Cheap shot embarrassing
From the Cheap Seats this looks like the ultimate cheap shot. Right from the pages of professional wrestling and courtesy of a local product.
Former Gonzaga Prep and Washington State University football linebacker Steve Gleason is already talking about being fined for hitting below the belt.
The New Orleans Saints special teams captain was ejected from Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers for throwing a punch. Gleason was tossed with 1:26 remaining in the first half after punching Panthers defensive end Kemp Rasmussen in his groin at the end of a kickoff return.
“There was really no justification for what I did,” an embarrassed Gleason said Monday. “That’s not my character, not the way I play the game. I’m humiliated.”
Gleason was on his knees after the play and Rasmussen was standing in front of him. There was a slight pause and then Gleason threw the punch.
“It’s a violent game and I was frustrated,” Gleason said. “I felt like the play was over and they had kept blocking me.”
Gleason said he had never drawn a personal foul before, let alone been ejected. He had not talked to coach Jim Haslett about the incident.
“I should apologize to everyone,” Gleason said. “My opponent, my team and my coach. I’m just sick about it.”
No word from Rasmussen, who may be waiting for his voice to come down a few octaves.
Seeing Cardinal
Maybe Stanford athletic director Ted Leland should bring Tyrone Willingham back to Stanford, where he coached before taking the Notre Dame job.
As noted by Elliott Harris of the Chicago Sun-Times: “If at first you don’t succeed, try Ty again.”
Good excuse
Amateur golfer John Sniegowski of Cadillac, Mich., using his handicap, recently took on John Daly in the second “People vs. the Pros” golf event, which was taped at Pinehurst, N.C., and shown on ESPN Monday night.
Sniegowski qualified on a Sunday afternoon, meaning that he missed work the next day.
“I had to call in and say, ‘Sorry, I can’t make it today. I’m playing golf against John Daly for $100,000,’ ” he said.
Mother of all injuries
Minnesota Vikings center Matt Birk, sidelined by a stomach ailment, told the St. Paul Pioneer Press, “It was like there was a midget in there, punching me over and over again in the stomach.”
Wrote Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times, “Doctors, however, quickly discounted pregnancy and instead recommended surgery for a sports hernia.”
The last word …
“We’re not getting too excited. We know this is the NFL, and you can be in Beverly Hills one week and back in the ghetto the next. I know what’s that like. And I’m not talking about Beverly Hills.”
DeQuincy Scott, San Diego Chargers defensive end.