Deseret News | Utahn wins 'Survivor'

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Utahn wins 'Survivor' — and $1 million

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Anonymous | 12:22 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Suvivor is a game!!!! Poker is a game and bluffing is part of the game. It doesn't mean the players of the game have a defect in their personalities. Todd played the game according to the rules. Part of the rules is to out wit. Every person on the show lied, it's how that game suvivor is played. Get a life! Two Cents Worth.

lesljean | 12:30 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Get a life...what's got everyone's panties in a knot is 'REALITY SHOW' Nope....it's not...it's staged...it's rehearsed...it's TV folks...Beaver Cleaver wasn't real either.

Still ON? | 12:35 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I had no idea this was still on TV-

I guess you can beat a dead horse!

Comments continue below

JCNY | 12:37 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

What in the world is survivor? Is this show with the father and son that build motorcycles? Regardless of what his religious upbringing was or what his sexual preference is, he has taught us that backstabbing liars come in all sorts of flavors, and that just about anybody would do anything for money. Congrats Todd he has etched himself into popular culture and made some cash along the way.

rattler | 12:50 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

To Iron Axe.

It's just the name of the TV show, not necessarily the description. Consider the game show Jeopardy, which means danger, risk, peril, or threat; I have never seen any Jeopardy contestant facing any of those conditions.
BTW - props to Todd, but there was also a lot of luck (fortunate circumstances) involved. My guess is that Aaron would have given him a better fight if he hadn't had to join the other tribe. Just one example of luck and I realize that's part of the game as well.

cami | 12:51 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

people need to chill out honestly, i agree. it's just a game for entertainment's sake. if you don't like it, don't watch it. win-win.

TODD FOR COACH | 1:00 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Does Todd have the qualifications to replace coach Guy at Utah State University? If, so please send in your resume, it would be great to see qualified leadership at the program.

RangerGordon | 1:13 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

One can see from the posts here how intolerant many LDS people are of those who don't fit the Mormon mold.

And yet they can turn right around and complain about anti-Mitt bigotry.

Makes you think.

David Barlow | 1:46 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Come on people, Survivor is a game! Every game involves some level of deceipt, that is the whole point of playing a game. How fun would it be to play football and tell the defense that you are actually going to run the ball even though you make your formation look like you are going to throw, that is deceipt, it makes the game fun. How fun would it be to play chess and tell the opponent what you are going to do next because you don't want them to be deceived? Survivor is a game! Todd deserved to win because he was the best at playing the game. If he lies in his personal life than that is a totally different situation, but all we know is that he lied whilst playing a game and that is the point of playing the game. Survivor would be the most boring game ever if everyone was completely honest, there wouldn't even be a point to having tribal council or a hidden ballot. Way to go Todd, you were the best at this game and deserved to win!

Sub-Odeon | 2:14 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I have always found the concept of "Survivor" to be repellant. Back-stabbing and lying your way to the "win"? No thanks. Honest competition is one thing. Being machiavellian to achieve your aims, that's dirty pool, and I would never be proud of such a "victory", no matter how much money I claimed.

Sub-Odeon | 2:18 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

David Barlow,

I disagree. "Survivor" is founded on the concept of playing individual personalities off of one another, seeing who can lie, cheat, deceive, or otherwise manipulate the other people.

Sports have very little in common with this, mainly because when you are a professional, whether you win or lose, you can go have a beer with the guy on the other team, and it's no hard feelings; even if there were a few hard fouls. You don't spread lies and form cliques against the other team. You don't employ rumor or slander to gain touchdowns or three-point shots. And in the end, the team that wins has to win as a *TEAM*.

Survivor is all about going for yourself, nobody else; pure selfishness.

Yuck!

Ernie | 2:38 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Why is Todd's religion important. I agree, "why wasn't the other contestant's religion high-lighted. The LDS religion is not the only religion that professes that acting on homosexual tendencies goes against the Bible. I'm sure that one of the other contestant's religion follows the same Bible.

I read the criticism that Mormons must be held to a higher standard because they profess being the most correct Church. Which church professes to be the incorrect one? Don't try and change my term "correct" to "true". I say this because I have been raised in the LDS Church and I have been taught that the other Christian sects (Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist etc.) have part of the truth. Face it, LDS have been taught and believe that all have truth. Therefore, LDS people are far more inclusive than the so called Christians who try to hold LDS to a higher standard.

