Haynesworth stomps on Gurode's head

[Brad O.]

I think this is the dirtiest thing I've ever seen on a football field.

Haynesworth should be fined, suspended for the remainder of the season, and face criminal assault charges.

I'd guess Gurode said or did something earlier in the game to provoke Haynesworth, but that kind of attack -- and it was a flat-out attack -- cannot be justified. Maybe Haynesworth missed the Zidane controversy this summer.

[HibachiDG]

I voted two years.

[Brad O.]

The league just went five games.

Reports are that the suspension will cost Haynesworth just under $200,000, and that he does not plan to appeal it. Additionally, the Nashville PD has publicly said that it will prosecute Haynesworth if Gurode chooses to press charges (which I suspect he will not).

I realize this is a record suspension, but it seems insufficient to me. Testing positive for weed or ephedrine is a four-game suspension, and stomping a guy's forehead with your cleats is only one game more than that? I don't think anything less than the whole season is appropriate. I wonder if the possibility of a challenge from the players union affected the league's decision.

[doublee]

I would have gone with the remainder of the season. I think that is what Bertuzzi got in the NHL for the cheap shot he took a couple of years ago.

I doubt that a lifetime ban would have held up in court or by an arbiter and a two year suspension seems a bit harsh.

[Ellis]

I found the suspension the league gave him fine. As you said, it is going to cost him $200,000 and also the Titans made it sound like they are going to punish him also.

It is a first time offense and Haynesworth made it apparent that he was sorry and just lost his head in the heat of the moment.

I think that the embarrassment of having everyone see this play on national TV and the suspension with no pay is a good enough punishment for a first time offense.

[doublee]

I found the suspension the league gave him fine. As you said, it is going to cost him $200,000 and also the Titans made it sound like they are going to punish him also.



Just to clarify Fisher went on record as saying they would punish him further if the team thought that the league's punishment was not sufficient enough.

If I am not mistaken the new CBA only allows teams to suspend a player for up to six games as a result of the TO fiasco in Philly last year. So, I believe, the most he could end up missing is 11 games.

[dirtywhiteboy]

The dirtiest thing on a football field? No way. Ask poor chump about the big lugie spat in his face by Bill Romanowski. That's as bad as it gets in my opinion. Actually, it wasn't that much of a shock to me. It's the mentality of 80% of the guys in that league. They're a bunch of thugs.

[boston_aloha]

No way. 30 stitches TO YOUR FACE compared to spit you just wash off?? I'm not buying it bro.

[Ellis]

The dirtiest thing on a football field? No way. Ask poor chump about the big lugie spat in his face by Bill Romanowski. That's as bad as it gets in my opinion. Actually, it wasn't that much of a shock to me. It's the mentality of 80% of the guys in that league. They're a bunch of thugs.

Am I seeing things or is dirtywhiteboy back in town?

Things should start getting pretty interesting around here :D

[dirtywhiteboy]

It's all opinion, Aloha Steve, but I'm sticking to my original statement. DISEASE can be spread through saliva. I'll take stitches in a hospital environment vs. BODILY FLUID spat in my face anytime.
And, howdy, Ellis...I promise I'll behave.

[boston_aloha]

DISEASE can be spread through saliva. I'll take stitches in a hospital environment vs. BODILY FLUID spat in my face anytime.
Especially coming from Romo :eek: You may have a point :D
But seriously, I think you have a greater chance of being injured from having your face cut open form someone's shoes (infection) then being spit on. BUt like you said - matter of opinion.

[IntheNet]

I think this is the dirtiest thing I've ever seen on a football field...

Agreed. I voted a lifetime ban as this Haynesworth character has done this sort of thing at least four (4) times previously (though not as serious as this caught on tape stomping). Piousness in the locker room doesn't cut it... he should never play the game again... ever.

[suedon1970]

I would have gone with the remainder of the season. I think that is what Bertuzzi got in the NHL for the cheap shot he took a couple of years ago.

I doubt that a lifetime ban would have held up in court or by an arbiter and a two year suspension seems a bit harsh.

I voted the rest of the season, too. That was the most reprehensible thing I have seen in sports in a long time........

[KevinBeane]

On this "Which is worse: This, or spitting" argument:

Spitting is more on an insulting gesture. If you are big enough, you can just laugh at the spitter and choose not be insulted by it (the possibility of catching a disease that way is too remote to consider).

