TORONTO — Tributes this past week to fallen pop star Michael Jackson have ranged from candlelight vigils to Jamie Foxx at the BET awards.
Arland Bruce of the Toronto Argonauts had a different approach. After scoring on a 21-yard pass during a Canadian Football League game on Wednesday night, Bruce had Jacko on his mind.
Red jacket? Sequined glove? Moonwalking? No. No. And no.
Bruce instead removed his helmet, shoulder pads and jersey, then laid down in the end zone. He said he was honoring the memory of Jackson by pretending to be buried.
Most athletes like to honor people by playing hard. Bruce’s ode was playing dead.
Referees gave Bruce two objectionable conduct penalties, and he was fined an undisclosed amount by the league for “excessive actions.”
The team said Bruce apologized at a team meeting Thursday.
Said coach Bart Andrus: “Next time around, he will celebrate in an appropriate manner.”
The Associated Press; AP photo
