Deseret News | Utahn wins 'Survivor'

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Utahn wins 'Survivor' — and $1 million

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Matt | 1:05 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

That's great! I like to see somebody from Utard who is not a nut-ball make good! Congrats kid!

Herzfrog | 1:34 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

What a dork.

dj | 2:36 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Congratulations to Todd. What an impressive performance throughout the entire competition. One of the best in Survivor history.

Comments continue below

Way to Go! | 2:55 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I watched the show and thought Todd played very well! My question is where does he live now, and what does he plan to do with his winnings. My advice, pay the taxes before all else. Richard is the case in point. (Just when does Richard get out of prison? He still has a few years to go, I think.)

Anyway, I wish Todd and his family the best of luck.

eccentric geezer | 6:03 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

was the term "gay mormon" necessary in to describe Herzog? what religion were the other competitors?.

M - NYC | 6:12 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Not entirely true that Todd never spoke about being a gay Mormon. During Episode 7 he spoke openly about it . You can check it out on YouTube under the title: 'Survivor China Insider - Episode 7 - Todd = Gay Mormon'

Anonymous | 6:19 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Of course gay mormon is newsworthy. It is well known that practicing gayness is against LDS doctrine and beliefs. I found it interesting and I'm certain others did too.

dyc | 6:30 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Maybe saying he is a gay man, raised as a mormon would be more accurate. If he is living the gay lifestyle and sexually active, then he isn't living the tenets of his religion. He might have been baptized, but I wouldn't consider him to be an active member of the LDS faith or in good standing. You can have gay tendencies, and be in good standing in the church as long as you don't become physical with a man or sexually active.

John | 6:44 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

DYC, get over it.

Mom | 7:37 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I did not watch, and did not allow my kids to watch. We don't watch TV much around here.
DYC is right. You CAN be gay and be LDS. But, you cannot be living the 'lifestyle'. Get over it? How about 'get morals'?

Clare | 7:44 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

John, get over it. Dyc is right.

Dennis | 7:47 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Gay or not, Mormon or not, I don't care. My problem is with the statement I backstabbed and lied to a lot of them, I'm so proud.
Why is it that a TV show based on who is the best liar and backstabber is so widely accepted?
Please, somebody, bring back morals, values, honesty, and goodness in television.

Anonymous | 7:55 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

With everything going on in the world, the stories people in Utah are most concerned focus on Mitt's religion, BYU sports, and this dude?

Please, folks - start paying attention to the real issues. Whilst your busy with your circuses and baubles, politicians and special interests are robbing you blind.

DSC | 8:33 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Survivor is still on? I didn't know. I thought it died a long time ago.

SR | 8:50 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I completely agree with Dennis.

A Reader | 8:56 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I agree with Dennis. Whether he is a gay Mormon or a gay man raised as a Mormon is of little consequence. What really matters is why it was so acceptable to be a backstabber and a liar, and why he should benefit from this? Those who concentrate more on that issue are really missing the big picture. I know it was only a game, but how many people think this is acceptable in real life situations? You can be a gay, lesbian or heterosexual person, that's not what matters here. It's teaching others that it doesn't matter what you do as long as you win. Perhaps we should all take a look at the "alleged" cheaters in professional sports!

Mark | 8:56 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

The "Gay Mormon," "lying and backstabbing" and being "proud" of it are all indicative of Entertainment's declining standards. Sounds like moral principles need not apply in Todd's worldview. What a hero.

walter | 8:59 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

With all these inmoral behaviors being glorified on TV, I wonder if feeding Christians to the lions and tigers in the roman circus because they value morality and reject these behaviors that are so much accepted in todays world will be next on TV. I guess it is true that with money you can buy anything "in this world"

Texan | 9:05 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

This guy would make a great politician or a great attorney. He has no morals and no conscience, and seems willing to lie, cheat or steal for his own benefit. How someone can act like that and then say he "is so proud", and then be rewarded with $1MM says a lot about the society in which we live. You are rewarded for having no conscience.

Nice job | 9:05 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

This was one of the best seasons so far. They had some great people on and he was by far the smartest and the best player. Nice to see utah get some more attention.

Todd Rules | 9:10 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

First of all, congrats to Todd! He truly is the biggest Survivor fan ever. He played the best game anyone has in years, and nobody deserved it more than him.

But please, give me a break, people. If you've ever seen this show, you would know that this is one of the best shows on tv today. Essentially no swearing, no sex, no violence, and a constant blur over any body part that might even be *considered* questionable... And yet somehow, you still come here to complain about the morals of the show, and the morals of the players, whinning "how is a show based on lying and backstabing so accepted?"

It's accepted because it's a game. It's not going to teach your kids to lie or backstab, and it's not going to convince them to all turn gay. It's entertainment, and it's exciting and it's fun. If it's too much for you to handle, fine... Just make sure your tv is always tuned to chanel 7, KBYU and you'll be able to keep your kids "safe" from the "evils" of the world. evil, evil survivor....

