Fleeing Bullfighter Arrested For Cowardice

A Mexican torero got one look at the bull entering the ring, and promptly took off running the other way. The police were waiting.

You've got to feel a little bad for Christian Hernandez (though not nearly as bad as you should feel for the bull). Hernandez was badly gored a few months ago, and clearly not mentally ready to return to the ring.

There are some things you must be aware of about yourself," the 22-year-old Mexican matador said in a television interview. "I didn't have the ability, I didn't have the balls, this is not my thing."

In a sight rarely seen in the bravado world of bullfighting, Hernandez made a spin with his red cape at the charging bull, then ran across the ring and leapt headlong over the wall to safety, dropping his cape in the process. The crowd hooted in derision.

Hernandez was arrested for breach of contract, but was able to pay a fine to regain his freedom. His dignity is not so recoverable.

Cowardly bullfighter: Mexican matador flees bull [AP]