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

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If the Mormons are living right? | 9:19 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Then where is the love? You got mormons Tazing mormons, now fighting over god. Over a kid's game where the players get a king's ransom!

Ian | 9:30 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

For me I really do believe that BYU is God's favorite school. There!

HAHAHA

CougerKeith (UtahKeith) | 9:44 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Give it a rest people... All he meant by the comment was that the cheap call from the 67 yard TD called back was given "Karma" by never giving up. That was all the kid was saying and everybody blew it out of proportion. He was trying to apply the "Lesson" and "Example" to a real to life scenario was all he was saying. Get over it people!!! The Lord watches over those who keep their nose to the grindstone and work hard (have faith and don't give up no matter what), that was all he was saying. Anyone trying to put more into it than what he actually meant, SHAME ON YOU!!! He was excited, he was asked about a big play and he said quickly what he thought, and you all get on a kid for saying what he felt, but it didn't exactly come out the way it should have been understood by the public.

Comments continue below

Midwesterner | 9:46 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

So, If I understand this correctly, A football player mentioned his personal religious beliefs in an interview, and a significant portion of those who heard the comments are offended, and demand an apology?

I'm not sure that I understand why he should apologize or retract his statements. Aren't they his personal beliefs? If an individual United States Citizen has an opinion, I thought that they were free to express it.

For what it's worth, those who are offended are either biggoted or just have a bad case of sour grapes because their team lost a game.

anonymous | 9:56 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

It's true. If he were from another school and were black, or jewish, or any other ethnicity, or denomination he would be praised, not ridiculed. It floors me how so many will say mormon's are intolerant of other people and yet face some of the most intolerant comments and people against them. Apparently the media was really lacking for a story if they had to beat this one to death.

Non LDS BYU Student | 10:03 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I am (was) a KFAN listener. I'm a Jazz fan and often listen to the games on KFAN. After the BYU/UTAH game I had my car radio tuned to KFAN. I was disappointed in the commentators. Come up with something worth while; that reflects what a great game it was. Not, "lets try and make this athlete appear bigoted." 1280 it is for me.

ute fan | 10:14 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

hey im a ute fan, but i agree with collie. let it rest

RE: Take a logic class | 10:19 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Well, I feel a bit sheepish. Evidently, I need a logic refresher myself. In my previous post I ignored this logic rule:

IF A THEN B
means that
IF NOT B THEN NOT A

So, if Collie truly was saying "You live righteously, you're gonna win", then he would also be saying that "You don't win, you must not be living righteously."

Anyhow, I stand by my original analysis: Collie acknowledged that as he does his best to follow the Lord, then the Lord blesses him and helps him accomplish great things.

Collie did not make a sweeping statement like "Hey, you live right, you'll win (and therefore, if you lose, you must not be living right)."

none | 10:28 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Get a life Get a life Get a life!!!

Davis | 10:58 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

If you just think about it, if he were a member of some other religion he would not get as much heat!
And because he is standing up for what he beleives in, I am proud of him as an LDS member!

Don't Persecute Me | 11:12 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Isn't it funny that Collie trys to play the race and religion card in a place like Utah County. What a joke! Collie shows real maturity in his response by calling the whole thing B.S. and try to get Cougar sympathizers like the people on this blog to stick up for him. There is a reason why Ute fans like me don't like BYU and it's because of athletes like Collie and the cougar fans that can't take criticism. Take the Blue Goggles off ... now.

Josh | 11:20 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I've always thought God had a sense of humor. I'll bet he/she thinks this one is pretty good.

Silly | 11:28 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

This story is a non-issue, or should have been. The prophet Isaiah warned of people who would, "make a man an offender for a word" (Isa 29:21).

Brigham Young once stated that, "He who takes offense when no offense was intended is a fool."

The world could use more men like Austin Collie, and less men that take offense where none was intended.

Midwesterner | 11:31 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

RE: Don't Persecute Me.

I will use small words so you will understand. I like my Blue Goggles! This is America. I have the right to wear whatever color of eyewear I choose. I will not stoop to your level by making a hasty generalization about moronic Ute Fans (Not all of them, just the folks like you).

Re: Don't Persecute Me | 11:34 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Aren't you making your comments through Red Goggles? Thats the reason Cougar fans don't like many Ute fans like you. Have a nice day.

Controversy | 11:38 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Reporters are in the business of selling newspapers. Controversy sells papers. Its the oldest ploy in the newspaper business, and we've all been caught by this story, like a dumb carp.