To those concerned with morals | 9:14 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Maybe a little more attention on fraud in business, developer graft to elected officials, thousands of dead soldiers in an unwinnable war, and tens of thousands of civilians being brutally murdered....

and a little less outrage on a glorified game show.

Rick | 9:14 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Quote of the week ...

"I backstabbed and lied to a lot of them ... I feel like I've accomplished so much, and I'm so proud."

Although I realize this is just a stupid show, and the fact that it happens 24-7 around our nation's political halls, its just jaw dropping to read something like that.

Harold | 9:16 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I wouldn't trust this guy nor would I ever hire him. Most people could never be as deceptive as this guy was during Survivor. I would rather have team players around me and not somebody that could play the game like he did.

Hardware 74 | 9:16 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

What a thing to be proud of, backstabbing and lying to win a million bucks. That show is about people who are driven to lose their character for the sake of money. I consider them all losers.
If Todd had any scruples and really was raised Mormon,with LDS values, he wouldn't take part in a show like that.

Two Cents Worth | 9:24 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Todd's comment reminds me of Britney Spears' mom's comment after Britney came on stage half exposed --"I'm so proud of her!" Makes me worry.
I understand that Survivor is a game, but how sad to sacrifice your integrity & believability on national television.

SoCal | 9:25 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

What a bunch of hypocrites. When you play a game, you play by the rules. If you played by the rules the entire game, isn't that worth being proud of? Especially when you win? He played by the rules, plain and simple.

to Hardware 74 | 9:28 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

"If Todd had any scruples and really was raised Mormon,with LDS values, he wouldn't take part in a show like that."

Ironic comment, considering today's news is full of upstanding members committing fraud and bribing officials.

B-Rad | 9:33 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

It's a game! Lying is part of the game! It's like bluffing in a GAME of Cards! Why can't so many people understand that? That is part of the game! He did it well. It's like tearing down someone who plays football for tackling someone smaller than they are. "Why would he throw someone to the ground like that? That person was running away from him and he tackled him. That's not a person I would hire. Heï¿½s got moral issues. He must not be Mormon. He seems angry!" Well, tackling is a part of football. If someone did that in Basketball, you would have an argument.

Hello People | 9:35 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

If you watched the show he was the first winner to not turn on the alliance that he made on day one. That says something. I have watched several seasons of Survivor and this was by far the cleanest and most honorable season yet.

knowadrake | 9:36 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Way to go Todd! I was rooting for you all along. You played the game well, and still had people like you for who you are inside, and the game was just that--a game.

We're proud of you here! Hope you get that shiny black hot car you want, and go on to make a great difference in the world. Because you can...

Card games? | 9:39 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Is Bridge evil? Hearts? I Doubt It?

They are all games people. As is "Survivor."

Maybe focus on some of the real life backstabbing and lying going on?? like in our elected officials?

Perspective, people; perspective!

Another Reader | 10:01 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

To Anonymous (#2 @ 7:55 a.m.)--
I notice YOU paid enough attention to not only read the story but take time to read the comments and comment yourself. But, I feel confident you then read each of stories on "real issues" twice to assuage your guilt and erase your "circuses and baubles" footprint.

I Hope | 10:12 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I hope Todd can afford a belt for his pants now that he has won 1 million dollars. I hope he didn't ever sneeze on the show.

MoJules | 10:22 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I have to admit that I was not really thrilled about the "Gay Mormon" introduction, but then there are gay Mormons. But I did stop after the 2nd episode of watching, not because of this kid, but because of all the dirty underwear as the only clothing. I felt it was tasteless for the producers to set this group up to where they had to run around at times in underpants, bras and briefs, and to think that they only have the one set for 30 some days, pretty nasty to have to watch them in their nasties. From the sounds of it, I am glad I turned it off, I don't like watching the dirty players win, I like it when those with some standards of human decency win, and I realize that even they will be underhanded.

Non-believer | 10:27 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Oh people get a life. The kid is a liar and backstapper on the show. So what. That is name of the game. So he is gay. So what. So he is a Mormon. So what. You people need to move on to something that even remotely sounds like an intelligent conversation or occupation. Come on Mormons lighten up. You don't have to turn everything into a religious issue. Live your own life and let him live his. Brother!!!!!!!

Iron Axe | 10:28 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

This really crack me up, this Survivor, they go around with cameras and have someone make them look like that they are struggling, they should rename this as a White Person's Game.....it ain't no survivor, if they want to do real survivor then just give them a pair of shorts and nothing else then drop them in the middle of New Guinea or perhaps the Amazon, or it could be Compton and tell them to see if they could survive that, I bet they will be bbq'd before they even make it out of town, who are you programmers trying to fool, this is as much as a laughing stock as that movie Cast Away, natives lives like that for centuries before we come down and make it as harsh as it looks, drop them in the middle of the Sahara Desert and tell them to find their own way back, now that is what I call "Survior" quit kidding yourselves....

