Yep, you read the headline correctly. It’s probably the most bizarre sounding headline I’ve ever written.

This past Saturday Penn State defensive end Jerome Hayes knelt in the end-zone after running onto the field for a quick prayer. Goldy Gopher, mascot for the Minnesota Golden Gopher, proceeded to kneel in front of Hayes, mimicking his prayer.

At the end it looks like ole Goldy tries to shake hands, but Hayes gives the cold-shoulder. If the athlete was praying in THANKS for his blessing, that’s great. But it’s the athletes who pray for a good performance that baffle me, as if God doesn’t have more important shit to attend to than a sporting event. Either way, the incident warranted the following statement from Goldy’s reps.

Minnesota spokesman Dan Wolter says the stunt was “plainly a mistake” and the mascot didn’t intend to offend anyone or trivialize religion.

This begs the question to be asked. How can Goldy possibly top mimicking prayer? Kicking small children who are fans of the opposing team? Punting babies? Or perhaps he could fart on the next guy who prays in his end-zone.

[via SI.com]