Andre Johnson ejected

[detlef]

+1 I have been in fights on more than one occasion and have sons that if they were to pick on someone and fight I'd be pissed. Now I also let them know if you are being picked on or cornered by a so called bully they have every right to defend themselves and I have no problem with that. Luckily they are bigger than most and liked by most so really haven't had a problem with any of the above!!

To be honest, I have never been in a fight because I've never gone looking for one. And, so far in my life, that's what it would have taken. Nobody has ever gotten in my face to the extent that I've ever felt I had to physically defend myself. My dad was the same way. I think it's a combination of the following: If we were standing in a crowd, you wouldn't pick us out as the guy whose ass you could certainly kick. At the same time, we're not someone who looks like a guy "fighter guy" wants to prove himself against. So, I'm the classic "lose-lose" for "fighter guy". For all you know, I could kick your ass, but you get no style points if you kick mine because I'm just some dude hanging out. So, "fighter guy" goes looking for someone else.

 

At least, that's how it went down when I even hung out in the kind of places where "fighter guy" would hang out. Now we tend to move in different circles, so it's very much a non-issue.

 

That combo has done a fine job of keeping d-bags out of my face, avoiding detention, getting my ass kicked, or what-have-you. And who wouldn't rather just avoid that crap all together.

[STL Fan]

To be honest, I have never been in a fight because I've never gone looking for one. And, so far in my life, that's what it would have taken. Nobody has ever gotten in my face to the extent that I've ever felt I had to physically defend myself. My dad was the same way. I think it's a combination of the following: If we were standing in a crowd, you wouldn't pick us out as the guy whose ass you could certainly kick. At the same time, we're not someone who looks like a guy "fighter guy" wants to prove himself against. So, I'm the classic "lose-lose" for "fighter guy". For all you know, I could kick your ass, but you get no style points if you kick mine because I'm just some dude hanging out. So, "fighter guy" goes looking for someone else.

 

At least, that's how it went down when I even hung out in the kind of places where "fighter guy" would hang out. Now we tend to move in different circles, so it's very much a non-issue.

 

That combo has done a fine job of keeping d-bags out of my face, avoiding detention, getting my ass kicked, or what-have-you. And who wouldn't rather just avoid that crap all together.

 

Wisdom. I'm pretty much in the same boat.

[Balzac]

Uhhm, I am pretty sure you can. What the frack are we talking about big boy?

 

You can't do it and be justified, my friend - I figured that was implied. You can shoot someone in the head for absolutely no reason as well, but what does that have to do with this conversation? We're talking about a guy who fought back after getting hit in the head repeatedly - the point many people made here was that AJ was justified in fighting back because he was provoked past the breaking point by being hit repeatedly. If you think "selling sh1t" is even in the same neighborhood of provocation as being hit by someone, I think that's nuts. You disagree. Yay.

[Balzac]

To be honest, I have never been in a fight because I've never gone looking for one. And, so far in my life, that's what it would have taken. Nobody has ever gotten in my face to the extent that I've ever felt I had to physically defend myself. My dad was the same way. I think it's a combination of the following: If we were standing in a crowd, you wouldn't pick us out as the guy whose ass you could certainly kick. At the same time, we're not someone who looks like a guy "fighter guy" wants to prove himself against. So, I'm the classic "lose-lose" for "fighter guy". For all you know, I could kick your ass, but you get no style points if you kick mine because I'm just some dude hanging out. So, "fighter guy" goes looking for someone else.

 

At least, that's how it went down when I even hung out in the kind of places where "fighter guy" would hang out. Now we tend to move in different circles, so it's very much a non-issue.

 

That combo has done a fine job of keeping d-bags out of my face, avoiding detention, getting my ass kicked, or what-have-you. And who wouldn't rather just avoid that crap all together.

 

Not so easy for people on the extreme ends of the spectrum though - I've had people come at me for no reason whatsoever (literally, as in I've never seen the people before in my life or said anything to them or even looked at them), beyond wanting to somehow prove themselves to be a tough guy. It's always a little guy, too. Fun stuff.

[detlef]

Not so easy for people on the extreme ends of the spectrum though - I've had people come at me for no reason whatsoever (literally, as in I've never seen the people before in my life or said anything to them or even looked at them), beyond wanting to somehow prove themselves to be a tough guy. It's always a little guy, too. Fun stuff.

Understood.

 

Just explaining how I've managed to avoid fighting without also being humiliated or whatever sort of things would cause someone to fight back.

[rajncajn]

Not so easy for people on the extreme ends of the spectrum though - I've had people come at me for no reason whatsoever (literally, as in I've never seen the people before in my life or said anything to them or even looked at them), beyond wanting to somehow prove themselves to be a tough guy. It's always a little guy, too. Fun stuff.

You keep saying it was always some little guy trying to prove himself, but it goes both ways. Speaking as a "little guy" now 5-10, 180 but in high school more like 5-8, 150. It was always some bigger guy who thought just because I was smaller they could push me around. I didn't get into too many fights past elementary school, but that's the kinda thing I never put up with.