Fan of TODD | 10:41 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Congratulation TODD!!!

You did it and so proud of you of how you played such an incredible game. You deserved the money and it all paid off for you.

You are a great person and wishing you all the best in life. Know you don't have to work for Wingers anymore.

come on, folks | 10:42 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

the game is set up so that only the kiniving can win. I'm amazed at how "shocked" we all act when the winner acknowledges this.

didn't watch the series. didn't miss much, either.

Holy Cow...! | 10:47 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Leave it to the locals to get things out of context. The nature of Survivor is to Outwit, Outplay, and Outlast. Nuff said. You are going to have to be dishonest from time to time, and stab people in the back...it's part of the game. It's within the rules to do such folks.

Baseball is a game, but taking steroids is NOT part of that game and is against the rules. Just like holding in football is against the rules. Tood played by the rules of the Survivor game and won. How hard is that to understand? If you don't like it, don't watch, and don't comment. Oh, and one more thing...it's not real....it's just a game.

There is more dishonesty that walks down the halls at Novell, Zions Bank, IHC, etc. Oh, but we just call that "spinning" right? What happens at the end of every quarter when earnings announcements come out...that IS real. Gimme a break.

He may be gay, but he cannot be a Mormon at the same time...doesn't work for me.

starving is easy | 10:58 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Iron Axe, I suggest you watch the show first before making such a stupid comment. Every single person who has been on the show has said it was one of the hardest things that they have ever done. I doubt you have ever lost 30 pounds from starving in the jungle.

Survivor is a game!! | 11:09 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

The object of a game is to win. Ever play Uno, Chess, Risk, Hearts, Settlers of Catan, Killer Bunnies? You follow the rules and you try to win. This guy followed the rules of the game "Survivor" and won a million bucks. Good for him.

BW | 11:41 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Watching Survivor is like watching Mitt Romney campaign for President, except with a lot less lying.

Blake | 11:42 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

For heaven's sake, Utah County! How is it that you have so much time to waste on complaining about a TV game show? IT IS A GAME! How can you really be so upset about someone who did anything to win a game, but stayed within the rules. Chill out!

Jean | 11:49 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Todd, good job! I am really exicted that you won.

Cardadad | 12:05 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Fooling your opponent is part of playing many (most?) games.

If the quarterback pretends to hand off the football to a player who then pretends to run with it to distract the opposing team while the QB actually still has the ball and runs with it himself, that is lying--if we were in the "real" world--but it is what one does in a game.

Faking left then going right is also "lying" to your basketball opponent.

I have never watched "Survivor"--or any other reality show--but I know enough to realize it is a (stupid? worthless?) GAME. The Utah kid on the show may be a slimebag or a saint in real life. It doesn't matter. But "lying" on a game show in which you are SUPPOSED to fool your opponents is no reflection of one's personal morals.

"Don't send out a false coded message to fool the Nazis about our battle plans--that wouldn't be honest and an honest person wouldn't do that!"

I know, I know. I lost some people with the last example, but . . . .

FWIW

Two Cents Worth | 12:06 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Okay, maybe the rules allow lying, etc.
But no matter how well Todd played the game, the fact is he lied -- so well in fact that that is exactly how he won (Jean Robert believed Todd's flattery (later confessed to be a lie), and gave Todd his winning vote because of it).
Can any of those people now truly believe him... about anything? What about all the people who watched?
Was the fame & fortune, the winning, really worth sacrificing integrity & trustworthiness?

Steve | 12:12 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Congrats to Todd, but...

Micronesia??? Where in the world is that? Another tropical looking place I assume. When are they ever going to have a true test of survival and do a season in a cold climate area? There are plenty of exotic or exotic sounding cold places they could go: "Survivor: Siberia", "Survivor: Swiss Alps", "Survivor: Iceland", or "Survivor: Alaska" (the Alaska one perhaps having a dog sled reward or immunity challenge).

If they insist upon showing some skin (reasoning for tropical), well as a reward in the cold places fly them to a spa where they can sit in hot tubs and saunas.

Anyone else want a cold climate Survivor?

so.... | 12:17 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

it doesnt matter he is a gay mormon... and it shouldnt matter right? What if he was just a mormon, then you guys would all be gloating.

Iron Axe | 12:20 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

To:starving is easy....actually these things I have done, and came back from my LDS mission skin and bones, and I know how hard it is to survive, I did not mean to slam Todd, I am slamming the producers and their hollywood make believe programs..and yes I will repeat... this is no survivor, if you want to survive then do what I said above on my blogs, and yes I have been in the jungle but not with cameras on me.....Have you???? and that is why I do not watch the show because it is no Survivor, it might as well be Peter Pan or Cast Away...having cameras following you all over the place.....

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