From the Hart: Harrison rips into Gronk
Posted by ahart on February 9, 2012 – 9:50 amBy now most Patriots fans have seen the video of Rob Gronkowski, his brothers and teammates dancing at New England’s Super Bowl XLVI postgame party in Indianapolis.
The early-morning-hours exhibition has been the topic of much debate in the media in the days since New England’s loss in the big game.
Personally, I have no problem with what Gronkowski and others did. I’m not the type of person who tells someone else how to mourn, how to come down from arguably the most stressful situation of their career.
Gronkowski and the rest of his teammates put everything they had into their job over the previous six months. They came up short of their ultimate goal. Nothing they did in the hours following the loss could change the end result. Nor did it relate in any way to the effort they put fourth into preparing to take on the Giants or the way they played on the field.
Everyone has a right to unwind in almost any way they deem fit after such an event.
But former Patriots captain and current NBC analyst Harrison doesn’t feel nearly the same way. The two-time New England Super Bowl champion went on ESPN radio in Chicago and lashed out a bit at New England’s young All-Pro tight end.
“I guarantee you this, if Willie McGinest, Tedy Bruschi, Larry Izzo, Richard Seymour or myself had been at that party, [Gronkowski] probably would have got his head rung,” Harrison said, though he apparently admitted he hadn’t seen the video. “There’s no reason for that to happen.
“When we lost the Super Bowl, any of my Super Bowl losses, I was so devastated the last thing I ever wanted to do was party, let alone dance or take off your shirt. It’s just immaturity. It’s not right. He made a mistake and I’m sure he feels absolutely stupid about it at this point. There’s a time and place for everything.”
Harrison went on to admit that he was surprised that veteran left tackle Matt Light was a part of the shirtless dancing on stage.
“The leadership has to step up and someone has to pull [Gronkowski] to the side and say, ‘Look young man, this is inappropriate, this is not the time nor the place. You need to grow up,’” Harrison said. “And that’s what it comes down to. I like this kid. I think he’s a good kid, works hard, is unselfish. But he made a mistake …
“There’s a certain way of representing yourself and your family and that’s not the right way.”
Harrison speculated that the issue would be something that will be addressed at some point in New England.
“That’s something internally that they’re going to have to deal with,” he said. “I’m sure Bill Belichick is addressing it. I’m sure he’s very disappointed about that.”
What did you think about Gronkowski’s dancing? Much ado about nothing? Or, do you agree with Harrison? Let us know with a comment below!
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By Phil on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
I haven’t got a problem with Gronk’s actions at the postgame party. And while Harrison has a right to say what he wants, he’s no longer part of that dressing room so what he says carries no weight.
As much as I love the older guys I think they need to stop saying how they expect the dressing room dynamic to work & what they’re expectations are for players. There time has gone & if there are any issues it will be handled by the current players & coaching staff.
Ultimately I think this is a non issue & I don’t think it required any further comment.
By Aaron Clow on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
Honestly, if Belichick has to “address” this, I think there will be push back, and I don’t think he will address it. Harrison is being ridiculous. I love the guy, but he and Bruschi need to lighten up on the current players. If the Pats had been out on the field and laid an egg, I’d be right there with Harrison. As it stands, they left it all out on the field, and were a hair’s width away from winning on a number of occasions. AND the SEASON IS OVER. You grieve however you’re going to grieve. If Harrison thinks Gronk isn’t upset, he’s insane. No one knows what happened between the loss and the party. These are young guys. Maybe someone told him he has to go to the party, get wasted, and get over the loss.
Maybe Harrison should be concentrating more on his fellow commentators like Jason Whitlock and Warren Sapp who said last night on Inside the NFL that this loss has “tarnished” Brady & Belichick’s legacy. One or two plays away from winning a fourth Super Bowl in ten years and now their legacy is tarnished? Get real.
There are more important things to discuss than how Gronk and a couple other players tried to deal with this loss. Three words. Lighten up, Rodney.
By Jane on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
The kid is 22 yrs old and probably knew that but for his injury, they easily would’ve won the Super Bowl. He didn’t do anything wrong. The party was scheduled win or lose. Rodney Harrison is starting to nauseate me with his holier-than-thou attitude. He’ll say anything to get attention. Go Gronk!
