Jon (Portland OR)

I loved your recent article regarding Tony Dungy. I didn't realize you were gay but I love how you're able to look beyond his views of marriage to see his overall goal to make stronger families. Keeping with the social theme, what are your feelings about President-Elect Barack Obama possibly repealing the U.S. Military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy?" (see http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/01/by-the-numbers.html for details).

LZ Granderson

  (4:07 PM)

Well, not to get to political, I believe it would be a fantastic move for the nation. As we now know, a fairly high number of men and women who were dismissed from service because of their orientation were folks we could have used in our war against terror. When it comes to the country's security I'd much rather intelligence and not bigotry dictate our decision making.

Steiny (NYC)

What is up LZ, how are you doing my man?

LZ Granderson

  (4:08 PM)

I am exactly bro, thanks

Chris (Boston)

It's been such an up and down season for the NFL this year, what team actually DESERVES to win the super bowl?

LZ Granderson

  (4:09 PM)

It's simple, the next team that wins two in a row. Sports isn't about what's on paper. It's about who wins when it counts. Call it a fluke, call it luck, but if the Cards win two more games, be sure to call them champions too.

mike

whos your super bowl pick

LZ Granderson

  (4:10 PM)

Steelers

Kev (NYC)

Do you not feel that the sexual orientation of some affect the livelihood of the straight men & women in the army in a manner that diverts them from their service duty?

LZ Granderson

  (4:13 PM)

It's my understanding the gender of some bother people. The race of some bother people. The religion or lack thereof bother people. We can go on and on about how our differences bother people. But if the goal is to protect the country that should and for many does, take precedent.

Gary (Phoenix)

I dig your article about Pacman. I don't get why his actions are such a big story. He's acted this way his whole life, why shoudl we be surprised if he continues to do so?

LZ Granderson

  (4:14 PM)

Some attention is justifiable but as I said in my column, at this point, it's beating a horse that is dangerously close to expiring. If he does something newsworthy treat it as such. If it's more of the same, make it a news brief and move on.

mike (sparta,michigan)

who is your superbowl pick

LZ Granderson

  (4:14 PM)

Steelers

mike (sparta,michigan)

whos your nfc pick

LZ Granderson

  (4:15 PM)

Cards

LZ Granderson

  (4:19 PM)

I believe Ed's playing better right now. He's in a zone, though it helps that Chad tossed up some ducks and Collins became impatient. Troy will have two picks Sunday because Flacco makes too many mistakes during the course of a game that a defensive team like the Steelers will capitalize on. The way Ben played Sunday, he's going to be very smart and with a healthy Willie Parker, will not need to be as risky.

Stan (Ponca City, OK)

First, I am a Steelers fan. Ed Reed is a great safety, but I contend Polamalu is better. Reed makes one or two great plays each year. Polamalu makes game changing plays in almost every game. He is more consistent and makes some great plays, but with a bit less flair than Reed. Fair assessment or do I just hate the Ravens too much to be fair to Reed?

LZ Granderson

  (4:19 PM)

I believe Ed's playing better right now. He's in a zone, though it helps that Chad tossed up some ducks and Collins became impatient. Troy will have two picks Sunday because Flacco makes too many mistakes during the course of a game that a defensive team like the Steelers will capitalize on. The way Ben played Sunday, he's going to be very smart and with a healthy Willie Parker, will not need to be as risky.

Kev (NYC)

Coming from an educated, person of color such as yourself and I believe you have written about this in the past...Do you feel that the impression of some that Hansborough & Tebow are looked upon as soft and will struggle in the transition to the Pros is due to the fact that they are white and aren't as durable/atheletic/dominant as the black athlete? How do you stand on this topic? Thanks!

