NBC football analyst Tony Dungy was ripped by social media users after one of his comments caught the attention of the twitterverse.
The former NFL player and coach—a Super Bowl Champ as both—did not come out a winner with his latest tweet.
Recycling a completely false conservative myth about litter boxes in school bathrooms, Dungy responded to a video tweeted by The Daily Wire.
In the video, a Minnesota State Representative Sandra Feist was advocating for a bill that would require all school bathrooms—including boys'—to include menstrual products.
\u201cMN House member advocates for bill requiring menstrual products in boys' school bathrooms: "Not all students who menstruate are female."\u201d— Daily Wire (@Daily Wire) 1674057882
Dungy responded to the video:
"That's nothing."
"Some school districts are putting litter boxes in the school bathrooms for the students who identify as cats."
"Very important to address every student's needs."
Dungy later deleted his tweet, but the damage was already done.
\u201cOh look \u2014 ex-Colts coach (and current @NBCSports broadcaster) @TonyDungy tweeted then deleted that absurd myth about students using litter boxes in schools.\n\nMaybe he heard it from @TNGOP @janicebowlingtn & @MaryLittleton78 who peddled the lie in committee, and won\u2019t apologize?\u201d— The Tennessee Holler (@The Tennessee Holler) 1674089829
The kitty litter myth was debunked months ago but somehow manages to keep making the rounds—we're looking at you, conservatives trying to infringe upon gender nonconformity and LGBTQ+ rights.
It's likely that the rumor started because—due to the increase in threats—there are schools that require buckets of kitty litter be kept in the classrooms in the case that a lockdown keeps students trapped in the classroom for an extended period of time.
Just a reminder to people who might not know how the litter thing started. Some Jeffco Schools in Colorado keep litter in classes in case they are locked in their classroom for an extended period because of an active shooter.
— Tonya Neu (@Neugirl21) January 19, 2023
Needless to say, former fans of Dungy lost respect for him.
How does someone see that kind of story, and just accepts that it is true. It is so far outside the realm, anyone who doesn’t immediately question it before spreading the story should not be considered a serious person.
— David Brown (@dmbmickey) January 19, 2023
So much for my respect for Tony. sad, very sad.
— 🌊 PM Last 🌊 (@pm_last) January 19, 2023
It’s hard to believe that I actually had respect for him at one time. Now he has no business being on the air
— Bwco (@bwco) January 19, 2023
Dungy used to be someone I could respect.
— Susan Clark (@soonerchick75) January 19, 2023
Lost all respect for Dungy. Bigots are bigots, irrespective of race, religion, or national origin. He just proved it.
— Ron Powell (@diogeron) January 19, 2023
Sadly, as many pointed out, the kids are the ones who ultimately suffer from the spewed nonsense.
This is so disgusting and disappointing. If he was attempting to be funny it was not it was a dig at LGBTQ kids.
— Queen Nina of Holbert Haus ☮️🇺🇦🏳️🌈 💉 😷☕️ (@HausHolbert) January 20, 2023
\u201cI will share this until @NBC @NBCSports and @NBCOut respond.\n\nCompletely insane.\n\n@TonyDungy is a lead @NFL analyst who equates trans people with a fictitious group who identify as cats and want litter boxes.\n\nIt is demeaning and cruel. They must respond.\n\nhttps://t.co/T8zgQgXTxz\u201d— Cyd Zeigler (@Cyd Zeigler) 1674099586
Sad that @TonyDungy is showing his affinity for conspiracy theories while also showing his bigotted views against the LGBTQ+ community. I used to respect him, now I just think he's a sad example of people using faith in a hurtful way. He should apologize for his ignorant views.
— 🎶Colie🎶 🙏🏻🕊✝💉♿ #Vaxxed #Still😷 (@CatholicGirl15) January 19, 2023
\u201c@TonyDungy WTF is wrong with you? Aside from deleting it, have you publicly said you lied about the litter boxes? Your hatred of people who have different sexual preferences is mean spirited, and far from the God I believe in.\u201d— Skydad (@Skydad) 1674147328
This made me cry. I have LGBTQ friends and this ruptured me. I weep for them and those who are continuing to hurt them. Please be kind.
— Pennywise 🎈Parody Account🎈 (@DncingClown) January 19, 2023
Though Dungy deleted his tweet, he has yet to make a statement on the matter.
NBC has been quiet on the issue as well.
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