[driveby]

I haven't read the whole thread but Johnson should have been suspended. Anyone who believes otherwise either has Johnson on their fantasy team or thinks they used to be a badass and can relate .

[McBoog]

I have always taught my son that you take anything until they escalate to ANY physical contact and have lived my life the same way. I had one altercation in High School, he pushed me first, I won.

 

My only other non-work related (law enforcement career) or on the field (sometimes you have to protect your guys) fight was in San Diego Stadium with a Raider fan. He was drunk off his a$$ and would not sit down. He was in the seat right in front of me and I kept asking him to sit down (as did many behind me and his girlfriend sitting next to him).

 

After the 30th+ time, he actually bought a bag of peanuts from a passing vendor, turned around and hurled them at my face. I caught them about two inches away from hitting me, said, "Thanx", opened them up, started eating them and again asked him to please sit down.

 

This threw him into a rage! He came at me swinging and got his hands around my throat. Next thing he knew, he had a dislocated elbow and was in an "arm bar" submission flat on his back (Brazilian Jujitsu). I held him there while yelling for help for security. He was escorted out and I watched the rest of the game, eating his generous gift!

 

I think that it is easier to avoid and shrug these things off if you have the emotional tools and physical skills. I easily laugh at those who insult me (I can make people look silly using words back) and know that I am going to badly hurt (through years of training) anyone that tries me (I may not win, but it will not be worth their effort). This confidence and knowledge helps you walk away, especially knowing that the ultimate outcome can be very ugly for both of you.

 

Yeah, words can hurt . But not bad enough to be the first to turn it physical.

[keggerz]

I haven't read the whole thread but Johnson should have been suspended. Anyone who believes otherwise either has Johnson on their fantasy team or thinks they used to be a badass and can relate .

or realizes that there is nothing in the rules surrounding suspensions for fighting

[rajncajn]

I haven't read the whole thread but Johnson should have been suspended. Anyone who believes otherwise either has Johnson on their fantasy team or thinks they used to be a badass and can relate .

I don't know about the badass part , but I have to agree. Even though I applaud him for it and can't say I wouldn't have done the same, there has to be consequences for his actions.

[Balzac]

You keep saying it was always some little guy trying to prove himself, but it goes both ways. Speaking as a "little guy" now 5-10, 180 but in high school more like 5-8, 150. It was always some bigger guy who thought just because I was smaller they could push me around. I didn't get into too many fights past elementary school, but that's the kinda thing I never put up with.

 

I'm speaking from my own personal experience - it was always a little guy who would try to mess with me. Why? I don't know. I've never been the kind to throw my weight around or try to intimidate smaller guys with it (which is maybe why they thought they could get away with it). I understand that there are tons of people out there who like to pick on the little guys though.

[Ziachild007]

You keep saying it was always some little guy trying to prove himself, but it goes both ways. Speaking as a "little guy" now 5-10, 180 but in high school more like 5-8, 150. It was always some bigger guy who thought just because I was smaller they could push me around. I didn't get into too many fights past elementary school, but that's the kinda thing I never put up with.

 

I'm still a little fella 5'6" and have had people start fights with me for no reason. Just a few months ago the wife and I went out with some friends to a local bar. A dude not much taller than me walked by me and bumped me twice. The first time I didn't think much of it because it's a crowded bar. The second time was a little more forceful so I knew it was intentional. Being the nice guy I am I took a beer over to him and said look dude, I don't know you but I'm just here hanging out with my friends and wife trying to have a good time. Not sure what the problem is but here's a beer on me...chill out and let's all have a good time.

 

Didn't see him again that night.

[Azazello1313]

seems to me like the league is sending a message to finnegan with the non-suspension of AJ and equal $25K fines. I think it's their subtle way of saying his b*tch-ass had it coming. makes his little clapping demonstration after AJ thrashed him look pretty stupid. you didn't win, brah. you lost in every way possible. heheh.

[MTSuper7]

I'm still a little fella 5'6" and have had people start fights with me for no reason. Just a few months ago the wife and I went out with some friends to a local bar. A dude not much taller than me walked by me and bumped me twice. The first time I didn't think much of it because it's a crowded bar. The second time was a little more forceful so I knew it was intentional. Being the nice guy I am I took a beer over to him and said look dude, I don't know you but I'm just here hanging out with my friends and wife trying to have a good time. Not sure what the problem is but here's a beer on me...chill out and let's all have a good time.

 

Didn't see him again that night.

 

Sweet... The secret to getting a free beer at the bar. Thanks!

[cre8tiff]

I'm still a little fella 5'6" and have had people start fights with me for no reason. Just a few months ago the wife and I went out with some friends to a local bar. A dude not much taller than me walked by me and bumped me twice. The first time I didn't think much of it because it's a crowded bar. The second time was a little more forceful so I knew it was intentional. Being the nice guy I am I took a beer over to him and said look dude, I don't know you but I'm just here hanging out with my friends and wife trying to have a good time. Not sure what the problem is but here's a beer on me...chill out and let's all have a good time.

 

Didn't see him again that night.

 

I would MUCH rather fight a big dude than a little guy any time. Some of my worst fights have been against smaller dudes. Bigger dudes give up faster when you hurt them.

