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New England Patriots

J.J. Watt reportedly spit on the Patriots logo before playoff game

Chris Chase, USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt warms up before an AFC divisional playoff NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass.

Houston Texans' All-Pro J.J. Watt reportedly spit on the New England Patriots logo prior to Sunday's divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium.

Multiple reports from journalists at the game said Watt went to midfield during his pregame warmups, spit on the Patriots logo and wiped his feet like it was a welcome mat.

As of kickoff, there was no video or photographic confirmation of Watt's display. Mike Petraglia of Boston radio station WEEI was able to definitively say Watt did the deed.

There was also plenty of chatter about the move, most of which called Watt classless for his logo expectoration.

Watt had an explanation after the game.

"I do that every game, home or away," Watt told reporters. "I go out to midfield, I jog out there, I spit a little bit, wipe my feet off, and then I go through my stretch. No drama there. That's 100 percent what I do every game, home or away."

Spitting is disgusting and crass. When it's directed toward another human being, it's one of the most vile things an athlete can do to an opponent or official.

Doing it on a painted logo at midfield before a playoff game? I'm holding back my outrage. It's paint, not a headstone. The mascot is fictional, not human. He spit, he didn't take a pick-axe and dig up the turf so it resembled FedEx Field.

Gross, sure. Offensive, hardly.

And who knows. Maybe Watt prefers Pat Patriot.

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