Detroit Lions’ Joseph Fauria Blames Puppy For Injury

By Shane Phillips @ShaneRantSports on September 30, 2014

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When an athlete is injured off the field or court, most associate the injury with drinking or other extra-curricular activities. For Detroit Lions tight end Joseph Fauria, that is not the case, or at least according to him. The 265-pound player blamed his sprained left ankle on his three-month-old Pomeranian-Husky mix, denying that he hurt his ankle playing volleyball or at a bar.

Fauria said that the injury occurred while he was chasing Lil’ Rufio around his apartment and trying to stop the pup from going to the bathroom in the house. He later joked on Twitter about the incident and posted a picture of his puppy.

Now I’m only concentrating on getting back on the field ASAP! Please no death threats to Lil’ Rufio, he’s just a pup! pic.twitter.com/Q1O5QM41RW

— Joseph Fauria (@BigJoeFauria) September 29, 2014

In regards to the rumors surrounding his injury, Fauria responded, “I’m no stranger to rumors. I did get suspended from a school and I know those rumors were around, too.” As far as the volleyball game goes, “I was there supporting my friends and it happened two hours after,” said Fauria.

Yes, there is no question Lil’ Rufio is cute, but in the words of Chris Berman, “Come on, man!” As a dog lover, I understand the importance of potty training a young puppy, but you are a professional athlete and are paid millions to attend practice and play one game a week, 16 games a season. You have so much money — why not pay someone to do this for you?

Fauria also stated that the ankle injury happened while he was going down carpeted stairs and transitioning to hardwood floor. If the pup was not on the carpet, then let him go to the bathroom on the hardwood. It is so much easier to clean it up. Whether or not this story in regards to his injury is true, we will have to take Fauria’s word for it. However, I have no sympathy for him. Lil’ Rufio on the other hand — I’ll adopt him so the Lions can keep their tight end on the field.

Shane Phillips is an NFL Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.