LTL | 2:47 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

After watching him cheat everyone, will anyone ever willing do business with this guy? I know I would never trust him with anything. He seems like the type that thinks business transactions are games too, and he'd lie, backstab, whatever, just to get what's best for him. I don't know why this kid is being praised. I would be embarassed to a family member or friend to such an untrustworthy person, game or not.

To MoJules | 2:50 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I completely agree. I am usually a die-hard Survivor fan, but after only a couple of episodes of watching these people run around in next to nothing, tearing each other's clothes off while scrambling about in the mud, I quit cold-turkey. So I really have no idea if I agree with how Todd played the game or not, because I was tired of watching porn on prime-time tv. Maybe next season I'll check it out, in hopes that the contestants come with proper clothing and that the producers let them keep it to wear. So I guess I have to ask: Did Todd stay clothed throughout the season? If so, then congratulations. If not, I guess they had slim pickings as to who should win, having to choose among the Naked.

Therapist | 4:12 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

The scary part is that Todd having watched this game of deciet and deception since age 15, and for 14 years, (and an admitted fanatic of the show) may have actually become the person he portrayed. He might not be acting.

To LTL | 4:15 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Well, considering he just won 1 million dollars, I don't think Todd will come crawling to you for employment... Not that I can see many people ever wanting to work for a person like you... Judging a person by what you saw on tv, without ever acutally meeting him in real life. (actually, you probably didn't even watch the show, you're just here to badmouth a kid who's got more money as a 22 year old than you'll ever have... jelous, are we?).

If you're so quick to judge a guy you've never met, I'd hate to work for you.

And if the way a family member played a game on a tv show would cause such embarassment for you, I'd hate to be in your family.

To Matt: | 4:47 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Matt,
He actually is a nut-ball.

To Steve | 4:51 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

They won't have a cold weather survivor because they wouldn't be able to show the contestants with their clothes falling off.

rattler | 4:53 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I don't think Todd is even close to the best player ever, he was simply fortunate that not many others knew how to play the game like he did. He did nothing outside the "norm" or rules of the GAME. Remember, this is just a game with rules and just because he "out-witted" everyone, doesn't mean he's a bad person outside the game. I'm sure he is capable of making the separation between the GAME of Survivor and life.

Ho Hum | 5:26 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

So if a contest winner LIVES in Utah I'm supposed to care? This show has been on far too long. I was surprised recently to find out that it was in fact still on.

TOT | 5:33 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I think it is was entirely appropriate that he was on survivor, from Utah, and won. His deceptive skills are very appropriate to Utah. After honing his skills at backstabbing and deception, maybe he can go into Multi-Level Marketing.

Blazerfab | 5:54 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Hello from Portland !
Yipeeeee
I am so glad he won..
I picked him from the start just because I liked him from the get go..something about his just plain joy.

Perry Mason | 5:54 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

He should pay the taxes and invest the remaining $600,000 and go to law school. He would make a great attorney. I've known a few with his skills.

We Celebrate THIS? | 6:25 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Lying, back-stabbing, manipulating, deception.....ah, the "good things" in life. What a sad statement on American culture when we glorify such damming behavior. I'm blessed by God and make $125K a year as an Air Force pilot and I wouldn't touch "Survivor" or any similar type reality show for all the money in the world. No, I'm not perfect, but I realize a loss of self-respect and decency when I see it....all for money and fame and the short-lived glory they bring.

joyce from Maryland | 7:11 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Backstabbing + lying = being proud. Hm, sounds like a familiar negative Book of Mormon cycle towards destruction to me. A powerful but true little tidbit of wisdom learned from the movie Karate Kid "Never put passion before principle because even if you win, you lose".

Another Mom | 7:21 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Todd,
Good job on playing the game. I hope you can find the true meaning of life, now that you can possibly quit your job as a flight attendant, and discover that your sexual orientation isn't what you "are" and is a changeable trait. Don't discount the truth just to get ahead in life. It'll bite you in the long-run and you'll be totally on your own.

