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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Cougar | 4:32 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Well said xenith ... I agree with all the way

GO BYU | 4:45 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

BYU TO A BCS BOWL! UNLESS IT WOULD OFFEND ANY UTES. WOULD IT, YOU WOULDN'T BE OFFENDED WOULD YOU. SORRY IN ADVANCE.

Proof God cares about sports... | 4:51 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Genesis: "In the Big-inning, God created...."

Comments continue below

BMG | 4:50 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

We need separation of church and football. They are not like the armies of Helaman. God did not, as Collie suggested "steps in and plays a part in it." Lets be clear about something, and if you disagreee, you must be going to a different LDS church than I go to: God may have given him swift legs, a strong body, a smart brain, and a healthy attitude, which he should appropriately be thankful for. He DID NOT, by anyone's religion, "step in" and make it so Collie got open, caught the football, and caused him to score six points. This, God did NOT cause to have happen and should not be given credit for it.
Again, we need separation of church and football.

Thanking GOD | 4:56 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

He didnt thank GOD, he didnt give god credit for helping them like the others do... he basically said god helped him cuz of the way he lives his life. Where have you EVER HEARD someone brag about the way they live their lives? Thats where the problem was

Silly | 4:57 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

What if the Utes had won and a player on their team said the same thing? It would be no big deal and this is also no big deal.

I think Collie's comment reflects his own view of his own performance. He felt assisted by a higher power. Nothing wrong with that. I think the Utes got some divine help when they scored their TD.

Collie said he felt like he received divine help. I think it is a great show of faith.

Coug in PA | 5:04 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I'm not in Utah, and truth is anyone outside the Utah-BYU rivalry wouldn't give a darn about Collie's statements. I agree with him...if it bothers you then "get a life" and get over it.

Collie is a class act!

reasonable man | 5:03 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

One more thought.

As a controversy, this is idiotic. This is a non-issue.

This is a kid saying something that almost everyone is taking out of context, and then using their interpretation of the remarks to bash the kid, his school and his church.

After all, he is only 21 or 22. What did you expect, that everything he would say would be so well crafted that no one would ever disagree with it?

This whole thing is a stupid and senseless controversy. To use it to bash a school or a religion is just dumb and really intolerant. Cut the kid some slack -- don't you think he was a little excited? And who doesn't get their back up just a little when attacked as a result of someone's interpretation of what was said? Sheesh.

It just seems like someone wants to fuel a fire that shouldn't be burning at all.

C | 5:06 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I've read through all the comments and it seems that many people are agreeing with Collie on one point. "Get a life." So am I to understand that simply because someone disagrees with you or takes offense to something you've said, that gives you the right to simply dismiss their feelings or their opinion?

Or am I to understand that because a part of me was offended by Collie's comments that I've become self righteous and closed minded? I think he could have worded it differently. If he wants to thank God for allowing him to play his best and help his team to victory, that's fine. In fact, I applaud him for doing so.

The moment he implies that the Lord rewarded his way of living in the form of a football victory I lose all respect I may have had for him. God does play a part in every aspect of our lives. However, he has better things to do then care about the outcome of the "holy war."

I am a Ute fan and I will admit the better team won. I just hope next year players will choose their words a bit more wisely.

Snooze | 5:06 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

No football fan outside of the mtn. viewing area cares either way about BYU or it's football team. This whole thing is a none issue. Get over it. Get past it. Move on.

Robo | 5:15 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

What if he does think God helped BYU win the game? How's that any skin off of your nose?

bj | 5:40 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

ute fans and reporters "get a life"? are you crazy? will never happen.