 

I had a friend in high school who was 5'7" he drew me into a lot of "situations" where he decided to take on a group of punks. Yep he was one of THOSE drunks.

[driveby]

or realizes that there is nothing in the rules surrounding suspensions for fighting

Doesn't matter. Either Goodell is serious about cleaning up the NFL's image or he isn't.

 

You can make all the excuses you want, but ripping off a guys helmet and then pummeling him while he's on the gound merits a suspension - no matter how big of a tool the guy receiving the beating is/was.

[Azazello1313]

You can make all the excuses you want, but ripping off a guys helmet and then pummeling him while he's on the gound merits a suspension - no matter how big of a tool the guy receiving the beating is/was.

 

meh, maybe it's the fact that I'm a hockey fan and the same thing happens every night, but it just doesn't strike me as that big a deal. as in hockey, the greater concern, to me, is the kind of dirty play that actually tends to lead to injury.

[awahl63]

I would MUCH rather fight a big dude than a little guy any time. Some of my worst fights have been against smaller dudes. Bigger dudes give up faster when you hurt them.

 

I had a friend in high school who was 5'7" he drew me into a lot of "situations" where he decided to take on a group of punks. Yep he was one of THOSE drunks.

 

Background: I'm 6'4 215 right out of college w a strong background in athletics and a year of MMA under my belt.

 

I am more scared of little guys than big guys...why? Any smaller guy that is willing to go toe to toe w a larger person such as myself is either

 

1. Drunk and dumb - Easy to avoid

2. Crazy - Not easy to avoid

3. A great fighter (most likely slightly crazy too) - Last thing I want to deal with

 

I am a really easy going guy but being a bigger guy there is always going to be someone that wants to take you down. Some larger dudes are assh*les but I've run in to a lot more problems w little guys. With that being said, fighting should really be avoided at all costs. Everybody loses when the police arrest both parties.

[Furd]

You can make all the excuses you want, but ripping off a guys helmet and then pummeling him while he's on the gound merits a suspension - no matter how big of a tool the guy receiving the beating is/was.

 

 

I agree with driveby.

 

Maybe Johnson "did what he had to do." Maybe Finnegan had it coming. But that warranted more than what amounts to a slap on the wrist.

 

The only thing "hockey like" about it was Goodells Bettman-like decision. In hockey, fighting is accepted, permitted and regulated by its inclusion in the rules.

[Ziachild007]

Sweet... The secret to getting a free beer at the bar. Thanks!

 

33, married and 4 kids....... I don't have much to gain by getting into fights anymore. If all it takes is a free beer to chill someone out then it's worth the $2.50 to me.

 

When I was younger the group of guys I ran around with LOVED to fight. I on the other hand was more interested in chatting up the ladies. On the rare occasion they got in a fight that they didn't start I had their back, but when they started it and got their asses kicked and/or tossed out they were on their own.

[rebdog]

right decison by not suspending Johnson. his history says so as does Finnegan's.

of course, next time AJ will get the suspension. i think these situations need to be evaluated subjectively and in this case the right decision was made. this blanket rule of no fighting is not just. sometimes players DO need to take matters into their own hands and punks like Finnegan need to know the possible consequences. AJ shouldn't have to put up with that crap all game and twice a year.

 

in the NHL, the officials look the other way when the rats get their's. this is what happened here.

[driveby]

right decison by not suspending Johnson. his history says so as does Finnegan's.

of course, next time AJ will get the suspension. i think these situations need to be evaluated subjectively and in this case the right decision was made. this blanket rule of no fighting is not just. sometimes players DO need to take matters into their own hands and punks like Finnegan need to know the possible consequences. AJ shouldn't have to put up with that crap all game and twice a year.

 

in the NHL, the officials look the other way when the rats get their's. this is what happened here.

If AJ has to put up with that crap all game where are the officials? Didn't AJ know Finnegan? Didn't he expect this type of behavior from him?

 

This "Finnegan is a punk/thug/asswhole/whatever so it's understandable and excusable for AJ to rip off his helmet and punch him in the head" excuse is laughable.

 

The best revenge for AJ would be to catch touchdown passes, not get fined and ejected.

[CaptainHook]

I think Finnegan's reputation had a bearing on why Johnson wasn't suspended. Some of you guys don't know what a dirty cheap shot artist this guy is.

 

Plus, if Seymour didn't get suspended, why would Johnson?

Edited November 30, 2010 by CaptainHook

[detlef]

If AJ has to put up with that crap all game where are the officials? Didn't AJ know Finnegan? Didn't he expect this type of behavior from him?

 

This "Finnegan is a punk/thug/asswhole/whatever so it's understandable and excusable for AJ to rip off his helmet and punch him in the head" excuse is laughable.

 

The best revenge for AJ would be to catch touchdown passes, not get fined and ejected.

Yes, AJ was fined $7500 previously for an altercation with Finnegan. Finnegan has been fined on a number of occasions.

[Furd]

I really don't know how the NFL can legitimately suspend any player for on the field activities now.

 

If ripping off somebody's helmet and punching them in the head repeatedly doesn't warrant it, what does?