1)Delusional self-image.
2)Appropriate ego to match said self-image.

Clearly, you that are calling Mr. Hinnen’s character, motives, and writing into question possess both of these characteristics in spades.

Look, I’m not agreeing with all of what Jerry wrote. On the field, it’s essentially hit or be hit. That alone excuses Mr. Pugh’s Ball State incident. However, that does not alter the possibility of it being perceived as dirty especially considering the source. That being said, the chop block is a dirty, dirty play. Some of you harken back to your days in the trenches when this form of blocking was not only legal, but taught. Fair enough, but they also used to play football without facemasks and in leather helmets. So please, take your irrelevant points somewhere else.

As Auburn supporters and members of the Auburn family, it is our responsibility to question one another and hold each other accountable. I know that’s what many of you think you are doing, but you’re not. I know you see this piece as slander, but it’s not. It is an honest look at a man (and a damn good football player), his actions and the question if this represents a trend. The conclusion of this article? Well it’s not the guilty verdict all of you seem to think it is. As quickly as you all are to exonerate Mr. Pugh, I have to counter with this: I cannot recall Marcus McNeill, Ben Grubbs, or Kendall Simmons repeatedly committing this infraction. I know, football is dirty and if we don’t like it maybe we should play mixed doubles on Saturday afternoons. That statement is trite and deliberately ignorant. Also, as others have, I would wager your opinions would differ if this was a ‘bammer’ chop blocking Antonio Coleman or Nick Fairley.

In defense of Jerry; he is the best blogger of Auburn sports and it is not even close. (this does not include beat writers as comparing their sites and this one is equal to comparing apples to oranges) As an Auburn alum, he represents everything an education from our great university should. He is bright, thorough, opinionated, intelligent, and informed. If you want broad generalizations, gross stereotyping, and only occasional good pieces, please head to Track Em’ Tigers. But if you want funny, interesting, and solid writing come back here and read Jerry’s archives and the other stellar writers they have at this site.

To the ITAT readers that stumbled onto this page and (most likely) have contributed to the degradation of this comment thread, please return from whence you came. Whether it be your shanty or your trailer I implore you to go back there to continue this garbage.

Thanks to Jeremy, J.M., Jerry, Ben, Thor, and Dr. Jolley for putting out and contributing to this great resource for the Auburn family.

The following excerpts from your column are opinion, not fact.

“Whatever condemnatory adjective you’d like to use here–unacceptable, inexcusable, unjustifiable, reprehensible–is appropriate.”

I would not use any of those words…you would…twice now. I would say that our best technique blocker committed a penalty. Period. Next play…do better.

Do you even understand the mental, physical, and emotional intensity it takes to play on the line of scrimmage in the SEC? You are a small man trying to defame, with derogatory superlatives, a kid who defines the prototypical interior lineman.

“I cannot tell you how much I wish this wasn’t the case. I despise having to write a post like this. But it has to be written, because I cannot in good conscience ignore a problem like this. Ryan Pugh cannot continue to commit dangerous penalties, display unsportsmanlike behavior, and endanger the well-being of our opponents while he represents Auburn University. Cannot, cannot, cannot.”

You did not despise writing this piece, you relished every word. You lack of good conscience is plainly seen through the writing of this article. Ryan Pugh and every other Auburn player will commit all variety of penalties, including chop blocks and other flagrant fouls every game, every year. It is the SEC. It is war every Saturday. Get over yourself, Nancy.

“So, how do we fix this problem? I don’t know”

I know a solution, why don’t you take your holier than thou, sactimonious character assasinations to BYU, Baylor, Notre Dame, SMU or Boston College. You are not an Auburn man. You are not an Auburn fan. You should be ashamed of yourself, and if football is too rough and violent a sport for you, may I suggest golf.

As for you guys that don’t like the whining about the chop-blocks…I bet you would be whining if a Bama/Georgia/Florida lineman puts out one of our AU defensive lineman.

WDE