LZ Granderson

  (4:24 PM)

Without question the perception of Tebow and Hansborough is greatly exaggerated on both fronts because they are white. I have written about this topic a couple of times. The truth is Hanborough is like a Marcus Fizer-- great college player whose longevity in the league will be determined by his effort and the expectations. Marcus was a lottery pick so more was expected. Tyler will come in with lesser expectation. As for Tebow, few expect him to be a starting QB in the NFL and I think he was wise to stick around one more year to work on those skills to see if he could change people's minds. If he doesn't, I want him to be a Detroit Lion, starting TE baby. He's a winner.

Jordan (Slinger, WI)

Any thoughts on the potential Joe Alexander & Ramon Sessions for Mike Conely trade?

LZ Granderson

  (4:26 PM)

Memphis could get more elsewhere. Conley is a good player who is going to need a little more time but make no mistake, he's every bit as fast as Tony Parker and Devin Harris. I'm not sure if Joe's gonna pan out, at least not the way Conely Jr will.

Matthew Fudge (New York, NY)

Turns out one of the PEDs Barry Bonds took was legal at the time. Does this mean they'll finally leave him alone?

LZ Granderson

  (4:27 PM)

Who is Barry Bonds?

Kev (NYC)

What does LZ stand for?

LZ Granderson

  (4:28 PM)

Nothing. It's not initials. My father's name is spelled Elzie. He wasn't much of a father to me so I switched the spelling but kept the phonetics.

mike (sparta,michigan)

r u serious

LZ Granderson

  (4:28 PM)

Yep

Mike (New York)

You think the lakers are the best team in the NBA?

LZ Granderson

  (4:29 PM)

Right now, yes. But I tell you what, if Shaq stays healthy, I would not want to face the Suns in the playoffs.

raygordon reid ( MIAMI FLA 33124)

QUESTION AT 4,24 PM HI LZ EAGLES OR CARDINALS

LZ Granderson

  (4:30 PM)

Cards

Gayle (CT)

what are some of your favorite topics to write about?

LZ Granderson

  (4:32 PM)

In addition to sports? I love writing stories about human triumph. When I was a features reporter I always sought pieces about people overcoming great odds. It was encouraging to me and I love spreading hope.

James (Chicago)

Where do you stand with Tony Dungy right now. What are your feelings on what he's done?

LZ Granderson

  (4:34 PM)

I would love to work with Coach Dungy on a project that helps young people. I don't hate Dungy and I'm sure he doesn't hate me. We just disagree on a few topics, one of which is gay marriage.

Will (Oregon)

It seems like your column on Tony Dungy was a bit emotional. I got that sense from reading it. Was it emotional to write? It just seems like you really put part of yourself into that column.

LZ Granderson

  (4:35 PM)

Hey Will. The column was an apology and apologies should be heartfelt, otherwise it's just BS, no?

Erik (LA)

Do you have a sport/event that you enjoy writing about the most?

LZ Granderson

  (4:36 PM)

U.S. Open, hands down.

Kev (NYC)

If you could change one thing about CFB...Would it be the hiring or minority coaches or the BCS? By the way, I feel your reporting/journalism is very fair and honest and I commend you for that. It must not be the easiest writing from the vast minority demographic that you come from.

LZ Granderson

  (4:39 PM)

Hey Kev, thanks for the kind words about my work. Aaaaah, college football. The first thing I would do is pay players a stipend in addition to their scholarships.

Kevin (Virginia)

Does Mia Hamm enjoy the fact that she's the logo of a new league?

LZ Granderson

  (4:40 PM)

I got the sense she was very flattered but embarrassed about it as well. She doesn't strike me as someone who is dying to be in the spotlight.

Kev (NYC)

Can you spread some hope for us Knick fans? Is Lebron a lock?

LZ Granderson

  (4:42 PM)

No, Lebron is not a lock but the good thing is the team has made enough moves to get players over the next two years that can make them more competitive. And if they miss the playoffs and through some miracle end up with Blake Griffin, then all prayers will be answered. Basketball wise anyways.

Butch (Chicago)

Will we see another Michael Jordan in our lifetime, by that I mean, a player who's skill seems to be at a completely different level than the rest of the league?

