K-State player has odd way of celebrating teammate’s touchdown
Kansas State receiver Byron Pringle returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown during a 44-38 victory against Texas Tech on Saturday.
His reward: A punch to the gut.
That’s the way teammate Dominique Heath decided to celebrate following the score. After helping block on the return, Heath raced into the end zone to congratulate Pringle. Three other teammates were already hugging Pringle when Heath reached him, but his celebration stood out from the pack. Heath, apparently a bit too excited, punched Pringle in the stomach with enough force to make him fall on his back.
Pringle stayed on the ground for a few seconds, needing help from Heath to get back on his feet. He then jogged off the field in pain. Ouch.
Chris Lilly, of WIBW in Topeka, captured the moment in the following video. The punch occurs 30 seconds in. Enjoy.
This was hilarious. Byron Pringle returns the kick 99 yards for the TD & his teammate Dominique Heath gives him a punch to the gut! #KState pic.twitter.com/4ZFUzASAL2
— Chris Lilly (@wibwChrisLilly) October 9, 2016
Reminds me of a scene from the football movie “The Replacements” when John Madden declares: “You know, there’s a rule in sports. ‘Don't do anything great if you can't handle the congratulations.’”
Heath and Pringle combined for another return touchdown earlier this season, with Pringle blocking for Heath. That celebration went off without a hitch.
This one, not so much.
Pringle was fine after a few moments. He ended the game with two catches for 26 yards and 159 return yards and a touchdown.
Kellis Robinett: @kellisrobinett
This story was originally published October 9, 2016 at 9:53 AM.