EDITORIAL – Strong’s gesture a load of “bull”

Coach Dave Wannstedt called it “selfish.” Cornerback Darrelle Revis said it was “stupid.” We… Coach Dave Wannstedt called it “selfish.” Cornerback Darrelle Revis said it was “stupid.” We think it’s “a complete embarrassment not only to the team, but also to the University as a whole.”

Following a touchdown Saturday against the University of South Florida to take the score from 22-6 to 22-12, junior tight end Darrell Strong turned to the opponents’ fans, brandishing his middle finger at the crowd.

Strong’s immature display cost his team 15 yards for “unsportsmanlike conduct,” forcing the Panthers to make their two-point conversion attempt from the 18-yard line instead of the 3-yard line.

While it’s disappointing to see the Panthers lose, it’s even more disappointing that one player would contribute so much to a loss with something so immature, so embarrassing, so undignified. And of course, Pitt can’t win every game. But what’s even more disappointing is the image of Pitt students and student-athletes that Strong has created among those who attended the game or watched its broadcast on television.

As a student-athlete, Strong represents not only the Pitt football team, but also the University as a whole. And his actions on Friday were appalling.

We applaud coach Wannstedt’s decision to suspend Strong indefinitely. Yes, Strong apologized, and he may even have been sincere, but the coach is right to hold him accountable and set an example for the rest of the team.

One could draw a comparison between Strong’s obscene gesture and an arguably obscene remark from quarterback Tyler Palko two years ago. On national television, with microphones thrust in his face immediately after an impressive victory over Notre Dame, Palko infamously remarked, “I’m so f—ing proud of this team.”

But that was different. Palko’s remark was one of enthusiasm and pride for his team as a whole, not selfish bragging and an insult to the opponents.

Strong should be ashamed.

On the bright side, though, Strong’s mistake gives freshman tight end Nate Byham a long-awaited chance to demonstrate his abilities. Best of luck to Byham!