Montee Ball Will Sit Out Denver Home Games Due to Fear of Heights

Denver Broncos’ rookie-running back Montee Ball has proven himself to be one of the most accomplished college players of all time. At the University of Wisconsin, Ball rushed for 5,140 yards and an NCAA FBS record 77 touchdowns. However, don't expect to see him on the field in Denver this season.

Unfortunately, John Elway failed to do his homework. Ball has Acrophobia: a severe fear of heights.

“It’s scary man,” said Ball. “I heard a bunch of the guys talking about how high the stadium in Denver is and I got to thinking… what if I fell?”

Broncos head coach John Fox was disappointed to learn the news, saying that he hopes Ball will reconsider and give it a shot. “I know Montee is really nervous about having to play in Denver, but I really think if he just goes out there and plays, he'll forget about it,” Fox told reporters outside the Broncos Training Facility in Englewood, Co.

John Elway, Executive Vice President of Football Operations, was not nearly as sympathetic to Ball’s demands. “I really don’t have time for his bullshit,” the angry former-Bronco yelled. “I released Willis [McGahee] the other day because I expected to have Montee playing in 16 games next season. If he thinks he’s going to sit out because of this nonsense, he’s in for a rude awakening. You can’t fall off a fucking cliff because you’re in Denver. Is he serious?”

Montee Ball said his fear of heights stems from a trip to Disney World when he was a kid. “You know the Tower of Terror? That big old elevator? I went on that with my sister and I just remember screaming the whole time, I think I blacked out. I told myself I would never do anything like that again.”

When asked about Elway’s comments, Ball said he plans to talk to him privately and figure out the best course of action. “I know John will understand,” said Ball. “I mean they used to call that place Mile High, right? I can't imagine being that high. It would just be way too much.”

Fellow Bronco running back Knowshon Moreno said that the team would have Ball’s back if he decides not to suit up.

“If the man is afraid of heights, who am I to say he should be forced to go out there?” The former University of Georgia standout gave a keen smile as he high-fived Ronnie Hillman, presumably due to the increase in carries they will get on Denver home games. “Sometimes people think because we’re athletes, we should be superheroes. We are people, man. Montee shouldn’t have to do anything he doesn’t want to," Moreno chuckled as he walked away.

As for Ball, he knows at the end of the day, people will understand what he is going through and not judge him for it. “I’m not the first person to be afraid of heights,” said Ball. “I’m just comfortable admitting it and doing something about it. I think people will respect that, and if they can’t, it just speaks to them as people.”

Elway and Ball plan to meet next week to solve these issues. We will update you as we learn more.