AL QB Greg McElroy, #12, flips bird, gives middle finger salute in Iron Bowl 75 – *UPDATED* WITH VIDEO!!

The Iron Bowl is THE most intense rivalry of all sports rivalries… bar none.

There is absolutely NO QUESTION that is is even MORE intense than the Auburn v Georgia football rivalry, which has existed consistently far longer than the annual intrastate Auburn v Alabama football game known as the “Iron Bowl.”

Last Friday’s 75th annual match-up between the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide was definitely one for the record books, as have been many of the games. For example, Auburn’s comeback to a 28-27 victory from a 24 point deficit at halftime was unparalleled in Auburn collegiate football history – particularly against arch rival Alabama.

However, in every game of every sport – no matter whether collegiate, professional, or Olympic – sportsmanship is an integral part of the game. It means not only being a “gracious loser,” it means being conducting oneself upon the field of play in a manner that reflects not only upstanding and high character, but adherence to the spirit of the rules, as well.

That’s but one reason why Auburn’s Defensive Tackle, #90, Nick Fairley was resoundingly criticized for his late hit to the back of UGA’s QB, and justly penalized 15 yards.

Fast forward to Iron Bowl LXXV (75).

The Crimson Tide played a good game, and as is often said, “all bets are off when the Iron Bowl is played.” Even the odds makers in the USA and Great Britain placed the point spread between 3-5 points for Auburn, with some splitting the difference at 4.5. And yet, Auburn’s one point victory, proved even expert odds makers wrong. Similarly, no one could have predicted the Crimson Tide making consecutive first downs in what seemed to be a march toward victory every time they had possession of the ball in the first quarter.

The Crimson Tide’s 21 point lead at the end of the first quarter of play led many to wonder if the game was over for Auburn. Fortunately, it was not, for Head Coach Gene Chizik, whose winning record from a 10-point-deficit showed not only his winning strategies, but Auburn’s mettle, as well.

What was dismaying, was what some may have wondered if indeed they saw what they thought they saw.

After Alabama Quarterback Greg McElroy, #12, had just completed a drive and scoring pass at the end of the first quarter for Alabama’s 21 point lead, CBS television cameras focused upon McElroy ever-so-briefly, and then quickly switched to another scene. It was one of those “Did I see what I thought I saw?” moments. Thank goodness for DVR, eh?

Greg McElroy made and obscene gesture, the “middle finger salute” to the Auburn team.

It’s unmistakable.

Here are the pictures.

Alabama Quarterback Greg McElroy, #12, makes obscene gesture to Auburn team after AL's 3d touchdown at end of 1st quarter.

Here's a close-up. Notice how the fingers on the outside of his hand very much appear to be bent downward.

*UPDATE*
Tuesday November 30, 2010

Here’s slow-motion video of the event.