Nigel Pearson apologises for calling journalist an ostrich
Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson apologised for the tirade he directed at a journalist following his team's loss to Chelsea on Wednesday.
Pearson was agitated following a question from Ian Baker of the Wardle Whittell Agency, suggesting he was an ostrich after Baker asked Pearson to elaborate on the criticism directed towards the struggling Premier League team.
"I apologise for last night, Ian. I wanted to do it straight away in front of the cameras," Pearson said to Baker and a group of reporters ahead of Leicester's weekend encounter with Newcastle United.
I have accepted the apology. Fair play to him for being big enough to apologise. #lcfc
— Ian Baker (@ianbakersport) April 30, 2015
Pearson blames his frustration on losing 3-1 to Chelsea, saying that his emotions got the better of him during the rant, where he also called Baker "stupid" and "daft."
"It's emotion more than anything. I'm not afraid of showing my emotions," Pearson explained.
"I get labeled with certain titles which is people's prerogative and I also accept when I've stepped out of line so it is only right to apologise.
"I'm not trying to win any popularity contest and don't think I will be in the running for any of that."
Leicester are currently in the midst of fighting for their Premier League survival. Before losing to Chelsea, the club enjoyed a nice run where they recorded four straight league victories and currently sit one point above the final relegation spot.
The BBC provides a transcript of Wednesday's exchange:
Baker: What criticism are you talking about?
Pearson: Have you been on holiday for six months? Have you been away for six months?
Baker: I am not quite sure what specific criticism you are referring to?
Pearson: I think you must have been either head in the clouds or away on holiday or reporting on a different team because if you don't know the answer to that question ... your question is absolutely unbelievable ... the fact you do not understand where I am coming from. If you don't know the answer to that question, then I think you are an ostrich. Your head must be in the sand. Is your head in the sand? Are you flexible enough to get your head in the sand? My suspicion would be 'no.'