On Saturday night, Jets coach Rex Ryan fired off a one-fingered salute just as someone with a cell phone was taking a photo.
Amid rumblings that Ryan could end up being fined by the league for his behavior, we’ve picked up some details regarding the incident.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Ryan directed the middle finger at one specific guy who had been badgering Ryan relentlessly. “He crossed way over the line,” the source said of the person who provoked Ryan.
The guy accosted Ryan at least three times, yelling “f–k you” and “I hate you” from close distance. Eventually, Ryan lost his cool.
Consideration of the background might not keep Ryan from being fined, but it’s an important fact to consider when assessing the situation.
Then again, and as we said earlier, if an NFL head coach can’t control his middle fingers, he shouldn’t be going out in public. In the city where one of his top rivals is located.
UPDATE: Per Bob Glauber of Newsday, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says that the league “will look into” the situation.
