The San Francisco 49ers plan to suspend linebacker De'Vondre Campbell for three games. NFL insider Ian Rapoport first broke the news on Sunday morning, calling suspension the likely outcome. On Monday, Rapoport confirmed the 49ers' final decision.
The controversy stems from Campbell's refusal to enter last week's game against the Los Angeles Rams in the third quarter. Reportedly frustrated after being demoted from his starting role following Dre Greenlaw's return from injury, Campbell left the sideline and retreated to the locker room.
FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer later revealed that it was general manager John Lynch who told Campbell to leave the field.
"John Lynch actually went down there in the fourth quarter and confronted him on saying you don't want to go in the game," Glazer said on-air.
Campbell's actions have drawn widespread criticism from fans, the media, and even his teammates.
"So, I feel like that was some sucker s--t that he did," cornerback Charvarius Ward said after the game. "Definitely hurt the team because [LB] Dee [Winters] went down, and we needed a linebacker. And I think [LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles] was banged up, too.
"So, for him to do that, that's some selfish stuff to me, in my opinion. Probably gonna be cut soon, so it is what it is with that."
Tight end George Kittle echoed Ward's sentiments.
"I think it's just dumb," Kittle said. "It's just stupid, and it's very immature. And I just don't see how you can do something like that to your team."