Tony Dungy apologizes again for controversial cat litter tweet that sparked outrage and backlash

Tony Dungy, the former NFL coach and current NBC Sports analyst, apologized again Saturday for a since-deleted comment on Twitter earlier in the week regarding a proposed Minnesota state bill requiring menstrual products in boys' school bathrooms.

Dungy initially apologized via a statement provided by his attorney Thursday night.

"This past week I posted a tweet that I subsequently deleted. I issued an apology but not everyone saw it," Dungy's tweet stated. "So I am reposting my apology here. As a Christian I want to be a force for love to everyone. A force for healing and reconciliation-not for animosity."

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As part of his apology that was made the day after his deleted tweet, Dungy said, "As a Christian I should speak in love and in ways that are caring and helpful. I failed to do that and I am deeply sorry."

Dungy appeared Saturday on NBC's pregame coverage of the Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs divisional round matchup.

Dungy's original comment about the subject stated: "That's nothing," Dungy tweeted at 9:38 a.m. Wednesday. "Some school districts are putting litter boxes in the school bathrooms for students who identify as cats. Very important to address every student's needs."

By 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dungy deleted his cat litter tweet that was in response to a Daily Wire video showing Minnesota State Rep. Sandra Feist advocating for menstrual items in boys' school bathrooms.

Dungy's response created some outrage as the cat litter story was debunked months ago after being spread by political conservatives who oppose LGBTQ+ rights and gender nonconformity. Dungy is known for his Christian faith and often conservative views, especially on social values.

Dungy coached in the NFL for 13 years -- with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts, where he won the Super Bowl in the 2006 season.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Tony Dungy issues another apology for controversial cat litter tweet