“At the beginning of the game, he was out there chirping and talking trash,” said Gunnell. “And then he went out and just pushed [BC receiver] Justin Jarvis for no reason. I looked at him and said, ‘What are you doing?’

“Afterwards, he was trying to be all friendly. It just rubbed me the wrong way. It seemed real fake. He tried to push one of my teammates. He tried to say good game. I thought it was phony.”

JC=DBAG

I highly doubt that Clausen was the only one on either team to start some stuff before the game –on both sides of the team. I also highly doubt Clausen’s taunting before the game was isolated and or unprovoked. They both may go to Catholic schools, but that doesn’t make them Saints!

Anyone who thinks otherwise needs a reality check and is no better than the parents interviewed after their child is accused of a something they’d swear their kid would NEVER do.

Regardless of the trash talking that happened before the game, afterwards is time to be respectful even if it means not being completely genuine. I think it would have been more impactful had Gunnell been overly appreciative and complimentary and killed him with kindness. It would have made Clausen look like an arse, which was in intention obviously.

Gunnell and Clausen had their exchange right in front of a camera and right in front of a seemingly clueless reporter. Clausen shouldn’t have touched him, but Gunnell should have just let it go after the game. Its done. Game over until next year.

Compared to the fights that break out at other schools’ games, this is really nothing.
I personally am glad the commentators did not dwell on discussing it. There was a much bigger story of the day, like Herzlich’s amazing story and everyone’s support of him despite who they were cheering for.