Redskins' legend calls Clinton Portis 'cry baby'

WASHINGTON - The war of words between Redskins running back Clinton Portis and Hall of Famer John Riggins continues to escalate as the 2009 season approaches.

The controversy started when Riggins, the Redskins all-time leading rusher, called Portis a "headache" in January. Portis, who needs just 1,370 yards to break Riggins' record, responded earlier this week, saying it was "crazy" for the former tailback to be so critical of him.

"For him to be a legend and to hate as much as he hates, to be upset that I'm on his tracks -- it's crazy."

Portis said he respected Riggins accomplishments, but was upset with the criticism.

"I think he was a great running back, but think of who else was around, you know? Really not hard to be a great running back when you've got all that talent and help around you. I think they just had great teams."

On WTOP's "Riggo Report" Friday, Riggins said Portis shouldn't be calling out his teammates or his coach when things go wrong.

"Clinton is a good running back, but when he basically called his offensive line out last year -- I didn't think that was particularly wise. And I don't think it really goes over very well in the workplace when you start criticizing people you work with and blaming them for your lack of production or because you're not where you perceive yourself to be in the minds of everybody else."

As far as the rushing record, Riggins says he is rooting for Portis -- sort of.

"Clinton, I congratulate you ahead of time and I do hope that you break the record for your own sake because maybe then you can quit being a crybaby and go back to playing football for the Redskins."

Portis will begin that pursuit 4:15 p.m. Sunday at the Meadowlands against the Giants.



(wtop.com)