Let’s put our rivalries aside for just a moment to congratulate this young man from Oregon.

Taking action in a serious situation sounds easy, and it looks easy, but it’s not easy. Thus, Oregon guard Mark Asper is obviously a helluva young man, and good on ‘im for it.

An Oregon football player helped a choking diner during the traditional Beef Bowl, which brings the teams playing in the Rose Bowl to Lawry’s in Beverly Hills for prime rib.

City News Service says Paul Diamond began choking a bit while eating Wednesday.

Oregon guard Mark Asper performed the Heimlich maneuver on Diamond, helping him cough the meat up.

Rumors that Asper simply wanted Diamond to share more of his steak are completely unfounded, and should not be repeated under any circumstances. The young offensive lineman was just trying to help.

But hang on a sec…

Diamond says he was breathing throughout and not in too much distress, describing it as “not a big deal.”

It’s been a long time since I’ve had any first aid training, but…isn’t it true that if the victim is breathing, the Heimlich isn’t necessary? That it could actually do more harm than good?

I seem to remember that.

Could it be that the young Mr. Asper is overly concerned about choking for some reason?