Hey LT, Quit Your Whining!!!
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by user BU ICEMAN
Much has been made about San Diego Chargers running back LaDanian Tomlinson's post-game romp and stomp with the celebrating New England Patriots after yesterday's AFC Divisional Playoff game. According to reports, Tomlinson was furious at several Patriots players for celebrating at midfield, pointing at the scoreboard, and mocking Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman's sack dance. Quoth Tomlinson: "I would never react in that way. I was very upset. When you go to the middle of our field and start doing the dance Shawne Merriman is known for, that is disrespectful. They showed no class and maybe that comes from the head coach."
Now, do I condone the behavior of the Patriots? No, certainly they could've handled it better, but their actions were not as bad as LT would like to have everbody think. The game was close and came down to a potential game-tying FG, emotions on both sides were high. No matter what, somebody was going to be celebrating, and somebody was going to be slinking off the field. But, for LT to react the way he did and make the comments he did reeks of "sour grapes." LT is known for his lack of celebration post-TD, but must realize that not everybody is going to act like he does or act how he thinks they should act. The other problem is that he seems to imply that it's acceptable for Shawne Merriman to act out, but not others. As far as celebrating on the logo, everybody meets at midfield after the game, it's natural for the celebration to occur there. This isn't a T.O. run to the star in Dallas and draw blatant attention to celebrating on the logo. Also, pointing at the scoreboard is hardly obnoxious, as far as celebrating goes, it's quite tame. I realize that LT was keyed up, disappointed, and angry after the loss, but he's got an opportunity to realize his mistake and clarify his actions and his comments.
It's the old adage: "Don't dish it out, if you can't take it." Perhaps LT would be much better suited in the NBA which has put extreme restrictions on signs of emotion.
As a side note, the final sentence of the quote regarding New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick is interesting. Certainly there's some bad blood between LT and Belichick for him to make that comment, I'd be curious to see some specific instances that have led to this feud.
Sources: ESPN.com http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/news/story?id=2731727 http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/columns/story?columnist=kreidler_mark&id=2732068
