St. Louis Rams Richie Incognito apologizes — sort of — to fans
A day after chiding Rams fans — “they don’t know how to cheer, when to cheer” — Richie Incognito sought to clear the air Friday, two days before the Chicago Bears and their noisy supporters visit the Edward Jones Dome. Here’s what Incognito had to say after practice:
“Yesterday, I was not trying to take a shot at Rams fans. That’s the last thing I’m trying to do. I fully understand that this team has not given a single St. Louis Rams fan a single thing to cheer about this season. I understand where we’re at this season.
“All I was trying to say is, we’ve got Chicago fans coming down, there’s going to be a lot of them, they get excited for their football team, they get excited to come to the game. So, in turn, them coming to the game brings a football atmosphere that I’m used to, and that gets me excited . . . to go out there and get a win and keep them quiet.
“The fact of the matter is, it really doesn’t matter who’s in the stands, our fans, Chicago fans. We need all the support we can to get some wins around here. What I said yesterday was, the Chicago fans are coming down and they’re going to bring a buzz into the dome, they’re going to get it excited. Everything beyond that was . . . taken the wrong way.
“I’m excited to play in this game. I play my heart out. I leave everything I have on that field. And I want as many Rams fans there to enjoy it with us. We have not been good this year; I’ll be the first to say it. But you know what? I’m here thick and thin. I’m going to play my heart out no matter what our record is. And we are trying to get as many wins as we can, and we want as many people as possible to come out and support us.
“I just look forward to every Sunday waking up and doing the thing I love, going out and playing football. I just want people to enjoy the product we put on the field and get excited about what we’re doing. I want everybody involved in what we’re doing, because I’m excited about what we’re doing. So hopefully feed off me and get excited about Rams football.”
How about it, Rams fans? Is Richie forgiven?
Here’s what coach Jim Haslett had to say about Incognito’s initial rant:
“I think it’s bad (to criticize the fans) when you’re 8-2 (and not 2-8), to be honest with you. These fans are awesome. I love the city, I like the fans here. They’ll support this team. Obviously, I’d be disappointed, too, if we were 2-8. I’d probably have a hard time (as a fan) coming out and watching us also. That’s just the way it is.”
Haslett added: “I remember when I came here (as coach of the New Orleans Saints) how hard it was to play because of the fans. Obviously, we were coming in to play a good football team, and we’re struggling right now. But we need our fans. I know that there are loyal fans out there that come to games and support us. I know how hard it is to play here when (the Rams) are playing well and the place is rocking.”
All for now . . .
Dylon, I hope u dont call yourself a rams fan.
Jimbo,
A lot of those fans leaving early at the Dallas game were Dallas fans not Rams fans.
So besides popular belief fans of other teams leave early when their team is winning or losing big
Bantam,
I’m going to have to disagree with you there bud. Having a bird’s eye view of the dome (otherwise known as bad seats) I noticed it was just as scarcely populated at the end, win or lose, as it has been at every other game this year. Fans of both teams were heading for the aisles with over 10 minutes to go.
hey richie we would cheer if the team didnt SUCK every game, every play, every sunday. i live in pa n my fav team is the Rams. every day i hear crap 4 it!!!im tired of the suckage!!!!!!!!!
Hey, it’s happened before. If this game sounds like a Bears home game, I’d be disappointed too. The Rams obviously have a lot of work to do, but your team can’t always be good.
I’ve been a Rams fan since 1958. First game I attended, was in the LA Coliseum against Detroit. Have been to all three Super Bowls!
Seems to me that Richie ought to beg for fan support to be louder than the Bears. Instead of whining about the lack thereof.
Wonder what Merlin Olsen, Deacon Jones or Jack Youngblood might have to say to Richie? For that matter, haven’t heard that Orlando Pace is down on the fans and he’s an All Pro.
Richie, give us something to cheer about and we will cheer. Start playing with heart and the boos will stop.
The bottom line is that when the Rams were good the dome was an extremely loud place and difficult to play in. Sure there are people who don’t get into the game and ask you to sit down but they are the exception rather than the rule and that kind of behavior will become minimal if the Rams begin to win again. I have been a season ticket holder from day one and we went through some difficult times early and the dome was the same way. It is just an excuse to bitch.
If you are winning you can play in a cow field. EXAMPLES: YANKEES AND RED SOX.
The problem occurs when people think they have the right to be obnoxious just because they paid for a ticket. I have been to other stadiums and it is not much different. If fact, I believe when we are winning we have the proper amount of enthusiam without treading on the rights of other.
It has been said many times before, “Winning cures a lot of problems”
lets face it, get over the hurt feelings and realize that we need fiery players like richie ,yes he makes boneheaded mistakes but who on this team doesnt? come on and name me 1 player who doesnt.andto top it off many of them are legends …in their own minds . I see richie playing hard ,yes he misses blocks but I also see him flat out flatten players many times also . this team needs players with that attitude and drive
“I was scolded by fans behind me for standing up and cheering on THIRD down.” You are right Andrew!
I grew up in StL going to Big Red games with my dad, and that doesn’t suprize me at all. The psl’s unfortunately give the wine and cheese crowd most of the tickets. Those types just don’t get it, and don’t want to get off their lazy buts to cheer THEIR team. Meanwhile the real fans are at home yelling at their tv with you.