You can't, however, choose not to be injured by cleats burrowed an inch and a half into your face.

[buckeyefan78]

Am I the only one here who has been on the bottom of a football pile before?

[HibachiDG]

Whether you've been on the bottom of a football pile has no relevance to the conversation. There wasn't a football pile involved in the Haynesworth play.

[Duracell]

Actually being on the bottom of a pile does have relevance to the conversation, Haynesworth is a tremendous talent and has never had a prior incident of anything close to this. So much trash talking and cheap shots take place on the line of scrimmage every game and every other play that we don't see or hear. Somebody had to be pushing his buttons although that is no excuse for his actions.

[KevinBeane]

Whether you've been on the bottom of a football pile has no relevance to the conversation. There wasn't a football pile involved in the Haynesworth play.

I think his point is, "This happens all the time in a pile, so why are we freaking out when it happens outside of a pile?"

Not that I agree with it. Didn't it take 30 stitches to close the gashes? Is that just another day at the office in The Pile? And how many times does one's helmet come off, and then they get spiked, in a pile? Not sure if Buckeye saw the video.

Actually being on the bottom of a pile does have relevance to the conversation.

Why? Your first sentence doesn't seem to go with the rest of what you wrote. And according to InTheNet, he does have prior bad-sportsmanship issues, although he does not cite them.

[HibachiDG]

I think his point is, "This happens all the time in a pile, so why are we freaking out when it happens outside of a pile?"

Not that I agree with it. Didn't it take 30 stitches to close the gashes? Is that just another day at the office in The Pile? And how many times does one's helmet come off, and then they get spiked, in a pile? Not sure if Buckeye saw the video.

I thought of this as his point, as well as "**** happens in the pile that tick you off and he reacted." Being in a pile really has nothing to do with knowing that neither of these points would even begin to fly, because we've seen piles forever and uh, seen this how many times?

[doublee]

Actually being on the bottom of a pile does have relevance to the conversation, Haynesworth is a tremendous talent and has never had a prior incident of anything close to this. So much trash talking and cheap shots take place on the line of scrimmage every game and every other play that we don't see or hear. Somebody had to be pushing his buttons although that is no excuse for his actions.


I beg to differ, to a degree. He may not have a past history of such behavior on the field during a game. But, he did get into a fight at practice which resulted in him beating up an offensive lineman. And, he was brought up on road rage charges that were later dropped. So, he has shown some tendencies for rash, violent behavior in the past.

[buckeyefan78]

I beg to differ, to a degree. He may not have a past history of such behavior on the field during a game. But, he did get into a fight at practice which resulted in him beating up an offensive lineman. And, he was brought up on road rage charges that were later dropped. So, he has shown some tendencies for rash, violent behavior in the past.

My thoughts on the pile had to do with everyone's shock that this happened and that people were mortified by it...at least from the previous page's responses. That's all I meant. Stuff like that happens all the time.

[HibachiDG]

Please. I realize you're doing it for reaction, but there's a difference between people in a pile and knowing someone has their helmet off, out in the open, stepping on their head once and then going back for more. I mean, if stuff like that happens "all the time", how about just coming up with a couple examples maybe.

[Anthony]

While I do not in any way condone what Haynesworth did, say this for him: At least he actually cares about winning and losing (he hardly would have done what he did if he didn't care), unlike the Raiders, whose cliches of "Pride and Poise" and "Commitment to Excellence" have become exactly that - cliches.

And I also have an observation to make about Jeff Fisher's reaction: Would Jerry Glanville or Buddy Ryan have responded the same way?

[boston_aloha]

I like the way Fisher handled everything. I mean, on top of the season they are having and going to have - this is the last thing they need. Save the drama...

[Ellis]

Haynesworth isn't going to to appeal the suspension which really shows that he is sorry. In a way it is understandable. Anyone who has played sports knows that sometimes you get caught up in the game and lose your head.

If Haynesworth didn't apologize and didn't' acknowledge the fact that what he did was wrong, I would agree with a suspension for the entire season. But this is the first time Haynesworth has ever shown this kind of behavior and he understands that what he did was wrong has really done everything he could at this point to make things right.

[IntheNet]

But this is the first time Haynesworth has ever shown this kind of behavior....

Hold on Ellis... let's examine this beast's "behavior" shall we?