Debbie | 5:42 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

How ridiculous that anyone would think the Lord blesses them because they play for BYU! There are LDS players on many teams around the country so who is the Lord supposed to favor? I think officiating, preparation etc has more to do with it. Keep your preaching away from the game. I am LDS but I don't think BYU is favored over anyone because you live right. What about all your players who aren't LDS who break the school's ethics code? Do you get punished for them? I don't think so either. Now all we need is the testimony meeting like John Beck would do!!!!

wYo8 | 5:45 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

read sorenson article today about Yewts BB coach and in state rivals. He quotes Twitt about the Holy War being just another game. The clock counting down seems to say other wise. But he knows exactly what Collies statement implied. Double standard no doubt.

anoyomus | 5:51 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

After living in Utah for over 20 years and loving the quality of life here I spent the last two years in the South (the Bible belt). There are many God fearing people here and there. My children were able to find great friends with high moral standards here and there. However the one thing I miss the most moving back to Utah is the much more responsible and mature media.

The Utah media is completely irresponsible and want nothing more than to incite needless controversy to promote themselves.

Doink! | 6:01 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Remember the year of the Doink? Utah fans were dancing in the stands. A chip shot field goal is all that Utah needed to beat BYU. The snap, the kick, the ball sails end-over-end toward the north goal posts. All of Utah held its collective breath. Then . . . Doink! The ball hit the goal post and fell short.

And who says God doesn't root for the Cougars??

CTR | 6:03 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Did the young faithful Austin really respond to his 'my team is more righteous than your team' comments by saying, "I really think it's because I'm a Mormon white kid from Brigham Young University"...
What a tough cross to bear being a white Mormon on full ride scholarship in a city that's 99% white. I cannot believe he is naive enough to pull the persecution card. Act like an adult and own your words. God doesn't win football games. Why do you have such a hard time admiting you have darn good team and were fortunate enough the utes can't play defense in the last 2 minutes of a game.
Choose The Red-

me | 6:03 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

if you believe the Lord answers prayers, he answered mine when Max and Austin hooked up on that play, and Harvey Unga punched it into the endzone, and then Austin and Max hooked up again. Way to go cougs!!!!

tired of whining | 6:05 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

How is Austin Collie recognizing God in something he did successfully and different from an actor thanking God at an awards ceremony?

I am a mormon. I am not offended or embarrassed by what Collie said. Sometimes the truth hurts!

The sweetness of offence | 6:08 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Bottom line, people love to be offended. "I'm offended", "I'm hurt" especially Mormons. Offence is like Mormon beer. The more the merrier, I guess. Austin offended us, thats why we "hate BYU". etc, etc, It is so funny, so Utah. Listen, folks, I hate to be the barer of obviousness but if you are offended YOU CHOSE TO! and if you HATE someone or something YOU CHOSE TO. It is simlply an only because you are a hatefull, take offence full person. Unless I missed the "control others course" growing up. You control your own emotions, thoughts, feelings. So at least preface your hate and intolerance by saying: " I like to be offended, I chose to hate BYU.

Here's one guy that thinks it is soooooo funny that you have rendered such power to us. We control you I guess, and who you like and who you hate. Sweet. Here's one: Be sad and mad all year about BYU's Magic!

HA HA HA HA, do you hate me now? offended?

sweet!

Divine intervention | 6:10 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

What's all the fuss about? In the medical profession (and I'm sure many others), people ask for help from the Lord daily. Russell M. Nelson has told the story of being inspired in his work as a heart surgeon. If it's ok to receive inspiration in these circumstances why would it not be ok for anyone in any other profession receive or expect inspiration? I'm sure that Austin prays daily for guidance in his academic endeavors, and I think it's only right for him to pray for the same on the field. Just like studying for a test, if you put forth a good effort and study hard you can expect help from the Lord to remember the things you've studied. Austin, and I'm sure other athletes at other schools can expect the same in regards to athletics. If they work hard and practice right (live right on the field), they can expect help in improving/magnifying their talents. Austin feels that he has been helped in regards to football, and I have no problem with him sharing that feeling(or any other athletes from doing the same). I know it makes me better in my profession when helped from above.