ELongest | 8:02 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

This was not a Conference Broadcast or the Spoken Word presentation.....it was a calculating, money-making, viewer ratings show....we are each responsible for our own sexual orientation and the actions it involves. Our world seems very complicated and I am reminding myself each day to seek out the good in people but "dang it" some of you make it hard for me.....Todd, enjoy the money and fame just remember these things are tempoary.

Mojules is right | 8:03 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

The underwear thing was really gross this time. Why not provide the contestants with an oversized t-shirt instead of a tribal buff? And have more interesting challenges and less chit-chat.

ELongest/spellcheck | 8:05 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

temporary

dj | 8:51 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Show me one person who has consistently lied, cheated and back-stabbed in real life for any length of time with any success. It just doesn't happen. Therefore, don't worry about the percieved moral degredation being imposed upon your children by this innocuous game show!!

t f | 8:56 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

tight

whatever | 8:56 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I think the majority of these comments reflect the attitude of Utah pretty much as a whole. There are way too many people out there that are so jealous of what someone else has that they do not, $1 million, that they talk trash about them. No matter what your riteous words on this page say, I don't believe that many of you wouldn't have done the same if given the opportunity along with the brain power to do so. I'm sure many of you do try it at work when it isn't a game. In this case it was called strategy and he obviously suceeded. Too many of you are more content spewing insults making yourselves feel better about not being the prize winner. When you dispute this, it just confirms my point that much more, especially when you gossip in the halls at church then turn around and pretend to live by the gospel.

Todd's Friend | 10:33 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I am Todd's friend of many years and he is not a liar - he simply mastered the game - he is a beautiful human being and it is odd to me that everyone is judging him - doesn't that contradict teachings in the new testament?

By the way, Todd would love to practice Mormonism, but they kicked him out - he tried so hard - but they told him there was not a place for him - so he left --- pretty sad --- he loved his church --- but now he is gone --- he is very hurt that he was excommunicated --- he was trying so hard --- I hurt for him --- let's not kick him while he is down and make ourselves look cruel, mean, and vicious ---

whatever? | 10:44 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I'm so glad he won because now it will give me something new to gossip about in the halls at church this Sunday. Maybe even in the restroom too as us guys talk to guys in the other stalls. And I just hate it when someone who is not me wins a million dollars or some other large sum, it makes me crazy jealous! I'm going to have to try some his strategies at work to see if I can really get ahead. I hope he pays his tithing on all that money, and as I understand it the gay tithing rate is 12 percent.

Sub-Odeon | 8:30 a.m. Dec. 18, 2007

I seriously doubt that anyone here is jealous of the money. After taxes, it'll be maybe $500K-$600K, and believe me, that's *NOT* a lot of money in today's market. Not unless the person who has it is enormously thrifty and can ignore the temptation to a) quit work and b) go on huge spending sprees.

Will Todd be broke within two years? That will be the true test of his character.

As for Todd being gay....

Why. Do. We. Care? He's not the first homosexual from Utah to make the spotlight. He won't be the last. If he somehow shines a spotlight on the church's stance against homosexual behavior, then good. The church doesn't truckle.

A game or reality? | 9:57 a.m. Dec. 18, 2007

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

In the game called survivor for some this is acceptable and for others it disgusts. In the game called "political" survivor for some this is acceptable.

With his winnings he could probably succesfully run for office! Maybe Hillary could talk to him about strategy common ground.

Practice Mormonism | 10:20 a.m. Dec. 18, 2007

You obviously meant to say he likely would love to practice some aspects of Mormonsism.

I am sure it is likely, especially from your insight, that he is a wonderful person. I have a very close friend that is a wonderful person and happens to be gay. That does not mean that he chooses to act on his desires which directly conflict with the teachings of the LDS faith. So it is with your friend.

Being a wonderful person does not mean we are given pass when we choose to allow our actions to conflict with our religious beliefs. He either wanted to allow his actions to support some of the doctrines or he was simply weak and allowed his actions to go against his beliefs.

Either way, it is clear doctrine that acting on many desires (not just being gay) can lead to loss of blessings or membership. A friend of mine was excommunicated for cheating on his wife. He too wishes he could practice Mormonism. He too chose to act in a way that complicated that.

Todd needs to know that he can still become a happy "practicing" Mormon as others by controlling desires not acting on them.