"He has a history of issues with his temper. For example, while a sophomore at Tennessee, he fought with a teammate and left practice, returning with a long pole looking for tackle Will Ofenheusle before coach Phillip Fulmer stopped him. He was suspended for a half of a game. Arrest warrants were issued against Haynesworth in two Tennessee counties in May of 2006 stemming from a traffic incident on Interstate 40. Both sets of charges were dropped in June of 2006. The Judge in the Putnam county case tossed the charges on the grounds that the alleged offense happened out of their jurisdiction. In Smith county, the district attorney dismissed the charges. [1]"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Haynesworth

I meant what I said. He shouldn't ever be allowed on the gridiron again.

[Ellis]

Hold on Ellis... let's examine this beast's "behavior" shall we?

"He has a history of issues with his temper. For example, while a sophomore at Tennessee, he fought with a teammate and left practice, returning with a long pole looking for tackle Will Ofenheusle before coach Phillip Fulmer stopped him. He was suspended for a half of a game. Arrest warrants were issued against Haynesworth in two Tennessee counties in May of 2006 stemming from a traffic incident on Interstate 40. Both sets of charges were dropped in June of 2006. The Judge in the Putnam county case tossed the charges on the grounds that the alleged offense happened out of their jurisdiction. In Smith county, the district attorney dismissed the charges. [1]"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Haynesworth
I meant what I said. He shouldn't ever be allowed on the gridiron again.
That's nothing. Seriously, who hasn't tried to attack somebody with a pole? I know at my work it is just a given that once a week somebody is going to come into work with a pole, looking to hit someone. You just get used to it and learn to avoid it. No biggy.

[buckeyefan78]

Way to roll with the punches Ellis. :thumbup:

[Tarkus]

That's nothing. Seriously, who hasn't tried to attack somebody with a pole? I know at my work it is just a given that once a week somebody is going to come into work with a pole, looking to hit someone. You just get used to it and learn to avoid it. No biggy.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

& from such a young mind....

You have a great future in comebacks, Ellis....

Priceless....

[Seth D]

Current Carolina Panthers Center Justin Hartwig on Albert Haynesworth, with whom he played on the Titans: "It was the first couple of days of training camp (in 2003). I had been beating him in one-on-one drills. I had stopped him in a bull-rush pass rush drill. When he let up I dropped to my knees and he kicked me in the chest."

On Haynesworth stomping on Gurode: "It's kind of unimaginable to think a football player could do that to another football player, but knowing Albert and what he's done in the past, it really didn't surprise me at all," Hartwig said Wednesday. "I wouldn't put anything past that guy."

You know, for the record. Dude's got anger management issues.

[Ellis]

Current Carolina Panthers Center Justin Hartwig on Albert Haynesworth, with whom he played on the Titans: "It was the first couple of days of training camp (in 2003). I had been beating him in one-on-one drills. I had stopped him in a bull-rush pass rush drill. When he let up I dropped to my knees and he kicked me in the chest."

On Haynesworth stomping on Gurode: "It's kind of unimaginable to think a football player could do that to another football player, but knowing Albert and what he's done in the past, it really didn't surprise me at all," Hartwig said Wednesday. "I wouldn't put anything past that guy."

You know, for the record. Dude's got anger management issues.

Anger management problems aren't always a bad thing. Some of the best leaders in the history of the world have had anger problems. Tony Soprano, Al Capone, Joesph Stalin, and even Julius Caesar. But hey, what can you expect by a guy that was kidnapped by pirates?

You may laugh now, but you won't be laughing when Haynesworth leads the Titans to the Super Bowl and beat your beloved Patriots in the AFC championship.

[Seth D]

Hey, if the Titans can get there, they deserve it. I'll even print up "Albert Haynesworth stomped on my face and all I got was this lousy t-shirt" shirts for everybody. It'll be great. I'm really excited.

[Anthony]

And Haynesworth's first game back from the suspension is at Philadelphia.

That should be interesting.

[IntheNet]

That's nothing. Seriously, who hasn't tried to attack somebody with a pole? Yeah... my wife accused me of that this morning!!!

... when Haynesworth leads the Titans to the Super Bowl and beat your beloved Patriots in the AFC championship.

Delusional much?

[catman]

Hey, if the Titans can get there, they deserve it. I'll even print up "Albert Haynesworth stomped on my face and all I got was this lousy t-shirt" shirts for everybody. It'll be great. I'm really excited.
Sounds like a money-maker, Seth.
I wish you the best.