Strange bunch | 11:41 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

You Utah Mormons are a strange bunch. You send missionaries - like Austin - all over the world telling people that they need to join your church and obey God's commandments (do the right thing) they will be blessed. (As I understand it those blessings apply generally to this life and the next life.) Then one of your own comes back from having delivered that message in South America and tells you that he thinks that that formula has helped him in his life - including this game - and you villify him for it. I would have thought you would be proud of the success of one of your own . . .. Strange bunch.

Brian | 11:47 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

Fischer does the same thing last year in the Jazz playoffs and we all admire him --- well, maybe Golden State fans did not think God had helped the situation. But, we all did. Collie said or did nothing wrong. I admire his faith (faith is an action verb) and then giving credit to God.

Sacramento Coog | 11:49 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I know Austin Collie. He's a great kid, from a great family, and who does his best to live his religion. His comments were nothing more than a way of thanking the Lord for helping him reach his potential during the game. I hear the same kind of thing all the time in post game interviews and it's never a story. What this is, is another example of the state of Utah's hysteria over religion--particularly from those that oppose the Mormon faith or who are hypersensitve of the Church's influence. It's bigotry in another fashion.

Good for you Austin--for thanking God to begin with and for standing up for your beliefs when attacked. The rest of you should heed Collie's advice and get a life!

Mike | 12:07 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Enough said... we can all stop the debate now.

Noosa | 12:30 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

As a BYU fan, I wonder why some Mormons blow criticism or differing points of view out of proportion and make it sound as if this is Mormon bashing? I've heard numerous athletes and coaches of all races and backgrounds excoriated on sports radio talk shows (Jim Rome, JT the Brick, Mike & Mike) for invoking similar attitudes. Cut the persecution complex and grow up. Collie could have easily defused the situation in his follow-up interview if he wanted the issue to go away.

Deepa | 12:51 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

If i were a ute defender, i'd try to blame divine intervention too. How else do you explain the utes forgetting how to guard the best player on the most important play two years in a row????

Ore Coug | 2:50 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

To C: I interpret Collie to mean he did not mean offense and anyone taking offense should have better things to do in life, in other words "get a life".

A couple of thoughts come to mind.

1) Gods wrath is kindled against those who do not acknowledge his hand in ALL things. I interpret that to include football as well, although not necessarily outcomes, but in individual performance.

2) The purpose of the article is to create controversy (or contention), after all it makes money. I believe nothing good comes from contention. In fact it is widely believed that the devil is the source of contention.

Who, in this case, is doing the devils work? Surprising this is coming from the DMN.

looking at the game with blinders on only makes for frustration, do you not have something better to do with you lives?

Father of four | 4:27 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Austin,
That was a very good game, Thank you for giving credit were it was due. The example you set for my kids is very much appreciated, I wish we had more people like you, willing to stand up for what they believe in. Your comments allowed us to have another great dinner conversation with our kids. Thanks again

Shame | 8:13 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Shame on Sorenson and the local sports radio hosts for even making this an issue. John Lund on the manly morning show would not get off the subject. I finally changed the radio station. I came back an hour later, and he was still on it. He made it an issue. I think much less of him now than I did before.

JC From CA | 8:45 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

To:Western Sport LDS fan, and Utah supporter. Look at the comments made from the Utah Players after the successful defeat of Pittsburgh in the Arizona Tostitos Bowl when coach Meyer was at Utah. The Utah players were making similar comments after their win. I was at the game as a BYU Fan Rooting for Utah, and loved the execution of the Utes. "They Dominated the team from Pitt because they were better prepared." Austin's success comes from principles taught at home and in the church. Amen Austin

dave h | 8:51 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

As a BYU fan I still have to say that Austin was wrong to say what he said. When you are an athlete in the spot light you always have to measure your words before speaking. If Austin actually believes that the Lord steps in and helps a team based on their "righteousness" I guess that is his right - even though most don't accept that idea including most of his fellow BYU team mates. I would bet that most of the other BYU players wondered "what the heck are you thinking Austin". Like it or not, this is an issue when make some sort of self righteous comment like that and it is better to just keep it to yourself.

Anonymous | 9:17 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

This is a perfect example why this state is so lame. It always comes down to religion with everything nobody can just shut their mouth and keep their beliefs to themselves like they should. You take something as good as Byu-Utah drag it in the mud and bring religion into it. Just another reason I will be moving back out of Utah grow up people stop gossiping and judging people for religious beliefs.

