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PRESIDENT BILL POLIAN (on the passing of Head Coach Tony Dungy's eldest son, James)
"It's my sad duty to confirm the passing early this morning of James Dungy, Tony and Laura Dungy's eldest son. The thoughts and prayers of everyone in this building are with Tony and Lauren and their children and their extended family and for the repose of James' soul. This is a tragedy for the Dungy family, by extension for his football family here with the Colts. I met with the staff and the players this morning. In line with Tony's wishes and our predetermined plan, Jim Caldwell will take over Tony's duties for however long Tony may be away. However long he is away is, of course, entirely up to him. Tony made it clear to both myself and to (Colts Owner and CEO) Jim (Irsay) that he wished for the organization and the team to carry on, and we will. We have the greatest role model there is in Tony Dungy. As Jim said to the team this morning, we'll emulate our leader. We would ask that those who have come to know and respect and care for Tony, remember his family in their prayers and remember James in their prayers, and in the interim until we know further detail with respect to arrangements and the family's wishes, we'd ask that people respect their privacy as much as possible at this tragic time."
PRESIDENT BILL POLIAN (on how the team will go on)
"It's what we have to do. I don't think there is anyone here who would wish to play a football game under these circumstances, but it's our obligation and we'll fulfill that obligation because that's what Tony wants us to do, and that's what we're required to do, and we'll do our best."
PRESIDENT BILL POLIAN (on how this affects the organization)
"It's hard to fathom what this means unless you're a parent and, if you are a parent, there aren't any words to express the kind of pain that I'm sure they're feeling."
PRESIDENT BILL POLIAN (on how the team responded)
"It was not easy. It was somber to say the least. But as I said before, we have the greatest role model in the world. We'll do what he does and what he wishes."
PRESIDENT BILL POLIAN (on when Head Coach Tony Dungy received the news)
"He found out about it early this morning and somewhat soon thereafter, talked with me and some other people."
PRESIDENT BILL POLIAN (on if the routine will change for the team)
"None. The routine will be exactly as if Tony were here."
PRESIDENT BILL POLIAN (on if there are any arrangements set)
"We have not spoken to Tony with respect to arrangements. We'll be obviously guided by his wishes. The chaplains are here today for the benefit of any member of the Colts family that wishes to speak with them, and that is as far as we've gone. We want to be guided totally by Tony and Lauren's wishes."