[buckeyefan78]

Some of the best leaders in the history of the world have had anger problems. Tony Soprano, Al Capone, Joesph Stalin

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I say Ellis makes Letterman by the end of 2007.

[Anthony]

If I were Vince McMahon I'd be feverishly trying to contact Albert Haynesworth to get him to retire from the NFL and sign with the WWE.

[dirtywhiteboy]

What he did proves that he actually cares about winning??? That's a strange twist. I'd say that his actions prove that he could care less what happens. It was a selfish, and irrational thing to do. If he cared about the results of his actions, and whether or not they influenced the outcome of the game, he would have acted like any other player -- or maybe, just MAYBE, a human being.
Also, saying that the whole thing was just a result of things that happen "in the middle of the pile", etc., is just stupid. That implies that your average fan is just niave, or has no clue just "how things work". The play was DIRTY. It had nothing to do with "what happens inside the pile". The guy is an idiot, and a bum.

[catman]

In a very magnanimous gesture, the recipient of this attack has decided not to persue criminal charges in the incident. If the local authorities wish to continue, that is up to them, however.

[Tarkus]

& the saga goes on...

Titans want part of Haynesworth's bonus back

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Titans want back some of Albert Haynesworth's bonus money. And that might be just the start of the paybacks.

Coach Jeff Fisher told a national radio show Thursday that Haynesworth - the defensive tackle suspended five games by the NFL for stomping on Dallas center Andre Gurode's face - may never be back in the building again. Team spokesman Robbie Bohren also said the Titans are investigating their options.

"We've moved on," Fisher said after practice Friday. "I have no intention of addressing the Haynesworth issue now or at anytime between now and the time he comes back. I'm done with Albert, and this team is moving on. As far as specifics on his future, I'm not going to comment any further on that," Fisher said.

Under the collective bargaining agreement, punishment from the commissioner overrides any team sanctions.

But Haynesworth's stomp of a player while defenseless on the ground without his helmet left Gurode with 30 stitches and cost Haynesworth $190,000 in lost salary. It also has resulted in unanimous condemnation and calls for the Titans to fire the tackle.

Fisher's comments make it appear the Titans may be thinking of doing just that, or he's trying to sound as if he's cracking down to send a message to his winless, struggling team.

Seven games will remain when Haynesworth is eligible to return on Nov. 13 and play against Philadelphia. The Titans could deactivate Haynesworth each week, which the Philadelphia Eagles did to Terrell Owens last December after he served a team suspension.

In 2004, Dallas released quarterback Quincy Carter on Aug. 4 after reports of a failed drug test. Tampa Bay deactivated receiver Keyshawn Johnson for the final six games in 2003 and told him not to show up at the stadium.

The Titans could release Haynesworth, even though he's under contract for 2007 for $5.5 million. Considering he started the first four games, that could be fought by Haynesworth and the players' union.

General manager Floyd Reese referred reporters to Fisher to clarify his comments that Haynesworth might not be back. Reese said he didn't think any decision would be made on Haynesworth until his suspension ends. Asked if a team could release a player after a suspension, he said a team could do what it wants.

"Ultimately that is Mr. Adams' decision," Reese said of team owner Bud Adams. "I think it has been pretty well documented on what this has done not only to Albert but us and the league. It has been a tremendous embarrassment to everyone involved."

That is why Haynesworth's agent, Chad Speck, and the NFL Players Association received notification Friday that the Titans want back a percentage of his bonus equivalent to the five games he will miss starting Sunday.

"We received written notification that he was in default of his contract," Speck said.

The agent said he is waiting for another letter from the Titans detailing what they want back.

Haynesworth has apologized for scraping his cleat across Gurode's face last weekend in a 45-14 loss to Dallas. Haynesworth apologized again at a news conference Thursday where he promised he will be counseled for his on-field anger.

Speck has heard Fisher's comments on Haynesworth possibly not returning.

"Those are decisions the Titans will have to make. That's out of our control. All Albert can do is again moving forward with the things he discussed (Thursday) at the press conference ... and make sure he's in the best shape of his life when he returns," Speck said.

Haynesworth can help himself if he returns in the best shape of his life.

"There's a lot of issues to go through," Reese said. "I'm not sure that we can make a decision five weeks ahead of time."

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6033836