Ralph Macchio is out on "Dancing with the Stars"

LOS ANGELES - This time next week, Hines Ward might have a mirrorball trophy to go along with his two Super Bowl rings. He's one of the three celebs left on "Dancing With the Stars."

Last night, "Karate Kid" Ralph Macchio was voted off. Macchio thanked the fans for their support and his professional partner, Karina Smirnoff. Macchio says he's proud to be Karina's dance partner and even "more proud" to be her friend.

The 49-year-old actor said that some of the comments made Monday by judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli were "rude and disrespectful." Tonioli was briefly bleeped while making his remarks, during which he also referred to Macchio's professional partner, Karina Smirnoff, as "a pussycat." Smirnoff was wearing a leopard-print cat suit for the performance.

"You know I'm disappointed on the way it came down last night, from the perspective of the judges having that kind of influence and being able to award 15 points to one couple and I felt they were harsh and kind of disrespectful in some of their comments toward Karina and myself as opposed to just constructive criticism," Macchio said.

That leaves Ward, and actresses Kirstie Alley and Chelsea Kane to compete in next week's finale.

But there won't be much time to celebrate making it to finals. The couples have to start rehearsing for Monday's show, when they'll do two dances apiece.