By Ari on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
Gronk has the right to do as he pleases! As everyone else does. I don’t see no wrong! I wish I could have done the same except I was in bed shedding a few tears :/
By selynn on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
I understand where Harrison is coming from, but I also understand Gronks reaction. Sometimes you have so much conflicting emotions and energy you just don’t know what to do with it all. People grieve in all sorts of ways, I’m sure Gronk is devasted by the loss just like all of his teammates are, but he is young, it was his first Super Bowl and he hadn’t had a chance to get out much prior to the game. You can’t expect these young kids to just sit in their hotel rooms and cry into their helmets. Maybe he shouldn’t have been so public and obvious about it, but he did and I am sure he is ashamed now by his behaviour. We will do better next year GO PATS! #1 PATS FAN in Colorado
By Vishawn on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
The pats are a highly successful organization and alot of that success is attributed to the way they do things. What Gronk did wasn’t the “Patriot Way” and can ruin the reputation that this team has worked hard to earn. I view this as a lack of competition because he clearly was not bothered that they lost that game. You just played the biggest game of your life and gave up a critical interception and your out partying drunk; shows clear immaturity because this was a very irrational decision that I’m sure coach B will address.
By Bob on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
There are times when ripping someone (to use Hart’s word) is surely in order, and this is one of them. There is a time for everything under the sun, as Solomon states, and dancing your fanny off after the heartbreaking Super Bowl loss was ill-timed to say the least. If nothing else, it didn’t break a law but it was so very unwise as the controversy itself bears witness to. You have to think about others first, i.e. the loyal fans, and not yourself, a lesson which Gronk and others had better learn. I think an apology is in order….I have some ripping to do also. Al Michaels and Cris Collingsworth’s NBC TV coverage of the Super Bowl was so biased toward the Giants that they might as well have worn Giant uniforms. When the Pats made a great play as in the TD pass to Woodhead, not one thing was mentioned about what Danny did right, but it was only pointed out what Pierre Paul did wrong. It wasn’t a Patriot accomplishment, but a Giant failure. The entire TV game coverage by Al and Cris was sickeningly slanted as was the entire pre-Super Bowl media. Al and Cris owe the Pats and their fans an apology.
By Dave on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
This team continues to embarrass the fanbase. Everybody hates the Pats(which is fine) and they all want the Pats to lose….and the Pats are right there EVERY YEAR with a chance to give themselves and their fans bragging rights to shove it back in everyones faces and they continue to come up small. Another loss to a inferior team, another super bowl loss where they played like garbage. Every fanbase is making fun of this team and they embarrassed themselves and us fans. One would think the players would want to bury the spygate controversary and destroy the haters…but I guess not. You know who takes all the heat after they choke in the postseason???.. us fans.
My prediction for next season:
13-3….. 30+ pts a game…. #1-2 seed in the playoffs..
only to have the offense choke AGAIN and come up small and not break 20 points and lose by one score after their defense(who everyone criticizes) plays their hearts out
By Rodolfo (Buenos Aires) on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
I don’t know what is wrong with Rodney. May be he does not want everyone else to think he is biased, so he rips the Patriots. Gronk gave the team and us his best, behaved professionally all season and postseason long. Why should not he relax after the game? Guys, after all he is 22 years old. Just a kid. I think that what he did is more healthy that what I did: bang my head to the TV set for hours. Ouch.
By brendon in Fla on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
Rob Gronkowski is the best Tight End in the NFL, he’s showed his toughness, maturity, and commitment to the team over and over this season.I have no problem with these guys “letting their hair down” and blowing off steam! 13-3 season is something to be proud of, and a lot of that has to do directly with Gronk! Couple free agents and a solid draft, we’re back in SB in 2012!!!
By Ben on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
@Dave “This team continues to embarrass the fan base” are you kidding me they made the Superbowl let the haters hate its called jealousy plus have you ever heard of the team drowning your sorrows these guys worked there asses off all year made it to the biggest game on earth and lost id have drunk so much id be passed out on a table before the night was over
By Paul, London on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
Think Rodney, like Tedy should just get on with commenting on the NFL games rather than the Patriots and the players’ lifestyles.
Their time has gone, this is a new Patriots era.
By m siravo on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
Let the Gronk off the hook he did nothing wrong!!hE ONLY HAD THE BEST YEAR EVER AS A TIGHT END IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME!!! See ya next year!
By bryce on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
Dave needs a seditive.
By jose espinal on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
I agree 100% with Harrison’s comments. I’m just a huge Patriots fan and I’m still upset about loosing the Giants; if I was player going to party or dancing would be the thing on my mind!
By Josh in England on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
The only people who make the argument that he shouldn’t have done it are hacks who are trying to fill column space because they aren’t smart enough to find anything else to write about.