Blown Away | 9:18 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Wow, I can't believe all the blogs being written about this incident. I question Collie for why he even said what he did. Examples of players thanking God and making the sign of the cross, or pointing their finger towards the heavens do not make the implications that Collie did when he said..." if you do what's right on and off the field." To me that says that if you are doing what's right off the field in your personal life, God will help you on the football field. Who cares which team won, that doesn't matter. But with his comment, I think it was taken as a personal insult rather than someone speaking out about his faith. I don't say that about my fellow workers yet God plays a role in all our lives if we let Him.

It amazes me to read the blogs from the Deseret News articles. If its about Mitt and his faith there may be a 100 comments. If its about religion it may be 100 comments. But if its sports and religion, over 350 comments. After further review, I think I better get a life.

CougarKeith (UtahKeith) | 10:29 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Good for you Austin, I salute you, and stand behind you 110%!!! Everyone else can take a hike, if you don't like what he said, get over it, or lose your guilty conscience! Get off the kids back.

Mormon Ute Fan | 10:35 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

As a Utah fan who was upset by the loss I still have to say that I don't believe Collie meant to offend anyone. He could have phrased his comment more wisely, but in the heat of the moment, that's just how it came out...and he is fresh of the mish!
However it has been my experience in talking with many byu fans, including several in my own family, that they truly believe byu wins because it's the "lord's school." This type of attitude puts me off. And anyone who thinks so needs to put their pride in check. It's football for crying out loud! And Utah fans...the game is over, move on and let's just mentally prepare for the next match up ok?

BYU STUDENT | 11:10 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

OK. I don't think Collie actually meant to imply that he or BYU were more righteous than Utah, but the comment was terrible. It made me cringe. Even worse was his combative response.

I love BYU, and I'm a big football fan, but it's no joke that we're hated by a lot of people because we're perceived as self-righteous. Whether it's true or not (and as much as it pains me to say, it is true a lot of the time (which drives me crazy)) we need to be especially careful not to be this way or come off this way.

Just because you believe something, it doesn't always need to be said. Maybe Collie thought God did help with 4th and 18, and he definitely thought his critics needed to get a life, but THERE'S NO NEED TO SAY ANY OF THAT STUFF. Please BYU people, just keep that junk to yourself. You're not doing me or any of the other normal BYU people any favors. Instead of saying "everyone else thanks God so it's OK," we need hold ourselves to a higher standard or else the stigma is never going to go away.

BYU | 11:21 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

It comes down to this, Yes many athletes thank God for giving them strength or whatever and that is good, but I have never heard an athlete say that god blessed him because he was living right on and off the field, because that gives credit to the player for living right not God. Leave your own personal life out of it and give all the credit to God and that is what most athletes do. Its funny how BYU fans are so quick to come down on the utes coach for an onsides kick even after he said he was sorry. but now BYU fans are so quick to get defensive about Collie who has no intentions of saying he is sorry, but just tells everyone to get a life, and that this is all BS.

Collie's Right | 11:52 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Collie is right.

CougarBlue | 12:16 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

335 comments. You have got to be kidding me. He simply said he prepared and the Lord blessed him. He never put down any other player on the team. He never said the others didn't prepare or go to the Lord for help. He just said what has happened to him. Many of you need to get a life and quit being so angry.

Quite complaining about the mote in a person's eye, when you have a beam in your own.

Logic | 12:40 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

I believe that the emotion behind the "Collie" bashing has diminished many bashers' logical capabilities. First rule of logic is that of "charity." Charity is idea that a word may have more than one meaning, therefore a sentence may have multiple interpretations. For a statement to be argued against you must take the words or sentences in context of the speaker's intent. You must use the speaker's definitions or meanings not the definition that you wish that he had "implied" for the sake of your own motives. The first rule is based on the idea of understanding before attacking. Most of the bashing seems based on an all too common twisting of Collie's intent.
Although it's already been stated a number of ways, I'll say it again: one should look at his or her own motives before "casting stones".

Collie get a life!!! | 1:30 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Typical BYU person, thinking they are better than the rest. Guess what Mormons are not above everyone and god will not treat you any better!!!! God will look at how you treated people, not that you went to BYU or that you were mormon. God does not make poeple make touchdowns!!!

Hey "Collie get a life" | 2:16 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

I'm also a typical BYU person, trying to do my best on and off the other field (baseball). I hope that it's typical of all you Yewts as well. It sure isn't typical of many atheletes any more (and yes they do succeed in their sport still). I think I'm better than you as well! Ha! How do you like that!? I'm better than anyone who doesn't see things the same as I do!
Hey, we sound the same!

