Thursday, September 21 Gardocki still steamed at Steelers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associated Press BEREA, Ohio -- Browns punter Chris Gardocki was fined $5,000 by the NFL on Thursday for obscenely gesturing toward Pittsburgh's bench during Cleveland's 23-20 win over the Steelers. Gardocki extended a finger after linebacker Joey Porter knocked him to the ground while he was watching a punt sail down field "My argument is that the guy tried to end my career," Gardocki said. "What I did, I don't condone, but it wasn't meant for anybody except their sideline. If I had to do it over again, I would have done it again." League spokesman Dan Masonson confirmed the fine and said there was no penalty against Porter. Porter's shot and Gardocki's response has fueled one of the NFL's nastiest rivalries. Gardocki was roughed up by the Steelers twice after punts. The first time, he was able to fend off Porter and linebacker Jason Gildon. But the second time, Porter's shot sent Gardocki flying. "I landed flat on my back and had some pain shooting down my legs," Gardocki said. "At that point you start thinking about what might be wrong. Am I going to be OK?" Gardocki waved his finger at the Steelers' while laying on the ground and then again after he was helped to his feet. "Everybody knows who that was targeted for," he said. Gardocki, who set an NFL record for consecutive punts without a block earlier this season, said that after watching game films it appeared Porter's hit was premeditated. "It's unfortunate what I did afterward," Gardocki said. "I apologize to the Cleveland fans and the ownership and organization. But I don't take that back at all because my career is very important to me." The Steelers contend they were merely blocking Gardocki to keep him out of the play. Browns coach Chris Palmer said Steelers coach Bill Cowher talked to him after the game about the hits on Gardocki. "Bill assured me he would take care of that," Palmer said. "I assured him I didn't condone that, and I didn't encourage our players to retaliate." Gardocki wasn't buying the Steelers' reasoning that they needed to block him on the punts. "They're the Pittsburgh Steelers and that shows what kind of character they've got," he said. The Browns and Steelers play again Oct. 22 at Pittsburgh. ------------------ This signature space for rent call 555 ...
I didn't see the plays or the game, but I think if a man is on the field in pads, he's an open target for any legal hit. He should be looking at the player and the play developing instead of admiring a punt he just kicked. Now, if they were going after his knees or clothes-lining him or spearing him, well obviously those things are against the rules. But, I'm tired of people trying to make football into the ballet. If they can't take it, then they shouldn't be out there on the football field. ---------------------- I don't mind his reaction though. If you think you're getting picked on or screwed you have a right to react. But, I still say "suck it up". ---------------------- 2,000 POST COUNT DOWN: (1980 - The first year I lived outside the Heights. I was ten, and was just finishing the 4th grade. I remember how big of an Oiler fan I was back then. I had four Earl Campbell rookie cards. I traded two for some other Oiler cards, but I still have the other two. It was a sad year though. We got rid of my long-time dog [for no damn good reason], I had to go to a new school in the fall (for the 3rd time), and my grandfather died in November of that year.... This day in history brought to you, as always, by the letter: I ------------------ I have a dream.........his name's Hakeem. DREAMer's Rocket Page [This message has been edited by DREAMer (edited September 22, 2000).]
I saw that and thought it was kinda funny because Porter just pushed him down. He didn't label him like he could have. I understand why Gardocki got pissed, but once the ball left his foot, he became a defensive player. Porter was well within the rules of the game by knocking him down. ------------------ Too often, we lose sight of life's simple pleasures. Remember, when someone annoys you it takes 42 muscles in your face to frown, but it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm and b****-slap the motherfuc@er upside the head!
I would have done the same thing and more! did you see the plays it was crazy two Defensive lineman bout 270pnds each were jumping and hitting a 130pnd man please and cheap shoting him ! it was kinda funny! but cheap ------------------ "It wasn't a fight. He punched me one time, that's all. That's not a fight. I don't fight at 30,000 feet. I had an education." L8 vs Stack
