Rex Ryan Sorry For "Stupid, Inappropriate" Bird-Flipping

Left: Ryan after the AFC Championship Game loss; right: Ryan losing it in Miami

Unfortunately for Jets coach Rex Ryan, what happens in Miami doesn't stay in Miami, thanks to technology. When apparently provoked at a mixed martial arts event (yes, a mixed martial arts event), Ryan flipped the bird and someone—naturally—caught the gesture on his cellphone. Now the NFL is looking into whether it will fine Ryan.

Dave Hildenbrand took the photo and sent it to the Miami Herald, writing, "Here's a pic of the Jets' coach as he smiles and flicks off two of my friends at a recent MMA show in SouthFlorida. They identified themselves as Dolphin fans and thus this is his reaction. You tend to expect some sort of a class from a head coach, or at least you used to..." It's suggested that Ryan, who taunted Miami residents by saying the Jets would beat the Dolphins twice next season, was repeatedly bombarded with "over-the-top" comments—Sports by Brooks reports, "We’re talking multiple f-bombs, m-f bombs and the obligatory comments about Ryan’s weight."

However, Hildenbrand tells the NY Post that Ryan "was walking by us after the event and a couple buddies of mine said some things like, ‘Dolphins rule, Jets suck.’ [Ryan] looked at us and said, ‘Go f--- yourselves,’ and then he gave us the finger." He added, "He was being a smart ass. That didn’t surprise me seeing the way he coaches and how he talks."

Ryan issued a statement, "It was stupid and inappropriate. I wouldn't accept that type of behavior from one of the coaches or players and it's unacceptable from me. I apologize to the Jets organization, the National Football League and NFL fans everywhere." And Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum said, "Rex showed extremely poor judgment, and his conduct was inappropriate. He knows he was wrong, has apologized and we have accepted his apology. Any other actions regarding this incident will be addressed internally by the organization."

Herschel Walker, the former football player, was one of the fighters at the event—and won!

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By Jen Chung in News on February 1, 2010 9:45 AM

Comments [rss]

ChampionOfTheSun

Oh no, a MIDDLE FINGER, at an event unrelated to the NFL! Rex Ryan probably needs to resign and then do a rehab reality show so he can redeem himself.

eyekantspel

This would be news (and inappropriate) if he did it at a news conference or something, but under the circumstances described- response to taunts by Dolphins fans, cellphone picture- who cares? Must be a slow news day.

Welcome back Jen!

Spirit of 76

There probably isn't a person over the age of 10 in NYC who hasn't flipped off somebody at some point in life.

blackwhole

This is nothing. Remember when Buddy Ryan punched Kevin Gilbride in the face on the sidelines of an Oilers-Bills game? That was broadcast on TV.

buttface

Managing a dog-fighting ring is okay but we're going to take a serious look at middle fingers and hot dogs on the sidelines. That shit can't go unpunished.

Potty Boy

Hey, does anyone out there feel the same way I do??? This sort of thing used to be dealt with in person, face-to-face. What's all this taking pictures and posting it on the internet shit? It's the new millennium's equivalent of running to the teacher when someone's made fun of you. We're turning into a bunch of g***amn p*****s, if not already.

Rocknrope

Agreed. No need to complain about a police state, we're doing it to ourselves. Latest case in point: that dick that runs Animal New York.

Splicer

Who gives a shit? Little kids are flipping off people every day and suddenly we're all prudes when this guy does it? Get a life.

Wza

Yep.

theevilone

Flipping off Phins fans is appropriate behavior for any Jets personnel. He should be applauded!

Rocknrope

Herschel Walker's doing MMA now? Can't wait to see him get choked out.

imadick

it's kind of unbelievable that he won. sure, he's an amazing athlete, but mma is really technical. good for him.

Billiamsburg

well since we've come to accept football players pulling guns at the drop of a hat I'd say this seems fairly refreshing. and mixed martial arts fans in miami should probably be pistol whipped by large black men so all in all I think this a pretty casual, almost jovial response.