Bush-whacked

Right back at ya, Reggie.

Saints running back Reggie Bush got pounded for $5,000 after going Mutumbo on Brian Urlacher in last week's NFC Championship Game. Bush was supposed to be a model player and citizen - the savior of a downtrodden New Orleans. Instead, he's showing kids across America how to be a jackass with his poor sportsmanship. You're not much of a savior when you stir up a whirlwind of shit with the Bears Defense, who proceed to shut you out for the rest of the game. Bush's touchdown brought the score to 16-14 with 12:20 left in the third quarter. There was plenty of ball game left at that time, but after the finger-wagging by Bush, the Saints' momentum vanished as the Bears went on a 23-0 run to end the Saints' chances at going to Miami.

A taunt like the one displayed by Bush should be egregious enough to warrant a penalty and fine. The fact that the taunt occurred while the ball was in play and no flag was thrown is mind-boggling. Sure, Bush is a rookie sensation and he will electrify fans everywhere for years to come, but he is still only a rookie. He needs to respect the veterans and others who he takes the field with every Sunday. 50 Ben Franklins is just a slap on the wrist considering Reggie's paycheck, but this slap will sting until the Saints get back to the NFC championship game.

I wonder if it is still a penalty to do the revised Mutumbo - wagging the finger at the crowd, instead of a player?