GEORGE CLOONEY suffered a bruising tackle at the North American box office Sunday as his new football comedy “Leatherheads” failed to kick the gambling drama “21” from the top spot.

“Leatherheads” took to the field in second place with estimated ticket sales of US$13.5 million for the three days beginning Friday. “21” logged a second weekend at No. 1 with three-day sales of US$15.1 million.

Clooney, 46, directed and starred in “Leatherheads,” a US$58 million farce set in the early days of American professional football. He claims he also rewrote much of Duncan Brantley and Rick Reilly’s script, which had been languishing for 17 years, introducing its screwball tone. But his request for credit was denied by the Writers Guild of America and he resigned from the union as a voting member in protest.

“Leatherheads” marks his first mainstream film as a director. His previous efforts were 2002’s “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” and 2005’s “Good Night, and Good Luck,” which found favor with critics and discerning audiences.

His publicist did not return a message seeking comment.

“Nim’s Island,” based on Wendy Orr’s 2002 novel, stars Abigail Breslin as a girl who lives on a remote volcanic paradise. It debuted at the third place. Also new, at No. 5, was the horror film “The Ruins” with US$7.8 million. (SD-Agencies)