Roy | 6:19 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

What a waste of precious breath and time. Like many other previous writers here, I have literally heard many hundreds of such comments by players in a variety of sports in Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, etc. I have never heard of anyone complain until Collie's comment Saturday. I love all the mind reading that has been spewed out by the media and some individuals. This is nothing more or less than very thinly disguised Mormon bashing or Mormon (irrational)defensiveness. I sometimes think there are a few LDS folks would be agreeable (and even apologetic) if there was a groundswell of non LDS public opinion to run Mormons out of Salt Lake City or Utah. I think Austin's reaction is accuarate: "Get a life" and move on to something that is really important. If you don't like Collie's or any other athlete's faith based comments, don't like and don't like it for decades if you want but shut up and focus on cleaning up or keeping clean and pristine your own verbalizations.

Agenda | 6:31 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

If you have ever meant to say something - and it came out a little differently than you intended - THEN GET OFF OF COLLIE"S BACK.

It is amazing to me how people interpret what Collie said according to THEIR OWN AGENDA.

Collie has said, in no uncertain terms, that he WAS NOT saying God determined the outcome of the game - period. Enough said.

I find it amusing how many U fans play the "self-righteous" card when it comes to BYU.

How self-righteous is it to take a comment by Collie, a 21 or 22-year old, place your own spin on it, and then accuse not only Collie, but ALL BYU fans of being self-righteous - because of the spin you put on the comment???

Not only is it hypocritical, but it is SELF-RIGHTEOUS to the nth degree - and all because you are upset that you lost a stupid football game!

I think there are a lot of people who are willing to throw Collie under the bus, not because of what he said, but in an effort to get the upper hand in a "football rivalry".

Pretty pathetic.

re:Sweet | 6:31 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Before I take your "offense" and become offended, could you type your theory in a coherent statement, so I could then decide if I am offended or not.

Thanks a bunch there spanky...

Cowboys | 6:35 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

They used to say that they didn't finish putting the roof on the top of the Dallas Cowboy Stadium so God could watch his team play.

Just glad it was said in Texas so as not to offend any hypersensitive Ute fans.

bj | 6:40 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

years ago coach croton commenting on the holy war reminisced about coaching a BC/NotreDame game. he saw the priests on one side praying fo ND and the Jesuites praying for BC and said to himself God isn't here - he's at the BYU Utah Game!

go cougs | 6:42 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

CTR- collie did own his comments. he didnt chage what he said, he has a point. if he was a player at another university it would have been awesome that a young talented person gave credit to god. if a ute player would have said the same thing it would have been funny becuse he would hve been snubbing BYU. i think one of your players would have thanked god but i forgot, you lost. i never get tired of listening to ute fans cry after their team loses. instead of worying about collie, you should worry about your team getting burned on 4th and forever in a bowl game. again.

There they go again! | 6:41 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

The christians, stoning each other!

utah_man18 | 6:47 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

The fact is that by saying what he did when he did (right after being asked if he was lucky to make the play), Collie brought this on himself. A player pointing to the sky or an actor thanking God for his success is very different; Collie's comment and it's timing suggest that the Lord stepped in to make the Utes lose. I can see why he thinks the over reaction is ridiculous, but at the same time I don't approve of him making the statement at that time. If he wanted to thank God in an interview he should have brought up his injury and been grateful for a full recovery.

!st Ammendment | 6:48 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Freedom to exercise your religion, freedom of speech and the press.

Mike Sorensen postulated and basically said that Mr. Collie did not have these first ammendment rights.

Sounds sort of funny, a reporter trying to editorialize and censor a source.

Holy War | 6:52 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

"Holy War" tells you all you need to know. For every holy team there is an unholy team, you know, good and bad in all things. Why do you think the Utes are red?

