NFL: Take out trash talk
CHICAGO — The NFL has warned players to cut out the trash talk, specifically when it threatens other players.
“Ray Anderson reminded players that comments of a physically threatening nature are always taken into account in evaluating discipline for any illegal physical contact on the field,” league spokesman Greg Aiello said yesterday.
NFL executive vice president of football operations Anderson is the league’s chief disciplinarian. He told teams, including all eight remaining in the playoffs, to basically watch it.
Earlier this week, Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie described Patriots quarterback Tom Brady with a derogatory term. Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs wore a T-shirt with a Raven on it extending a middle finger. Suggs said he was “representing” Baltimore as it headed to yesterday’s playoff game at Pittsburgh.
Jets coach Rex Ryan mentioned this week that players need to dislike their opponents at this time of year.
“You shouldn’t like who you are going up against right now,” he said. “This is the playoffs. I can tell you our whole team respects Brady and the Patriots. But hey, we don’t like any of them right now. You shouldn’t. [Former Jets running back] Danny Woodhead is a great kid, but I can’t stand Danny Woodhead right now.”
