The Spitting Ejection

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by LongTimeSkinsFan

I don't think anyone here is defending Taylor's actions as acceptable. Taylor was flagged for UC and ejected. End discussion. Should he be suspended for another game? That will be for league officials to decide, not us. If so, the Redskins will have to go to Seattle and GW will have to run the defense w/o him- just like he ran the defense w/o Springs Saturday and w/o Walt Harris earlier in the season, and more recently w/o Carlos Rodgers. Taylor or not, we'll have a solid defense courtesy of GW come Saturday.

For those of you who wish to crucify Taylor as a street punk, thug, etc. bear in mind that sportsmanship has been an "optional" part of this game since it's history. Players have done some of the most rude and unsportsmanlike things to each other in order to get a competitive edge or punish the opponent (that is, until new rules were enforced to stop that behavior). For examples see Joe "Turkey" Jones, Conrad Dobler, Andy Lambert, Mike Curtis, Jack Tatum, Bill Romanowski, Steve Wisniewski, Rodney Harrison, Johnny Sample, and let's not forget our favorite Cowboy, Roy Williams, who made a living off 'horse-collaring' ball carriers. While I'm not condoning Taylor's actions I am saying that due to the nature of the sport, don't expect these guys to throw a teaparty at midfield after the coinflip. Football is by nature an agressive, violent, and physical sport. There's a lot that goes on between the end zones during a game- Taylor was the one that got caught.

The only thing that upsets me about the incident is the fact that dual UC penalties were not assessed, which I felt would have been appropriate under the circumstances. This is the second time that an opponent has taken a swing at a Redskin player without any punishment being dealt. The final game of the season an Eagle lineman took a swing at Joe Salave'a and no flag was thrown there either.

While I disagree with Taylor's alleged actions, I totally agree with your post.

This type of thing has gone on for eons in the NFL and every other level of competition. In my opionion Taylor isn't a dirty player, but he committed a dirty "deed", if you will.

I like how GW stands by ST. It's weird, he speaks of him almost like a son.