Seriously guys | 6:54 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Ok, so there's now like almost 300 comments on this article? Wow. I believe that I speak for most of us here when I say, people are making a big deal out of nothing at all, and that Austin Collie was simply overjoyed that he made a big play, and he was grateful and felt that it was appropriate to thank God for his success. His part about "when your doing what's right on and off the field" was speaking in a general sense. Then all of the anti-BYU advocates start all of this controversy about it. I can see how some Ute fans and anti-BYU people got upset about the way they interpreted his comments, but I really don't feel that it was directed towards them. So Austin responded the way that he did today because of how "ridiculous" everyone else is being about it, and they seriously are. Austin said what he said today because everyone who was offended by what he said just set themselves up for it. So I understand both sides, but for real, it's not something to get so worked up about.

REPENT | 6:57 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Repent U of U fans so we can beat the Y next year. Repent... repent... we need to be more righteous than the Y. Repent!! I know some missionaries that can help the team out and get you baptized!! REPENT!

RE: utah-man18 | 6:58 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

If I didn't approve of you making that comment, and even if it went further and said it offended me, would you take it back and let me script for you what I thought it appropriate for you to say?

I think Collie said what he said, was given the option to explain it and retract, and explained it.

It's what he said.

Be angry, but he said what he said.

Thats it, now I'm offended! | 6:59 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Spanky boy(re: sweet),

You imply that your argument is more coherent then the rest of us. It is exactly that kind of arrogance, and self righteousness that makes me hate... Well it offends me. No, it really, really hurts. Ooops, maybe I lost coherence. Umm...

Scoreboard too!

Take a logic class | 7:03 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Disclosure: I'm a BYU fan and I thoroughly enjoyed the game.

I agree with Austin's original comments. I interpret them as an explanation of the Law of the Harvest: if you obey the Lord's commandments, He will bless you. You may have difficulties and problems, but the blessings eventually come. The "blessing" may be one great play, where you accomplish something beyond your potential, or when pieces just "fall into place". Maybe the "blessing" is having the courage to overcome a tough lose and continue competing.

Austin did NOT say:
1. If you live right, you will win every game
2. If you did not win, you must not be living right
3. If you did win, you must be living right, that is the only reason you will win

To the posters saying Collie's statements imply that "losing means that you're not righteous" - go take a basic logic class:
IF A THEN B
is not logically equivalent to these:
IF B THEN A
IF NOT A THEN NOT B

I also agree with Austin's rebuttal: if he was not a Mormon playing for BYU, this would be a non-issue. Too bad his response was not more eloquent.

SS | 7:04 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Everyone defending Collie here just doesn't get it. The reason why most people who aren't BYU fans don't like them is because of the 'holier than thou attitude' that some of their fans display. Anyone who disagrees with that is simply out of touch with reality. Granted, I know that alot of BYU fans ARE NOT like this but perception is reality folks. There is a reason why BYU was once named the most hated team in America, and having a winning program is not the only reason. I think it's ridiculous when ANY athlete (black, white, muslim, catholic) suggests that god plays a role in determining the outcome of a game. But when you play for a religous school that people ALREADY have pre-conceived notions about such as being 'self righteous' it certainly will only add fuel to that fire when you make a statement such as he did. This is the difference. I don't think Collie is smart ebough to realize this. He may not have meant any harm by it, but it wasn't smart. By implying god was rewarding him on the field for living a 'righteous life' what does that say about the losing team?

What if? | 7:03 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

God really wanted BYU to win, and the Utes to lose, so he intervened?

--or--

That was the same move that Austin made down the right sideline in the CSU game for his totally wide open touchdown and the Ute coaches missed it in their preparation and had they prepared for the game by watching tapes, they would not have left Austin Collie open and the Utes would have won?

Either way, Utah lost, BYU won, and it doesn't really matter what Austin thinks, now does it.

re:Sweet | 7:10 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I'm sorry, I didn't try to imply everyones argument was incoherent and poorly spelled... just your post.

BTW, I am also a BYU fan, so I am not offended by your "awesome" smack.

