Randy Smith: Dabo's Dilemma

  • Tuesday, June 2, 2015
  • Randy Smith
Randy Smith
Randy Smith
Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney was recently notified that he would be receiving an award from the Palmetto Family Council for his charitable work. Sounds okay to me, but what Dabo didn't take into consideration right away is the fact that the Palmetto Family Council is an ultra conservative, right-wing organization that opposes gay marriage. They also believe in homosexual conversion therapy. Coach Swinney was scheduled to get his award as well as address the crowd in a banquet on June 2nd.
Just last week, he declined the award and the invitation.
 
GLAAD vice-president and activist Zeke Stokes said, " The Palmetto Family Council's values are out of line with the values of love and acceptance for all people, and I hope the Coach will reconsider the message that his allignment with them sends."
 
Dabo Swinney has never put a lid on his religion before. In fact, he has come under fire for promoting a deeply religious setting in his program. Though he will readily make available bible study and other religious teachings to his players, they are never forced to attend. However, this most recent development has caused a firestorm in South Carolina. There was a push from the right-wing side for Swinney to reconsider his refusal to go to the banquet this evening. On the other hand, the state's top ranking Democrat in the State House, Todd Rutherford told the media this week, "I can't fathom why Coach Swinney or anyone else would knowingly assist a group whose mission is to fight against equal rights and equal treatment of others."
 
So, the stage was set. Either way his decision went would likely alienate a large group of people. Last Wednesday Dabo announced his choice. " It was my understanding that the nomination and selection for this award was based on the work done by our All-In Foundation and the difference it is making in our community. My acceptance of this award was to be on behalf of all the volunteers that make our foundation a success. The work of our foundation is to build a better community and be a positive influence. Recently my scheduled participation in this event has been perceived incorrectly as an endorsement of certain viewpoints and has entered the political arena. I have been out of town since last Thursday and am disappointed that this has become a distraction for me, my team and for many others. I have been and continue to be very open about my personal beliefs. However, I do not inject those beliefs or the work of the foundation into the political process."
 
"I appreciate the recognition of my and the foundations' efforts. However, after much thought, in order to avoid a distraction for the team and the whole football program, I've decided it is in the best interests of all involved that I do not attend the event on June 2nd."
 
It doesn't matter what Dabo feels about gay marriage. He has chosen not to let a controversial organization speak for him. I have always had the utmost respect for Dabo Swinney. He is honest, and always has the player's best interests at heart. He is also a winner. His Clemson Tigers will very likely be chosen as the pre-season favorites to win the ACC title this fall. His successful tenure at Clemson has secured a spot among legendary Tiger coaches. And now he has taken a stand against groups who would make his celebrity status a firing point for their agenda. Perhaps a few more coaches should follow in his footsteps.
----

Randy Smith has been covering sports on radio, television and print for the past 45 years. After leaving WRCB-TV in 2009, he has written two books, and has continued to free-lance as a play-by-play announcer. He is currently teaching Broadcasting at Coahulla Creek High School near Dalton, Ga.

His career has included a 17-year stretch as host of the Kickoff Call In Show on the University of Tennessee’s prestigious Vol Network. He has been a member of the Vol Network staff for thirty years.

He has done play-by-play on ESPN, ESPN II, CSS, and Fox SportSouth, totaling more than 500 games, and served as a well-known sports anchor on Chattanooga Television for more than a quarter-century.

In 2003, he became the first television broadcaster to be inducted into the Greater Chattanooga Area Sports Hall of Fame. Randy and his wife Shelia reside in Hixson. They have two married children, (Christi and Chris Perry; Davey and Alison Smith.) They have four grandchildren, Coleman, Boone, DellaMae and CoraLee.


Latest Headlines
Sports
UTC Sofbtall Hosts ETSU In Friday Doubleheader
  • 3/28/2024

The Chattanooga softball team returns to Frost Stadium for a seven-game home stand that begins Friday afternoon against East Tennessee State in Southern Conference action. The Mocs are 21-8 ... more

Covenant Men's Tennis Loses 6-3
  • 3/28/2024

The Covenant Scots looked to boost their nonconference tennis resume with a win on the road at Oglethorpe. Covenant was unable to get the job done, as it fell 3-6. Final: Covenant 3, Oglethorpe ... more

7 Football Mocs Participate In Annual Pro Day
  • 3/28/2024

The Chattanooga Mocs had a 7-man contingent go through their paces in front of NFL scouts at the annual Pro Day. It started in the Wolford Family Strength & Conditioning Center before shifting ... more