Rome Says Questioning Was Justified

TV and radio talk show host Jim Rome Thursday defended his questioning of former Ram quarterback Jim Everett, who attacked Rome during an interview on ESPN’s “Talk 2” show Wednesday night.

Everett, traded to the New Orleans Saints last month, objected when Rome repeatedly called him by the name of female tennis star “Chris Evert,” a derisive reference to Everett’s perceived reluctance to be hit on the football field.

After Rome called Everett “Chris” a third time, the quarterback knocked over a table and shoved the host to the floor.

“I stand by what I did,” Rome said on XTRA radio. “But I regret it happening.

“I regret hitting him with (the Chris reference) a third time. But he got in my face and challenged me.”

No punches were thrown. Rome was uninjured, but he complained that coffee spilled on his sport coat during the fracas. He said he doesn’t plan to press charges and that he tried Thursday to invite Everett back on the air, but couldn’t reach him.

Rome said Everett did not apologize Wednesday, but accused him of “looking for ratings.” Rome denied that the confrontation was a publicity ploy, adding that producer Mark Shapiro had twice warned Everett he would be called “Chris.” He said Everett did not object.

Rome is known for jousting with interview subjects and giving them nicknames, but he said this was his first physical confrontation on a show.

He has referred to injury-prone Joe Montana as “China Doll,” former Raider Howie Long as “Howard the Duck” and the Kings’ Marty McSorley as “Marty McCash.” He drew criticism last year when he dubbed Monica Seles “T-Bone” after the tennis player was stabbed by a spectator during a tournament.

Everett could not be reached for comment Thursday. He told a Las Vegas television station Wednesday night that he expected “a full apology” from ESPN.