Fox's Glazer: Heckler insulted, spit at Ryan

When the Jets fined Rex Ryan $50,000 for making an obscene gesture at a heckler last weekend, was it justified?

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, who witnessed the incident, said Thursday it would have made more sense for the team to pay the coach than dock him.

"He should get a bonus for showing restraint,'' Glazer said by phone from South Florida, site of Super Bowl XLIV.

PHOTOS: Jets head coach Rex Ryan

MORE: Ryan's top ten quotes

Glazer said a man who appeared to be in his 30s launched profane verbal attacks at Ryan on three separate occasions and even spit at him.

"This guy clearly was trying to start a fight with the head coach of the Jets,'' Glazer said. "I couldn't believe [Ryan] didn't deck him.''

Glazer, a mixed martial arts enthusiast, said he suggested that Ryan attend the event in Sunrise, Fla. - featuring the MMA debut of Herschel Walker - and talk to coaches about training tips that might benefit his players. He said the two were joined by Patrick Willis of the 49ers and Trent Cole of the Eagles.

During an interview the audience could hear, Ryan vowed to beat the Dolphins twice in 2010. But Glazer said the spectator at whom Ryan eventually directed his gesture was unruly all night.

"It's a shame fans think they can go so far over the line,'' said Glazer, who lamented that the incident cast an unfairly negative light on all MMA fans. "This was at a different level from anything I ever, ever have seen - ever.''

Glazer said he shared his story with the NFL office and told it on Fox's Web site and the NFL Network early this week. It became more widely known in New York after he recounted it on WFAN Thursday.

PHOTOS: Jets head coach Rex Ryan

MORE: Ryan's top ten quotes