CLEARWATER -- A former NFL coach, current TV analyst and outspoken advocate for dads has come out to stand alongside Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in his efforts to defeat Amendment 4, the abortion-rights amendment on next week's ballot.

Tony Dungy, former head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Indianapolis Colts and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joined DeSantis at an event in opposition to Amendment 4 at Clearwater Central Catholic High School Tuesday (29).

Dungy told the audience he was upset with Amendment 4 supporters who've said that the law is denying women access to lifesaving health care. "We have some of the best health care in the world here... and it's available... and it's not going to be withheld if this amendment doesn't pass."

The NBC Sports analyst who helped to found the nonprofit All Pro Dad declared that "I happen to believe that these babies in the womb are lives." Dungy and his wife Lauren have adopted eight children and he says that of they were old enough to vote, they'd vote no on 4.

DeSantis backed up Dungy's comments with a swipe at doctors seen in ads supporting the abortion-rights amendment, saying that if they're afraid of providing care because it would violate the six-week law, "if they do that in their practice, they are commiting malpractice... they should lose their license in the state of Florida, and honestly they should be sued to high heaven!"

Supporters of Amendment 4 have accused DeSantis of leveraging state resources and tax dollars to buttress opposition to the amendment with public service messages supporting the message that women's access to healthcare has not been harmed by the current six-week abortion ban. South Florida State Senator Jason Pizzo sued for an injunction against the ads but was denied. A federal judge has placed an injunction on the state after a letter went out threatening stations with criminal prosecution for running pro-4 ads claimed to contain lies.

Photo: Getty Images

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