Tensions Hot Between DB’s and WR’s in Saturday Practice

Sounds like things in Latrobe were a little heated in the Saturday afternoon practice earlier today. First there was a scuffle with WR Nate Washington going after DB Tyrone Carter. Then later on it was DB Ryan Clark taking a shot at WR Willie Reid, who may have been showing up the D with running after the play.

One player who didn’t stand by quietly about the hit on Reid was wide out Hines Ward, who spoke his mind that it was bush league what Smith did. “It’s chicken(bleep). That’s what it is. Chicken(bleep),” said Ward. “We’re talking about practice, and you go out there and hurt somebody? I understand we’re going at it hard, and you want to hit somebody else, but we have to practice smart. You lose somebody off a great hit, come on. Willie is somebody who’s trying to make this team. If he were to get hurt and lose his ACL, who’s going to be the stupid person then. You just have to play smart, man.

“Willie is coming off a foot injury. This is his opportunity to make an impression. Yes, we know he’s tough; he took a great hit. If he gets hurt, or something like that, we lose somebody who could be a vital part of our offense and special teams. You have to be smart about it. I understand we want to hit each other, but at the same time you have to practice smart.” Ward has a solid point, it’s great to see the WR’s and secondary having a solid back and forth, with both making plays, but that’s not cool when a player like Clark, who I think is going to be a big part of this team in 2007, tries to take a shot at a guy like Reid.

Coach Tomlin didn’t seem all that worried about the go around after practice. “It’s football,” said Tomlin. “The big thing is that they have respect for each other. I realize that at times tempers are going to flare. That’s part of it. Part of us building this football team is understanding and controlling our emotions, too, because they’re going to flare on Sundays in the fall. That’s part of it. It’s also showing your ability take some blows and catch some balls and bounce up. Willie Reid has proven to us that he doesn’t have any fear, that he can catch balls in traffic. He’s distinguishing himself because of some of the things that are happening. But we have to leave it on the grass; it can’t get out of hand. It’s a fine line, I know. We’re attempting to walk it.” To his credit, Clark did tell Reid he was sorry. Let’s hope this season he’ll be doing a lot of apoligizing to opponents after wins.