Browns notebook
Pittsburgh linebacker, Green issue apologies
Porter says he didn't spit on Browns running back
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal staff writer
BEREA - Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey Porter called Browns running back William Green on Sunday night, and the two apologized for their pregame fight that led to both players' ejections.
``Joey told me, `I didn't spit in your face. I didn't mean to spit in your face if I did,' '' Green said. ``All I know is a glob of spit came in my face, and it kind of went from there.''
Green said he and Porter trash-talk before every game they play, but this time it got out of control. The NFL is investigating the incident and fines are possible. Green said he expects to lose his game check.
``Definitely, he initiated it,'' Green said. ``He spit in my face and that's when I went back and pushed him and I spit back at him. We were going at it. A few people were throwing a few fists.
``It happened so fast. The last thing I want to do is get ejected from a game. I'm sorry about that as far as my teammates go. It just all went wrong. I wish I could take it back.''
Porter came to Steelers headquarters on his day off Monday and told reporters the incident was prompted by ``a misunderstanding.''
``(Green) thought something happened, but it didn't happen,'' he said. ``So we put it behind us.''
Porter said he will apologize to his teammates later this week. Green spoke to Browns coach Butch Davis and plans to discuss it with owner Randy Lerner.
``I will go and find him and let him know, `Mr. Lerner, that's not the type of person I am,' '' Green said. ``On TV, it looks bad. It looks like I just take off and push him and spit in his face. That's not the way it happened. The last thing I would do is spit in another man's face. I would rather someone punch me than to spit in my face.''
Davis said Green needed to show restraint.
``Forget whether they might fine you or eject you. How about breaking your hand? How about all the things that might not be good for our football team?'' Davis said. ``I want us to maintain our focus and our composure. You cannot retaliate. Hopefully it will be something that won't ever happen again.''