10% | 12:32 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Maybe he is glad to not be a practicing Mormon right about now. 10% of a million is a lot of money. But, a word of advice to him. Remember your good fortune and do some good with some of the money.

Frodo... | 12:34 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Is it just me or does this guy look like he could have been a perfect character along side Frodo in the Hobbit?

LTL | 1:44 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

To "To LTL":

Are you serious? You must not know how to make money yourself. It's okay, I'll give you a short lesson and maybe it will benefit you. You don't just make a million dollars and live off it the rest of your life. If he's smart at all (hopefully he has a better business concept than you do), he will invest that money in a variety of things. You have to let your money work for you. If you're investing, you're doing business with someone. Maybe he'd come to me wanting to do a real estate transaction. I would never trust him. As for your personal shot at me .. aren't you judging me with your statements? After all, you've never met me in real life either, right? Pretty hypocritical if you ask me. PS I don't need to win Survivor to make a million dollars. I've found many other ways that I've been able to do it with out being deceitful and dishonest. It's nothing personal against him, I just see too much dishonesty, corruption, and selfishness is the business world today and it is destroying the economy.

Fan of Todd | 3:40 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Congratulation Todd! You did an AWESOME job!

I appreciate you for who you are. Keep up the great work.

SayNO2Ignorance | 4:46 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

I am having such a blast reading this topic nd all of your comments. I have yet to see ANYONE comment on the fact that Denise Martin LIED about being "demoted" and making "Less Money" because of the show. Although to lie is of the Devil, Todd was merely playing a GAME. The oxford dictionary defines as "ï¿½ noun 1 an activity engaged in for amusement." or "8 a secret plan or trick.". So, he played withiin the "contex" of the Game. denise on the other hand, KNEW she was lying about being demoted/fired and accepted the $50k from Mark Brunett without any clear conscience. what do you htink of Todd now? Gay or not, Mormon or not, Decieptful or not, in real life, is he that way? THAT my friends, is the question. if he was excommunicated BECAUSE OF HIS GAY PRACTICES, then, thats between him and the Lord. Leave this aspect of his character out of the true story. He won!
Viva la Verdad!
Say to no to Ignorance...

Regards,

Fellow LDS Stud in Canada!

Judge Not | 4:57 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Some people are born gay. The church and the judgemental type of member just don't know how to deal with it. I have had three friends/aquaintances through the years that were LDS and gay.

One was my patriarch's son. He died of AIDS.
One has come to some resolution and is pretty happy.
One shot himself in front of my stake center.

Hang up your judgemental hats and love your neighbor. It will all get figured out someday.

Can a Mormon be gay? | 6:20 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

If you follow some other threads on Deseret News, you will find debates about Mormons being Christian. Latter-day Saints are affronted when others believe that Mormons are not Christian. If a gay man considers himself Mormon who are you to say that they are not? I am an atheist and a very active Mormon. I attend church, participate in meetings, pray and a hold church calling. I am also gay and married to a wonderful woman whom I love very much. Life is not so straight forward (no pun intended) to have such a simplistic view of things. If Latter-day Saints want to be called Christina, maybe it is time they followed Jesusï¿½ example who never breathed a word about gays (nor to mention the Book of Mormon prophets or the Doctrine and Covenantsï¿½hmm).

Only in Utah | 10:19 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Oh my. Only in Utah would this thread even exist.

Todd--way to go! I watched every episode (unlike many people who are simply quoting the article) and was impressed by your game. Yes, you lied...but at the final tribal council you openly admitted it, explained your strategy, and did not make excuses. I actually think that shows integrity--seeing as you lied as part of a GAME. :) Obviously most of the other castaways thought so too, seeing as they voted for you.

Good luck. Sorry there are so many lame-os in Utah. :)

One Million!!! | 5:33 p.m. Dec. 19, 2007

Wow, that's a lot of money. I wanted another guy to win. Oh well, I watched it and my guy lost. That's the way things go.

Derrick | 7:44 a.m. Sept. 11, 2009

Everyone who is talking crap and judging Todd are just jealous that it won't be you receiving the $1 million check. If you don't like it, don't watch it. Leave judgments up to god. Great Show, great guy.

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