Football Fan | 2:44 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Re: BYU STUDENT

You're the man, I agree 100%

Collie get a life | 2:46 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

I agree that Collie is way off base. When we look around at the world events of Saturday, I think a football game ranks low on the scale of what the "Lord" was paying attention to. Collie new exactly what he was talking about when he made the comments. If the "Lord" helped him get open, does that mean the "Lord" made the Ute defender blow his assignment? Maybe the reason why BYU has such a terrible bowl record over the years is because the "Lord" is on Christmas vacation???

LDS U Fan | 3:42 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

If Collie means that he's thankful that God has blessed him with the opportunities and skills that he has, and was therefore a part of that play, that's fine. But the timing of his remarks, as well as what he actually said, made it sound as if he MAY actually believe that God made sure that the U lost containment, blew the coverage and BYU won, because of his righteousness. That is, as Collie put it, "BS."

I really do think that he had the former thought in mind, and I certainly hope so. Otherwise, as an active, card carrying, mission serving, BYU hating member of the LDS Church, I am really bothered by what he said.

Divine Intervention | 3:44 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Collie is totally wrong. God looked down and saw the scared defender and the clueless UofU Coaches and realized no help was needed.

BYWho | 4:51 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

you guys are killing me...if you want to go there then refs totally missed the offensive holding call on the 4th and 18 play. It should have been called by the refs as "offensive holding by GOD on B. McCain".

Patrick W. | 5:14 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

So the kid has some Faith, good for him. But, thinking that God favors one team, or an athlete over another is ridiculous! God does not care about the outcome of sports, or entertainment. It erks me to hear celebrities and athletes praise God for helping theM win an oscar or a title.. Just say thanks and walk away.. haha

4TH AND FREAKING 18.. PREVENT DEFENSE IS WHAT LOST THE UTES THE GAME, NOT GOD OR WANNABIE GANGSTA WHITE BOY COLLIE..

Instead of | 7:02 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

thanking god and/or mentioning their righteousness when they win, how 'bout someone blaming god or confessing how sinful they are when they lose? One implies the other, period. This is what the young Mr Collie (who has a lot of growing up to do, IMO) and all the self-righteous BYU "fans" fail to realize (or refuse to admit) when they just can't figure out why people would be upset. As a related side note, I honestly think there is an undercurrent of belief among some BYU "fans" that Gary Crowton, et al, brought down the "righteousness" level of the team and that god punished them as a result.

a voice of reason | 7:56 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Hey stop crucifying Collie for his comments. He spoke his mind and stood by his take. Only Austin can account for how he is living his life and nobody else. If he feels like God helped him perform up to his potetial in that game who is to say otherwise. I know that many of us in school, sports or simple presentations have asked for help from a higher being and received it. No matter what faith you belong to, there is an ideal that good actions return good results and bad actions result in bad consequences. It is called kharma. My personal opinion is that God doesn't care who wins or loses but he does care how people live their lives and blesses all his children in some degree or another. The score still reads 17-10 and if God really does determine the outcome based on how players and fans are living their lives, then some players and students need to set down their bong and start living their respective religion.

byu | 10:11 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

everyone except ute fans know that calling BYU the "lords university" and pretending like he favours our team is nothing more than a ploy to get you all riled up! and oh how fun it is to see you react!

Re: BYU Student | 10:22 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

Thank you BYU Student!!!!!!!!! Your comment was right on the money!! Whether or not Collie should be allowed to say what he wants, or whether or not his comment was nothing more than a profession of his faith, he represents BYU and the Church. There are people out there LOOKING FOR OFFENSES, hence all the more reason to avoid giving them a reason to be offended. When it comes to rivalries, the media and the opposing teams are always looking for fuel for the fire.

The media wants this to be "THE HOLY WAR", which is yet another way to create divisiveness and improve readership. Let's keep the rivalry to SPORTS and not religion.....PLEASE!!!!!

Our church leaders are constantly seeking for ways to quell divisiveness between us and other groups. We should do the same, after all, many U students are LDS.

WWJD | 3:56 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

Collie's comments revealed a sincere belief that he holds and that a majority of LDS members share.

But it is a wrong-headed idea. As such, BYU Student's suggestion to "keep it to yourself" is a disingenuous approach. All you are saying is that it is OK to be arrogantly self-righteou as long as you keep it to yourself!?

That combines the sin of arrogant, self-righteous pride with the sin of being subtly dishonest.

That is NOT what Jesus would do!

Lt layton | 8:29 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007

I would just like to thank all those who left comments that they choose not to go to BYU as It made room for the rest of us and as I see it that was divine intervention!

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