Curses! Buc foiled again (and again)

By Charlotte Observer
Published November 29, 2004

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Your problem, Martin? Todd Sauerbrun put a hex on you.

"Mentally," the Panthers punter said.

He wasn't specific. But Sauerbrun said he let the hex fly during warmups.

That was as close as he and Gramatica came to a conversation. They were among the first players on the field, and they passed within 5 yards of each other. But they did not acknowledge each other.

Gramatica missed three field goals during the game.

Sauerbrun has engaged in a feud with Gramatica and his brother, kicker Bill, since 2002. He criticized them for their exuberant celebrations.

"I'm glad I'm not him," Sauerbrun said.

Sauerbrun was understated after the game. Maybe it was because quarterback Jake Delhomme yelled, "That's a wrap!" every time Sauerbrun began to cut loose.

Sauerbrun said he would not rip the Bucs kicker unless Gramatica ripped him first.

"I can't say anything else or they'll fine me," said Sauerbrun who last month said he had been fined about $40,000 for consistently being overweight. "If you want to pay my fines, I'll go off."

[Last modified November 29, 2004, 10:05:09]