St. Louis Rams Richie Incognito issues apology to fans

[RamWraith]

By Bill Coats
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Thursday, Nov. 27 2008
After receiving a loud-and-clear message Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome, Rams
guard Richie Incognito is seeking to make peace with the hometown fans.

"I really didn't mean to offend anyone by the words I said. Judging by the
feeling at the Dome, a lot of people were offended," Incognito said Wednesday
at Rams Park. "I just want to apologize to the frustrated fans out there. We're
not giving them much to cheer about."

Last week, Incognito ignited their ire by asserting they don't know "how to
cheer" or "when to cheer." He also welcomed the legions of Chicago Bears
supporters in town for Sunday's game. "At least they cheer," he cracked.

Incognito was the target of lusty boos and catcalls during the 27-3 loss
Sunday. Afterward, he fueled their displeasure by stopping before heading into
the tunnel to the locker room and cupping his ears, encouraging the hecklers to
step up their abuse.

"It was wrong," Incognito said. "I really want to put this behind me. We can't
have any more distractions. We're trying to win some ballgames to keep (coach
Jim) Haslett, and I think that's where our focus needs to be."

Haslett, who essentially is auditioning for the 2009 head-coaching position,
said Incognito has "been our best offensive lineman all year, no question about
it." But Haslett also welcomed Incognito's apology.

"Obviously, he has to control his emotions," Haslett said. "Hopefully, as he
goes on in his career he'll keep maturing and he'll understand that part of it."

A fiery competitor, Incognito agreed that he went too far with his words and
actions. "It's me just being frustrated, mostly. But really, it's uncalled
for," he said. "I love what I do and I'm passionate about what I do. ... I
really appreciate our fans' support. I talked a little too much."

Center Brett Romberg said that while not condoning Incognito's antics, he
understood his unhappiness with the way the season has unfolded. The Rams,
losers of five games in a row, are 2-9 heading into Sunday's home game against
Miami.

"He's playing pretty good football, and for the scoreboard not to reflect how
you as a person are playing, it's frustrating," Romberg said. "All 11 guys have
to come out there and we've got to be positive and we've got to play
mistake-free football ... and hopefully Richie is running off the field
cheering with the fans this week."

[Truth]

"...I really didn't mean to offend anyone by the words I said. Judging by the feeling at the Dome, a lot of people were offended," Incognito said Wednesday at Rams Park.

To be honest, I'm more offended by the Rams level of play/effort than by anything Richie had to say.

[jkramsfan]

To be honest, I'm more offended by the Rams level of play/effort than by anything Richie had to say.

I agree, it's not really a big deal to me, but heres a thought for Richie,just shut up or use the old phrase no comment next time.

[moloch41]

I'm more offended by the blitz pickups he missed than by what he said. To be the "Best Lineman on the Rams" isn't a great accomplishment. Someone has to win that title by default. It's kind of like saying, "Ted Bundy was the most polite serial killer". Yeah, manners are good, but I still wouldn't want him dating my sister.

[RealRam]

To be honest, I'm more offended by the Rams level of play/effort than by anything Richie had to say.

Ditto that, Truth. My pal the Cog may have blundered in terms of public relations but I hope he and the Rams look for ways to improve their OL work. ...Still, I'm glad Richie got that out of the way via apology.

[ScottD413]

Stick it Richie. I'm tired of your attitude. Hit the road

[smizzhfx]

i like his attitude. at least he shows some goddamn emotion unlike the majority of the other 50+ plugs on that roster. so what if he's frustrated? he should be. blaming the fans was probably not the best way to go, but we've all seen what happens when he takes his frustrations out on the field.

[AlphaRam]

I still do not link his comments with his playing ability. He said something, it pissed me off, he apologized, so now I'm cool with it.

I am sure that I have said a thing or two that I thought the better of later. I've probably done that just posting here at ClanRam....lol

[RAMarkable]

i like his attitude. at least he shows some goddamn emotion unlike the majority of the other 50+ plugs on that roster. so what if he's frustrated? he should be. blaming the fans was probably not the best way to go, but we've all seen what happens when he takes his frustrations out on the field.

Right on, smizzhfx. BTW didn't you mean "50+ slugs" instead of "plugs"?

WHAT SAY YE?

[bigredman]

I am sure that I have said a thing or two that I thought the better of later.

"I can't quit you...."

[eldfan]

I'm more offended by the blitz pickups he missed than by what he said. To be the "Best Lineman on the Rams" isn't a great accomplishment. Someone has to win that title by default. It's kind of like saying, "Ted Bundy was the most polite serial killer". Yeah, manners are good, but I still wouldn't want him dating my sister.

Yes that is not saying much.

[AlphaRam]

"I can't quit you...."

...and you wonder why I didn't want to go horseback riding with you during vacation. I'm sorry, the is no BrokeJack Mountain going on here....

[bigredman]

Me does thinks ye protests too much!

[makersncoke]

I'm glad Richied manned up and did the right thing (although I'm sure Haz made him) we have all stuck our foot in out mouth a time or two, so I'm cool with him now, what he needs to do now is focus that anger and frustration on his opponent. Also if he's not happy with the level of play of his teamates, he has been here long enough he should get in there faces and tune them up. Time for someone to lead this team and show some emotion, looks to me like he's a worthy candidtate.