Hot! Polar Bear Plunge

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco defintely won't be joining Saturday's 16th annual MSP Polar Bear Plunge , citing personal reasons.

"We're frustrated he / she will not coming this particular weekend, nonetheless most of us without doubt understand," explained Kelly Schniedwind, a spokeswoman to get Special Olympics Maryland. "He should a whole lot for all of us in the year."

Schniedwind mentioned Flacco possesses obtained the actual Polar Bear Plunge about three occasions and often attends the corporation's the summer months games. She said he / she often takes period to supply autographs to and fulfill using the athletes.

Ravens spokesman Kevin Byrne said the actual group "understands his / her decision." But numerous posters on Facebook have not proved as sympathetic. The primary post, which will journeyed upward Wednesday morning, provides plenty of comments, numerous crucial of his decision. "Way to help disappoint these Joe," composed one. "He ought to be happy with the best way considerably some people got," wrote another, "and not really possibly be such a poor sport."

Other posters, however, have rallied that will Flacco's defense. "Give the particular guy a break just for once," one particular wrote. Chimed within another, "If you will be offended by his absence this place time, transfer on. It's possibly not in relation to you."

Some 12,000 individuals emerged that will previous year's plunge, hurling by themselves in to the icy frosty Chesapeake Bay to raise money pertaining to Special Olympics. While Flacco's judgement to help miss in 2010 may well disappoint a number of people, Schniedwind said, organizers don't believe it will have high of a strong effect on work at this year's event.

The tumble "is seriously all about Special Olympics in addition to this some athletes that supports," your lady said. "I don't believe a lot of people are available just simply to see a particular person. It's regarding very much above that."

The event, sponsored each year from the Maryland State Police to be able to gain Special Olympics Maryland, is Saturday at Sandy Point State Park. Official plunges take place from 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.