Ryan on the Defensive in ‘Apology’

Buddy Ryan apologized for the distraction he created by punching Kevin Gilbride.

The recipient, however, was not Ryan’s counterpart--the Houston Oilers’ offensive coordinator.

Ryan said he was sorry during a meeting with his defense.

“That’s bad because our defense played so great the past two weeks,” Ryan said. “I apologized to my players. I told them, ‘It takes away from the glory you guys should be getting for the past two weeks.’ They’ve done a great job.”

Would he consider apologizing to Gilbride?

“I don’t think so,” Ryan said.

Ryan, who has feuded all season with Gilbride, punched him on the left cheek shortly before halftime of Sunday night’s 24-0 victory over the New York Jets in an apparent disagreement over Gilbride’s play-calling.