As long as Gronkowski isn’t doing anything
a) Illegal
b) That endangers himself or hinders his ability to do his job
he has the right to do whatever the hell he wants. He’s an adult in a free country and I would suggest that Mr Harrison is the one who should grow up.
By Stefanie on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
Much adieu about nothing! Definitely! Those guys worked their a!!@# off all season long and they had a right, win or lose, to have a little fun afterwards. I understand perfectly those who felt too devastated to join in the fun, but as to those who could put those feelings aside for a couple of hours nd enjoy themselves, I say good for them!
By Puball77 on Feb 9, 2012 | Reply
Its the end of the season, he is allowed to celebrate one of the greatest performances by a tight end in the history of the league. He was obviously injured in the final which prohibited him adding more. He had a blinder of a season and celebrated it accordingly. He is also young. Matt light is also young and they deserve to blow off steam. Rodney Harrison no longer plays and is out of the loop now so while he is entitled to his opinion he does not look very smart making these comments and as for trying to ring his neck, good luck gronk farts out bigger things then Rodney Harrison
By Jason Williams on Feb 10, 2012 | Reply
All Gronk was doing was celebrating the great season the patriots had. Afterall, we DID win the AFC Championship! I was.at that game and saw Gronk’s injury first hand. For anyone who has ever tried to play with a high ankle sprain they know how excruciatingly painful and limiting it is. Making cuts and speed.bursts on the football field are MUCH different than dancing. So anyone who wants to chastise Gronk doesn’t know what they are talking about. He was invited to a party and went and had a good time. He worked his ass off all year demolishing records. So all of u, including Rodney, should shut your traps and let the kid dance and celebrate his amazing season. I.agree with Rodolfo and think what he did was much more healthy than what I was doing, which was yelling and cursing and fighting the urge to break things! So party on Gronk, u deserve it. We are going to OWN next year!
By bryce on Feb 10, 2012 | Reply
What was it James Brown recorded ? Oh yeah, it goes alittle somethin like this:”get up off of that thing and dance till you feel better”….Good for Gronk and Harrison shut it !…
By Anthony Haywood on Feb 10, 2012 | Reply
First of all, THE SEASON IS OVER!!!! He can party all he wants. He is trying to put I behind him like he should be doing. Gronk has his whole career ahead of him. The media would love nothing more than to make a story about this. Also, I’m pretty sure this was filmed without his knowledge. You can’t tell a grown man how to have fun at a party, with half his teammates and family there that is just wrong. He is not a teen, he is 22. Gronk is full of life, I see absolutely nothing wrong with how he celebrate the season. Congrats and let’s get em next year!!!!! Go Pats
By HENARE on Feb 10, 2012 | Reply
Seriously you american sports fans can be so anal about a non-issue.
By rad666 on Feb 10, 2012 | Reply
Sounds like Rodney is trying to keep himself relevant in the Patriots world, Where he no longer is and should really keep his opinions on matters such as this to himself. Love Gronk…
By Kevin in High Point, NC on Feb 10, 2012 | Reply
Harrison doesn’t want none of Gronk. Gronk would beat the living hell out of him. I love Rodney, but he needs to cut the cord with the Patriots. He hasn’t been a member of that locker room for a few years now, and he no longer has “insider” knowledge.
By Patrick on Feb 10, 2012 | Reply
I’m sure that this has happened with many players after every superbowl. Belichick is probably happy that Gronk is with Light instead of hitting the serious club scene and pulling a Rothlisberger (sp?) or something like that. So he danced, ok it was kinda awkward and goofy, but that was about it, right? No rapes, no murders, didn’t shoot himself in the leg, didn’t drive over someone on the sidewalk. I think people should keep this in perspective. As he matures, he’ll mellow out a little and figure it out. Until then, as long as he harms no-one else, I hope he has fun.
By bruble on Feb 10, 2012 | Reply
You know if the Patriots would of won and this dance scene happened. Rodney would still bitch and say he shouldn’t take his shirt off that’s not the Patriot Way. Geeezzz who gives a crap. They got beat.
By chip on Feb 10, 2012 | Reply
Like I keep saying to the guys I work with….it’s just like Stallone in Rocky 3, where Mickey says to him…”ya got civilized Rock!!!” Brady and the rest of his entourage are not the same hungry rag tag band of cast-offs that attacked their opponents like Rodney and Tedy and Willie and the rest who understood the code within that locker room….I’m just sayin’
By MHD Pats Fan on Feb 10, 2012 | Reply
The best thing a Patriot player can do is FORGET ABOUT THE SUPER BOWL LOSS. Gronk’s behavior is a positive sign that he will continue to play at the best of his ability and not let the past interfere with whatever it takes to do his best.
