Tony Dungy Follows His Faith, Not His Critics

Coach 'Comes Out'
For Same-Sex Ban

Everyone loves Tony Dungy . He's the excellent football coach who doesn't yell at his people, doesn't allow cursing from his players or staff and won a Super Bowl with dignity and respect. He's a devout Christian that endlessly tries to live the Word of God. So why are folks so bent out of shape when he actually ... *gulp* ... believes what the Bible says?

Dungy recently made an appearance at a benefit for the Indiana Family Institute (IFI), a Christian organization that supports a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman.

"I appreciate the stance they're taking, and I embrace that stance," Dungy told the Indianapolis Star in regards to the organization and their benefit. "IFI is saying what the Lord says. You can take that and make your decision on which way you want to be. I'm on the Lord's side. We're not anti- anything else. We're not trying to downgrade anyone else. But we're trying to promote the family -- family values the Lord's way."

Apparently some gay folks were surprised by Dungy's stance, you know, a Christian brother against gay marriage, who would have thought?

"It is unfortunate that coach Dungy has chosen to align himself with the Indiana Family Institute," said Bill Browning, managing editor of gay issues blog, bilerico.com. "The Colts were supported this season by all of their fans -- gay and straight."

I guess Dungy should be careful, they might make him go to rehab!

Marbury Gaining an Audience with Show, Clothes

Although some people are criticizing Stephon Marbury's 'Stars on Stars' FOX Sports talk show for the "fluffy" interviews and softball questions, his peers are certainly down with him. He's already had Kobe Bryant, Spike Lee and Rudi Johnson on the show with Vijay Singh, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Mark Cuban in upcoming episodes. But Cuban was really impressed with Marbury's clothing line, Starbury.

"I love the shoes," Cuban told the New Jersey Star Ledger. "I love them, I love them, I love them and I can't give Steph enough props. I wear them, I love them. They're comfortable. Are there better shoes? Yeah. But are there shoes that are $125 better? No. I give him credit. You can look at NBA Cares (charity) all you want, you can look at the things I've done for charity. I've never done, and the NBA has never done anything that is as impactful as what he's done." What were wondering is what Stephen A. Smith is thinking about Marbury's little jab at him at the end of the show. In a skit, Marbury is coming out of the TV studio with media trying to pursue him when an obnoxious "Stephen A. Stiff" comes up dissing him and he walks away. See the video clip. Is there beef?

Manny Ramirez Hawks a Grill on eBay

If you were cruising around eBay last week, you may have seen Boston Red Sox outfielder trying to sell a grill for about $3,000. The description of the item said:

"Hi, I'm Manny Ramirez. I bought this AMAZING grill for about $4,000 and I used it once but I never have the time to use it because I am always on the road. I would love to sell it and you will get an autographed ball signed by me. Enjoy it, Manny Ramirez."

But the auction got way out of hand when a few days later the bid price was at $99,999,999. It was later found out that the grill actually belonged to Ramirez's neighbor and he was just trying to help him out, hoping to get the grill sold quicker and for more value.

eBay cancelled the auction after they realized the crazy bids and that it wasn't really Ramirez's grill.

Students Get Love From D-Wade, Kanye, J-Hud

Last week Dwyane Wade hosted a pep rally at H.L. Richards High School in Oak Lawn, Illinois where he once was a student. Since he was unable to attend and appeared via satellite, he asked Kanye West and Jennifer Hudson to come through and celebrate the remodeling of the school's gymnasium. Because of their partnership with Wade, T-Mobile footed most of the bill for the gyms upgrades.

"It's important to me to give back to the communities I grew up in," Wade said. "I've received a lot of opportunities in my life, and I'm grateful for T-Mobile Sidekick's help in making my dream of giving back to Richards High a reality."

The school will be getting a new, high-tech scoreboard, 200-inch projection screen, and state-of-the-art sound system. This summer, the bleachers will be redone, and the hardwood floors will be refinished and repainted. The new basketball court will be renamed the "D-Wade Court" in honor of you know who.

In addition, for the next three years the Wade's World Foundation and T-Mobile Sidekick will present the T-Mobile Huddle Up academic grant, a $5,000 scholarship, to a deserving Richards High School senior who demonstrates a commitment to both athletic and academic achievements, as well as to his or her school, peers and community.

Tiger Woods: Your Most Marketable Athlete

Ahh yes, professional sports. It's all about making money right? Well, for some people it is and the Sports Business Journal has put together its list for the most marketable athletes and probably the most expensive to endorse your product as well. In a survey given to 65 different sports business and media execs, 70 percent of the respondents identified Tiger Woods as the most marketable active athlete now and most likely in the next five years.

"Tiger transcends all races, income levels, ages and gender," said Scott White, Dir of Marketing for Callaway Golf. "Ten years ago everyone wanted to 'Be Like Mike.' Now everyone wants to be like Tiger regardless of whether they play golf."

Rounding out the Top 10 in order include Peyton Manning, LeBron James, Derek Jeter, Dwyane Wade, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal, Maria Sharapova, with Kobe Bryant, Brett Favre and Sidney Crosby tied at 10th.