Dungy nearing decision
Tony Dungy spent the past week talking with his family, some close friends and trusted coaches in his annual end-of-season custom.
He’s still not hinting about his future plans with the Indianapolis Colts.
Dungy, the first black coach to win a Super Bowl, is pondering retirement for a third straight year. As usual, his decision centers on whether he can remain a devoted husband and father while also remaining a devoted coach.
Members of Dungy’s inner circle understand how difficult the last week has been for him.
“I’m sure it’s weighing heavy on him,” said Jeffrey Singletary, the pastor at Central Tampa Baptist Church in Florida and a close friend of Dungy’s. “He’s not someone who says one thing and means something else, so I’m sure he’s really wrestling and grappling with the decision, and I don’t know what he’ll do.”
Nor do the Colts just yet.
Dungy plans to make an announcement today, letting the emotions subside from last week’s surprising AFC playoff loss to San Diego but not creating a long-playing soap opera.
He has not returned several messages left for him by The Associated Press in recent days. Team owner Jim Irsay said Sunday evening that he had not yet heard from Dungy on what he will do.
Payton finalists named
Hines Ward, Jason Taylor, Jason Witten and Brian Waters were selected as finalists for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
The winner will be announced at the Super Bowl in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 3. The award named for Hall of Famer Walter Payton is the only league award that recognizes community involvement and service, as well as on-field performance.
Patriots huge favorite
New England Patriots fans who want to bet on their team in the Super Bowl will face a significant point spread against the underdog Giants as quarterback Tom Brady aims for a 19-0 record and fourth championship ring.
The Patriots are favored by 13 to 14 points against the New York Giants (13-6) at Las Vegas sports books, a higher-than-normal spread to entice underdog bettors on the biggest booked game of the season.
“The Patriots are still considered by far the best team in the league,” said Jay Kornegay, sports book director at the Las Vegas Hilton. “We obviously make that line to get equal action on both sides. To do that, because of the perception of the Patriots, we have to increase their number more than usual.”
Steelers standoff
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Cedrick Wilson’s girlfriend was arrested Sunday after a nearly 12-hour standoff at Wilson’s home in Wexford, Pa., that led to the evacuation of about 70 neighbors, police said.
Lindsey Paulat was charged with aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person, said Robert Amman of the Northern Regional Police Department.