Tom Brady should learn from this. I have a feeling that the playoff and Super Bowl losses are taking a toll on him from a psychological point of view.
I can’t remember who the quarterback was, but a great one was asked what he thought was the greatest attribute of a wide receiver. He said “a short memory”.
Get over it and move on.
By Margaret on Feb 11, 2012 | Reply
Definitely much ado about nothing. It was the Patriot’s private party requiring special invitations, so it really wasn’t a “public display” meant to trivialize the loss, but more a celebration of what they did accomplish and a time to hang with family and friends in a safe environment. They are AFC champions, after all, and came very close to a Super Bowl win. Scott Pioli’s comments in a Boston Herald article put things in perspective regarding those earlier Super Bowl teams being a much older, veteran group, but the Pats are now rebuilding with a lot of younger players and it’s hard to win games while rebuilding, yet the Pats amazingly have done it and have a bright future. Olympic teams compete and only one wins the gold medal–should silver and bronze medalists forgo celebrating their achievements? The Pats had a chance to compete for the gold, played their hearts out, but came up with the silver. Thirty other teams weren’t even there! Definitely something to celebrate. Kudos to the Pats!
By Mary on Feb 11, 2012 | Reply
Rodney is a true Patriot. Working for CBS and associating with the likes on ESPN and the NFL Network, out of New York, makes him walk a thin line. The obvious bias of these networks against the Patriots was appalling this year like the comments made by Steve Young on many Monday Night Football games in 2007, calling Belichick “nefarious.” It must be difficult for a true Patriot to contain himself while the media malign our great team. As for Gronk, I wish he and others could have mourned and celebrated differently. Being a Patriots’ fan, I know what it is like living in a community hostile to the Patriots; be grateful you guys have each other in MA. to console and ease the pain.
By John on Feb 11, 2012 | Reply
As often is the case, both sides of this argument make valid points, and the result is what shade of gray emerges. While the players’ conscience can be completely free to do such things – because they left with their heads high, and while it is best that they get over the defeat as soon as possible, they ought to also realize that they operate in a media microwave and that perhaps by toning it down just a little, they would show a little respect to their fans, who are in mourning. But all in all, a storm in a teacup
By dave kanaley on Feb 11, 2012 | Reply
Love Gronk, he can come and play for the Bills any day. It is a new era and let the young guys deal with it as they choose.The Pats experts need to look at the teams that have won four Super Bowls and copy a few things, ball control and athletic wide outs.Bills fan from Western NY who does not hate the Pats.
By rich on Feb 11, 2012 | Reply
hey he has to get it off his mind somehow..sometimes when your feeling disappointed about something there should be a way to kinda pick yourself up right? whether its dancing or talking to a friend. after all your only young once and you live once
By joseph p. sepko on Feb 12, 2012 | Reply
the real reason we cant win a super is two reasons.a Big smashim running back [like correy] not smurfs like green-ellis and woodhead.secondly dominant rangy speedy receiver [preferably Big]not smurfs like welker and woodhead.the sooner we understand our defiencies the sooner we get better.listen the giants have been one of the luckiest super bowl winners ever.but there time is over.good-bye lucky giants.pats will go undefeated in 2012.i guarantee it.
By roger d on Feb 12, 2012 | Reply
When I played baseball and football as a young man, I hated to lose; and I do mean H A T E D to lose. I was so mad when we lost I wouldn’t shake anyones hand. Call me a sore loser if you want, I don’t care. I just spilled my guts on the field, I was not in the mood to be nice to anyone. But a few hours later when all that frustration started to wear off a little, particularly when I was 22 years old, I was ready to party. GRONK gave what he could, if he had more to give he would have. You go have a good time Gronk and come back next summer ready to play football and set this thing right. Get well and come back better than ever. Give the kid a break. He’s doing just what any 22 year old would do.
By Sofiya on Feb 13, 2012 | Reply
THey are making a big deal out of him dancing as if they would have won without him dancing. THEY are being immature about this, not Gronk. It was Gronks first Super Bowl and I’m sure he wasn’t happy about the loss, but come on- he’s a grown man , what else was he supposed to do. People have different ways to express how they feel. Leave him alone.
By Russ on Feb 13, 2012 | Reply
Party like that when you WIN!!!
By Gino on Feb 13, 2012 | Reply
What this (Gronk dancing) boils down to is that fans care more about the outcome of the game than players do. Are you all serious about using a word like “mourn”? Get a life. I mourned the passing of my Mom.
