Rocky Bernard

Infobox NFLactive


currentteam=Seattle Seahawks
currentnumber=99
currentpositionplain=Defensive tackle
birthdate=birth date and age|1979|4|19
birthplace=Baytown, Texas
heightft=6
heightin=3
weight=308
debutyear=2002
debutteam=Seattle Seahawks
college=Texas A&M
draftyear=2002
draftround=5
draftpick=146
pastteams=
* Seattle Seahawks (2002-present)
statweek=17
statseason=2007
statlabel1=Tackles
statvalue1=225
statlabel2=Sacks
statvalue2=25.0
statlabel3=INTs
statvalue3=0
nfl=BER235952

Robert Eugene Bernard, Jr.cite web|title=Bernard on Pro-Football-Reference |work=pro-football-reference.com |url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BernRo20.htm |accessdate=2008-01-31] (born April 19, 1979 in Baytown, Texas) is a current American defensive tackle who has played for the Seattle Seahawks since 2002.

Bernard was drafted by the Seahawks in the 5th round of the 2002 NFL Draft after a college career in Texas A&M. Bernard was mostly used as a backup in his first three seasons in the league before becoming the starting defensive tackle in 2005, earning 8.5 sacks with two more in the NFC Championship Game against the Carolina Panthers. Bernard amassed a total of forty-two tackles in the 2005 season.

He is very well known for his breathtaking sack celebrations. The dance he performs after a sack is called "The Sugar Bear Shake".

uspension

On Saturday, August 30, 2008, the National Football League suspended Bernard for the Seahawks' 2008 season opener for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Bernard was arrested in April on investigation of domestic violence. He alledgedly punched his ex-girlfriend in the forehead. He will lose $235,000 in salary for the suspension. [cite news|url=http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/seahawks/2008/08/30/babineaux_bernard_suspended_for_buffalo_|title=Babineaux, Bernard suspended for Buffalo game|publisher="The News Tribune"|accessdate=2008-08-31|date=2008-08-31|author=Hughes, Frank]

References