Blake / Wilson Kafuffle Gets A Little Hairy

Yes, Casey Blake did his part yesterday, by telling the press that his imitation of Brian Wilson's demonstrative gesture wasn't intended to slight Wilson's late father or current faith. As reported by the SF Comical, which attributed its news to the LA Times (is there a newspaper around here who can fund a sports reporter, please!):

[Blake said,] "I'm not here to disrespect anybody on a personal level. Had I or anybody known that it was a religious deal or honored his father, I mean obviously you're not going to mock that or disrespect that in any regard.

"All the other teams see after a victory or after a save, he does it. Not knowing what it's about, you just see that. I didn't know what it was about. I did it back. I didn't really do it back to him. I did it in the dugout. Should I have done it? Probably not. It was kind of uncharacteristic of me.

"I was excited. I was supposed to have the day off. I came in and had a big homer. I was excited. I got out of my box a little bit. Apparently they got real upset over it. Whatever."

At the same time, though, Blake called Wilson out for his histrionics, which he can apparently dish out but not take:

[Blake] also wouldn't say whether he'd apologize.

"If he's going to do that on the mound, obviously there's other closers and other players that do certain things on the field. If they can't handle somebody doing it back to them, then that's their deal," Blake said.

And, if wire reports are to be believed, Wilson saw that Blake quote (actually, pictures of the quote were sent in text messages to Wilson's phone), and went nuts. He immediately ran to the offices of the Contra Costa Times, banging furiously on the newsroom's office doors (they closed at 5pm, but the security guard took a message), to tell the press that he's fighting back:

"You tell Casey, that if he wants to get serious, I'll make a gesture," Wilson told the Contra Costa Times front desk security guard. "I'll outgrow that f'n beard of his and show him who's boss! I know a thing or two about facial hair myself, dude." Wilson then crossed his arms in anger and walked off.

"That dude was not a happy guy," said the security guard, by this time confused about who might be reporting this news if the staff had indeed gone home for the day. "Even though he's only got that little nubbin on his chin, I saw the crazed look in his eyes, man. I really think he could do it, that he could grow a bigger beard than Casey Blake."

"That is one guy I would not want to meet in a dark alley," continued the guard. "At least, not without a pair of Suvorna 6.25" Professional Barber Razor Edge Hair Cutting Shears. And some Vulfix Luxury Shaving Cream, I might add."

Blake was unavailable for comment, but did stand there, quietly rubbing his hand on his hirsute chin. And rolling his eyes.

photos: Blake-AP; Wilson-I assume ESPN