I love the Pats, no question, but some of you people are CRAZY. He’s young, he put in 9 months of preparation, and he played injured in a SB.
Perspective, people. Get out of your parents basement, get a job, and be real.
By flexistrength on Feb 13, 2012 | Reply
Maybe Gronkowski is young, maybe he likes to express himself differently and many other maybeeeees….the FACT is that he is a leader within the team and that changes everything….players look up to him and it was certainly not the time for partying.
By steve on Feb 14, 2012 | Reply
to everyone saying thatgronk was not upset about the loss maybee you should have been there with me when the busses dropped them off
By steve on Feb 14, 2012 | Reply
every one of those players were feeling the pain of the loss coming home gronk was looking at the groung not talking to anyone they all but a couple just walked to their cars and left!!!
By ADAM on Feb 14, 2012 | Reply
GOOD LUCK RINGING GRONKS NECK…YOU GUYS COULDNT FIT YOUR HANDS AROUND IT LOL
By rich on Feb 14, 2012 | Reply
CELEBRATING ? losing the biggest game of their lives and dissapointing themselves , organzation , and fans . …and ..celebrating ! lots of class ! maybe that attitude is one of the reasons they did lose . LACK of toughness and TRUE GRIT ! I guess the giants were tougher sfter all . the whole scenerio was trully a dissapointment . dropped passes . pride ? super bowl champion caliber ?
By Gino on Feb 14, 2012 | Reply
flexistrength – Wrong. You look up to Gronk because you are a fan. Gronk is not a leader on this team. Brady, Wilfork, and Mayo are leaders on this team.
The time is not right for “partying” in your mind. Let it go. WE are not professional athletes and have no understanding of the commitment involved.
So tired of this subject.
By Ray on Feb 15, 2012 | Reply
who knows what happened between the game and the party. I agree with Harrison, the optics looks terrible but I don’t think anyone can accuse Matt Light or Gronk with not being upset and not wanting to win (anyone see the images of Matt Light praying on the sideline in the AFC championship game when the Ravens were driving). Patriots will be back. Brady still has it. They’ll add a couple of pieces and will be back.
GO PATS
By Pete in UK on Feb 16, 2012 | Reply
I wish that medium-tier football pundits didn’t think that they have to dish out the dirt in their NEW professions to make a name for themselves. Gronkowski played on one leg and came within a fingernail of nabbing the winning TD. Shouldn’t have even been in the game. As to his OLD profession, Harrison is inviting reminders about his screw up against the Giants last time the teams played in SB.
By Sydney on Feb 16, 2012 | Reply
They shouldnd’t b mad at Gronk I mean the Pats just lost the superbowl giv them a break at least there not lik Brady’s wife telling them its the players and coachs fault that Brady lost seri who does that
By Adrian on Feb 17, 2012 | Reply
Rodney Harrison is right in my opinion. Rodney played in a few SB’s and even played a couple series with a broken forearm. He had the most tackles in that SB for those who ripped him and questioned his heart. After a championship game in which the “best TE” in football has only two catches for 21 yards and tip toed around on many plays like a ballerina, he shouldn’t have been dancing. He was dancing around harder than he was planting his foot in the game. That’s what i’m upset about. If he plants his hurt foot the way he was dancing , Brady doesnt get that INT. All true competitors HATE losing. Jordan hated losing, Bird Hated losing, Magic hated losing and Brady hates losing. Just because he’s 22 doesnt give him a free pass to act like he didnt care they lost. If Randy Moss had done that after SB 42, everyone would have lost their mind and it would have been front page news. Just because Gronk is a fan favorite at the moment, shouldnt let him be able to act that way. If he wants to ACT like a regular 22 year old then go work for Mcdonalds or Target, or get a new profession. I paid alot of money for Patriots and support them win or lose, and don’t wish to see my investment acting a fool after a crushing loss. At least start your dancing a couple of days later, like after your successful surgery gessh! I would have tore every ligament in my foot trying to play my butt off to win. At an even younger age I hated losing and still do! – That comes from within, not with age.
By ekhad on Feb 18, 2012 | Reply
well with all due respect to everybody involved, gronk has no superbowl rings to show for himself. at least harrison, bruschi, seymour etc. won the big games. pats had CHANCES in the closing minute and i distinctly remember gronk dropping one that hit him in the HANDS! perhaps theres something to be said about keeping that determination and competitiveness and letting it roll over into next season.
By Patsfan on Feb 19, 2012 | Reply
it would take all of you guys plus more to hold gronk down just to ring his neck so good luck with that