DeSantis Attacked for Fatherhood Comments that Obama Said 14 Years Ago

By Lydia Nusbaum

Published Apr. 14, 2022, 10:07 a.m. ET | Updated Apr. 14, 2022

April 14, 2022 Updated 10:07 A.M. ET

SAINT PETERSBURG (FCV) – Critics attacked Tony Dungy, a former American football coach, for appearing at a press conference Monday where Governor Ron DeSantis encouraged fathers to stay involved with their families. But Dungy slammed the critics and pointed out that President Barack Obama made similar comments 14 years ago.

Dungy said on Twitter Wednesday that some people were “offended” he showed up at a press conference for the new Florida law that provides $70 million to support fatherhood.

“14 yrs ago Pres Obama said the same things almost verbatim. I’m assuming people were outraged at him too,” Dungy said. “I am serving the Lord so I’ll keep supporting dads and families.”

Tony Dungy revealed his true self a few years ago when he said he wouldn't want an openly gay player on his team. So of course he's appearing alongside anti-LGBT extremist Ron DeSantis. When people tell you who they are, believe them the first time.
— Palmer Report (@PalmerReport) April 11, 2022

And that fraud @TonyDungy Dungy standing there, cackling, also a fascist political prop. This you, @NBCSports @SNFonNBC? https://t.co/LaiPQ27rOU
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) April 11, 2022

Dungy posted a picture of Obama’s comments about the higher poverty and crime rates for children who don’t have a father in their lives.

“We know the statistics – that children who grow up without a father are five times more likely to live in poverty and commit crime; nine times more likely to drop out of schools and 20 times more likely to end up in prison,” the screenshotted Obama quote said.

Ron DeSantis made very similar comments at the press conference Dungy attended Monday.

“The fact of the matter is, when you take kids that do not have a father present during their upbringing, the chance of them dropping out of school, getting involved in trouble with the law, having other difficulties, increases dramatically,” DeSantis said.

The new law funds education programs, mentorship programs, and one-on-one support for responsible and involved fatherhood. You can see the bill signing here.