San Diego, CA -- For years, football teams have been celebrating victories by pouring the sideline cooler of Gatorade over their coaches' heads.

It's all done in fun, but a licensed acupuncturist in San Diego is warning that it's a potentially deadly ritual.

Eugene Iwasa says the danger lies in the cold liquid making contact with two acupuncture points on the neck and back which are particularly vulnerable to what Iwasa calls "pathogenic factors of cold and wind."

He says an icy Gatorade bath inhibits the flow of blood and "chi," or energy, to these areas, leading to possible headaches, neck pain, back pain or colds.

Even worse, a coach could get pneumonia and die -- which is what happened to former Washington Redskins coach George Allen after players doused him with Gatorade in 1990.

Iwasa says it's time the tradition came to an end, and jokes players should dunk their coaches in soothing warm tea instead.

Bookmarking & Link Destinations

Discover a rich world filled with incredible fun in this new adventure for all ages. Part three of the ultimate jewel matching series!

More Weird News From 2003-01-07 The day's stories from around the world. Around The Weird - Bizarre News Briefs for January 7th, 2003 Football-Maker Still Fiddling Around With The Balls Presidential 'N-Factor' Favors Sharpton Over Bush Rose Marie Won't Sing Praises Of Today's Singers Your Doctor May Be An E.T. M.D. Actor James Franco Talks Leopard-Print Thongs Meet Bathroom Advertising's Whiz Kid Eminem's Mentor Speaks About '8-Mile' American Cars Are In The Innovative Slow Lane Football Coaches: Just Say No To Gatorade Baths Flash Lites January 7th, 2003 - Rip 'N' Read Recap « Current Weird News Stories

Watch one of our weird and wacky online videos. Hunt The Wild Pope Warthog licks it ... new videos »   ... top watched »   ... editor's picks »