LZ Granderson

  (4:43 PM)

Are you familiar with a man by the name of LeBron James? I"m not saying he's Jordan but I am saying his skills seem to be at a completely different level than the rest of the league.

Rob (RI)

Any crazy Bill Simmons stories?

LZ Granderson

  (4:44 PM)

Nope, sorry. But I can go make some. Believe me.

Kev (NYC)

Are the Red Wings your #1 team in all of sports?

LZ Granderson

  (4:44 PM)

They're 1b for me. 1a? My Pistons

Glenn (NJ)

Any recent stories that you've written about that was about someone overcoming the odds?

LZ Granderson

  (4:45 PM)

I did an update on JMac that really touched me as I was reporting and writing the piece.

Dan (L.A.)

Will you be going to the Super Bowl? What kinds of stories will you look for there?

LZ Granderson

  (4:46 PM)

I am not sure if I'll be at the Super Bowl but if I do go, I'll probably write about Derrick Brooks and the work he's doing down in Tampa. He has a golf tournament he's doing with Warrick Dunn, another great guy, to help raise money for their foundations.

Andy (Denver)

In Jemele Hill's last chat, she said Skip is more bark then bite. What do you think when you're up against Skip?

LZ Granderson

  (4:47 PM)

I agree with J

alex salazar (atlanta)

who do you think is gonna win between the ravens or steelers?

LZ Granderson

  (4:48 PM)

Steelers. I believe Flacco's been able to get away with some really bad throws in the previous two games but the Steelers defense won't be as forgiving.

Dave (LV)

You're stranded on an island and you only have one cd/album/whatever to listen to. What is it?

LZ Granderson

  (4:51 PM)

Hmmmmm, I gotta go wtih Rastaman Vibrations by Bob Marley

Will (Denver)

Besides yourself, which writers do you like to read?

LZ Granderson

  (4:54 PM)

You're assuming I like my stuff. Uhm, I read Jemele, Scoop, Buster, Feldman, Schreiber, Abbott, Broussard, Hollinger, Bucher... dude, I read everybody, really.

Dan (Tampa)

When you're not writing your columns (which I enjoy, by the way), what do you like to do when you're not working?

LZ Granderson

  (4:56 PM)

Hey Dan, thanks for the kind words about my work... I just like hanging around my kid... boarding, movies, cooking, helping him with his homework, etc. Beyond that, I hoop a lot, love working out and if I have 30 free minutes, reading something.

Steiny (NYC)

Who is the real Boomer, Norman Esiason or Chris Berman?

LZ Granderson

  (4:56 PM)

Berman baby.

John (Maine)

Do you agree when athletes use their celebrity status to get behind political issues? For instance, in this case, Dungy doing his work.

LZ Granderson

  (4:57 PM)

I believe everyone should be involved, so yes.

Kev (NYC)

Ludacris has recently wrote a song encouraging drunken driving, getting girls drunk enough for sex and pretyy much overall disrepect for Cops, women, etc. It seems he gets ZERO heat for this and I've always wondered why? I know that Pepsi dropped him awhile ago but he still sells millions promoting activity that is a decay to society. What's your reaction to this as well as ESPN allowing Lil Wayne, a known criminal, to block on their site? Thanks so much

LZ Granderson

  (5:01 PM)

Hey Kev, our country is filled with individuals who seem to get a pass for various reasons. For example, has Eliott Spitzer spent one day in jail yet? I don't think so. So, I don't like to focus on in just rappers when it comes to this discussion because it's everywhere and the real question is why?

Dave (LV)

LZ, I just wanted to say that I went over to Page 2 and read your column about Coach Dungy...I want to say 'bravo' for a well done piece.

LZ Granderson

  (5:02 PM)

Thanks Dave, I do appreciate it.

LZ Granderson

  (5:03 PM)

And I appreciate everyone who took time write in today. Thanks a lot.