I just didn't understand your rambling post.

BYU Cougar | 8:13 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

GO AUSTIN COLLIE!!!

Gretzky | 8:14 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Okay, we've heard enough and Collie is awesome. He is blessed and his comment was no different than every NFL football player that bows his knee in the endzone to say a prayer of thanksgiving after every TD he scores.
So let's just wrap this session up and move onto the next stupid controversy that PK and Gordie Monson drum up so they can save their jobs.

chris | 8:19 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Good show austin. it's nice to hear someone actually speak their mind. a career in politics is due.

SSComment | 8:24 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I wonder if SS gets it? Why are you making an issue when one doesn't exist. Austin Collie made a statement about how God rewards those who do right -- he didn't say anything about his school, his religion or anything else. This statement could just as well have come from a Ute player on an occasion when they win.

This item needs to die because it is not an issue. It is only one in the minds of those who want to be offended. Hear that SS?

FEELS GOOD!!! | 8:24 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Utah had a great year despite all the injuries and adversity that they had to face. The players, fans, and staff all were blessed because of how they live their lives. I truly believe this. Utah will get a bowl game due to their hard work and blessings. I hope Utah blows out their bowl opponent and continued success except against BYU of course. I hope BYU and any other MWC bowl team does the same.

Almost 300 posts later.... | 8:29 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

and the majority is finding every excuse for Collie's stupid statement. The posts in here are pointing to one fact and one fact only: the majority of DN readers are BYU Fans.

The law of the harvest logic being thrown around in here is very weak. There are posts comparing Collie's catch and remarks to a heart surgeon practicing medicine. IT IS HILARIOUS!!

I lived in the religous deep south for a number of years and been to plenty of football games. A remark like Collie's would've been frowned just as much in Oxford, Mississippi as it was in SLC.

BYU fans have always been thin-skinned and defending Collie brings up all the old arguments they use when someone is bagging on one of their players. The biggest of which is "if this wasn't a BYU player nobody would care".

I live in Tucson and went to the barbershop today and believe or not Collie's remarks were being discussed. Most of the patrons took offense and were joking that the Wildcats lost to the Y this season not because of poor coaching but because BYU had too many Mormons living right on their team while Arizona only had two.

SS More | 8:32 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

"I wouldn't say it was lucky. We executed the play well. We should have had another one (TD). Obviously, if you do what's right on and off the field, I think the Lord steps in and plays a part in it. Magic happens."

What does this statement have to do with BYU, LDS Church or anything else?

Seems like someone is making a store out of nothing.

RE: Charles | 8:39 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Charles, you said...
"It also is pretty clear that God doesn't help any particular team at the exclusion of other teams since no team always wins."

What about the UNDEFEATED 2004 UTES??? Maybe Collie could enlighten us about their season?

Jeff | 8:53 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Collie is absolutely right. Religious bigotry is doing well in Utah. If he were not a Mormon, no comment would ever be made. Disgusting, PERIOD.

Collies Friend | 8:54 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

austin is one of my buddies. he is not a holier than thou guy. he is however a bigger faster and stronger than you guy the kid is a physical freak and a heck of a reciever.......let him thank god if he wants...tons of athletes do it........let the fans from a mountain west team that has beat byu in the last two seasons cast the first stone .................oh wait i forgot.......

The world is listening | 9:08 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I was getting my hair cut in Tokyo, Japan earlier today and you know what was being discussed? Yep, Collie's remarks.

Most of the Japanese took offense to what he had to say and were lamenting the fact that the Japanese lost to the United States in World War II, not because of poor preparation, but because the United States had too many "darn" Mormons living right, while Japan didn't have one.

I also talked to my friend in Iraq and by golly, this Collie issue was the topic of choice there as well. They really believe that those "righteous" Mormons are the reason Sadam was ousted from power.

Beware BYU . . . the world is listening to your every comment!

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