow outside
and another MWC CHAMPIONSHIP!
15 Straight CONF. VICTORIES!!
and bent, angry Utah Fans!!!
oh and BYU hoops ranked and
powerful!!! Man it's good
to be BLUE!!!
GO BYU!!!!!
wonder if we'll kill'em in
baseball too???

Anonymous | 3:18 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

It must be a difficult and frustrating life-CHOOSING to take offense at every little comment out of everyone's mouth, whether they meant it to be offensive or not.

Why so much controversy? | 3:19 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Honestly, how many times have you seen and heard a player from the south praise God and thank Him for the ability to make the plays he did, which helped his team win the game? I've heard it countless times. Why can't a Mormon say the same thing? Can he not attribute success in his life to blessings from God? Is that reserved for other Christians? Everyone needs to relax and realize this happens after almost every football game. Collie should not be criticized for making such remarks. I do not think in any way he meant that God wanted BYU to win over Utah. Everyone just tried to make it sound that way to cause controversy.

HooperCougar | 3:19 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

SHHH! Please don't anyone tell the yewts... HARLINE & COLLIE ARE STILL OPEN!!! GO COUGARS!!!!

Moses | 3:25 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

How do we know God doesn't care about football? Go deep Peter, James and John. I just think Collies remarks should have been done in private, between he and his maker. He does make a good point in that religious overtones are shown by other athletes all the time.

Brent | 3:29 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

This was a well played game by two fine teams. BYU WON. Wow, still upset by reference to Diety. Get over it bitter yewts!!!!

P.S. HARLINE & COLLIE ARE STILL OPEN!

kcmm | 3:34 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Maybe if he would have taken all of the credit for himself and his own abilities and maybe even spoke about himself in 3rd person as some other athletes have done, that would have pacified the world/critics. Give the guy a break, he is very young and was just grateful. He said some things in an impromptu interview, that he hadn't totally thought out. Live and Learn. Maybe Bronco, the Master of Political Correctness, will give him a few pointers in the off season... Read all you want to into his comments, but I don't think he was trying to dog anyone, he was just expressing appreciation to God...

xenith | 3:38 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

You people have no idea how stupid you all look on both sides of this little arguement. Most of the writers in Utah are considered Hacks otherwise they would be in a bigger newspaper coverage area. Noone in the rest of the country even cares if a player thinks or beleives he was blessed by god. They appreciate his humility for that moment. but seriously those of you who think the cougs are more righteous get over yourselves. and you utes that are somehow feeling so insecure you have to attack a college kid that has stronger beleifs in god than you do also need to getover yourselves.

Who cares | 3:59 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

This is an example of people fishing for news. Sports writers, columnists, and bitter Utah fans that have nothing better to do than look for any excuse to call BYU arrogant or self righteous. Get on with your lives Utah fans and start looking forward to gymnastics season.

Anyone Remember? | 4:05 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Coach Whit said something two years when the utes were 3-4 and faltering badly in the 4th quarter of games. He was trying to figure out what the utes were doing mon-friday that was translating into problems on Saturday. He specifically wondered if his guys were "living right" and if that had anything to do with their losing ways. He didn't have any proof of wrongdoing by his players but he was speculating that something was up.

I found it a bit ironic after utah fans have balked at Austin's correlation of "living right" and how the game turned out. Is their a direct correlation? No. However, it sure seems Kyle and Austin were saying the same thing. I sure don't see much difference.

TellingTheTruth? | 4:15 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

My goodness what a mess...

Football is just a game, not life but many of you seem to think it is.

Was Collie right to think God has blessed him to be successful in football? Yes, because he has been and thanking God for it is natural. Even if thanking God during a post-game interview isn't viewed as appropriate.

The sad state of affairs in Utah(because I have lived there)is that some of the locals just don't like us Mormons. They think, I believe that we should keep our thoughts and opinions to ourseleves.

They don't want to hear that we believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of Lastter Day Saints is the kingdom of God on earth.

Now I know that this has nothing to do with football, but that is the brunt of the critcism we as Latter-Day-Saints bear in all this.

Now I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Chrsit and there are folks who will disagree with me. But that is their problem, not mine.

But no one wants to hear it publicly. The reason why this probably won't be posted, right?

But Austin has a right to thank God for his blessings?

LDS Ute | 4:17 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

It's not necessarily Collie's comment that causes outrage. It's the simple fact that the predominant religion in the state has people who preach that they are the "chosen few." So any comment directly or indirectly made in this context will cause a furor. SOME PEOPLE in our faith will never understand that while unfortunate, WE ALL speak for our religion. It is a religion (like all) of God but represented by the people. So when a few act like fools, something like this gets blown out of proportion. Please remember this next time you act superior to someone else's beliefs, or worse ostracize them from the "Members of the True Church". It's up to each of you to promote goodness, not self righteousness.

Mark in Ohio | 4:20 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

It's interesting that only those associated with the U of U are the only ones who even bat an eye what Collie said. Out here in the real world, Collie's comments are no different than any other deviout athlete, regardless of religious affiliation. I think Utes are simply super-sensitive to this subject. No one else is.

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