In the above video you will see Indianapolis Colts linebacker Erik Walden rip the helmet off Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker before head-butting Walker.
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"What got him riled up? I was whupping his butt, that's what happened, and the cat couldn't take it when he was getting whupped,'' Walker said, per The Tennessean. "He got frustrated, and he should have been ejected for what he did. That's bush league and that's the type of stuff we don't need in this league."
Walker ripped up the Colts' defense for a career-high 10 receptions, 91 yards and one touchdown.
"I threw a punch at him; I'm not going to lie about that. It's on film," Walker said. "But that was just a reaction. You head-butt me in the face because I am beating you? C'mon ... I whupped on him the whole game, and I'm going to whup on him again in two weeks."
Walden was flagged for a personal foul on the play for the helmet rip but not ejected. However, given the NFL's desire to crack down on post-whistle skirmishes, he can expect a hefty fine or more. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday, via a league source, that Walden's head-butt will be reviewed by league officials and a suspension is an option.
The play came during a string of three straight personal-foul penalties for the Colts, who were reeling at the time.
"It was a selfish act," Walden said, per ESPN.com. "It could have cost my team bigger than I did. I lost my composure. It's something that can't happen. It wasn't really something he did, it was ticky-tack. I can't allow myself to take it that far."
It didn't ultimately cost his team the win, but it will certainly cost his pocketbook.
*The latest "Around The League Podcast" previewed the AFC playoff picture. *
