Kudos to Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Eric Winston for defending his quarterback, Matt Cassel, after Sunday’s 9-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Winston lashed out at those fans who cheered when Cassel was knocked out with what appeared to be a concussion.

“It’s 100 percent sickening,” Winston was quoted after the game. “I’ve never, ever — and I’ve been on some rough teams — I’ve never been more embarrassed in my life to play football than at that moment right there.

“I get emotional about it because these guys, they work their butts off. Matt Cassel hasn’t done anything to you people,” Winston added.

He went on to mention that if Cassel is not the best quarterback, OK, that’s fine, but don’t boo a player because he’s injured, presumedly, something that could affect his health and ability to play.

Cassel would eventually leave the field and the injury was deemed a concussion, but sadly, this is what our society has come to.

Fans have a sense of entitlement: Because they pay a lot of money to watch the games, or even sit at home and blog derogatory things and send it into the stratosphere, that this is their right.

But where do you draw the line?

Unlike former Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens crying to the media on defending the play of his signal caller Tony Romo — “That’s my quarterback...” — Winston went even further, admonishing the fans for their callous attitude.

Cassel, who had thrown a pair of interceptions and fumbled twice, was drilled by Ravens Haloti Ngata and was writhing on the ground in obvious discomfort.

What’s stunning is that it was Kansas City, America’s heartland, cheering as its own player was injured. Expect the, “Hey, we really care. Don’t let a few bad apples ruin it for all of us,” speech to follow soon.

You know, you could envision that in say, New York — sorry, but you could see that, couldn’t you? — and definitely in Philadelphia, which cheered when Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin was laid out on the turf and had to leave the game on a stretcher.

Ah, Philly, where they still take a beating for booing Santa Claus — you don’t diss Santa — which is probably why they went 25 years without a title in all four major sports leagues before the Phillies won the World Series a few seasons ago.

I would never, under any circumstance, ever cheer for a player getting injured, especially if it was of a serious nature.

For example: I’ve never been a particularly big Ray Lewis fan, perhaps because he’s a Ravens linebacker, but I always love the passion he brings to the sport, especially, now at his age. But, I would never, ever, cheer if he suffered an injury — whether of the serious variety or not.

These players do something I could never imagine doing, so for that, they all have my respect and admiration.

To boo a potential life-threatening or serious injury, that’s a line I won’t cross. I always thought if I did, I wouldn’t deserve to watch the game.

Those who booed in Kansas City, consider your fancards revoked.

Sam Tallarico is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.