‘Nothing Malicious’: Pittsburgh Steelers DT on Seemingly Punching Justin Herbert
Follow Us
Pittsburgh Steelers defense had enough after suffering all the blows from the Justin Herbert led Los Angeles Chargers wave after wave. And so the Steelers defensive captain Cameron Heyward seemed to have tackled down the Chargers quarterback and apparently punch him in the stomach.
Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chargers filled the fourth quarter play with frustration and heated plays all the time. But the apparent punch thrown by the defensive captain Cameron Heyward to Justin Herbert took the heat to another level. For that aggressive action the tackle could have gotten ejected, it could even bear Heyward some cost of money after the NFL reviews the play.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Cameron Heyward on the alleged punching incident
Although the defensive tackle has something else to say. According to him, the play looked as if he had punched Justin when, in fact, his other hand was stuck and when he tried to get up, he fell right at the quarterback, making it look as if he had punched him. And when watching it in slow motion, it seems even worse.
Steelers DT Cameron Heyward says the play on which he appeared to punch Justin Herbert on the ground was just a misunderstanding that looked weird on TV: pic.twitter.com/Y0EGoDsrRf
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) November 22, 2021
“To be honest, I was running after the ball and I caught my hand under so when I was trying to get back up, I couldn’t get up and I fell back on him,” Heyward said. “I know it looks terrible. There was nothing malicious behind it. I don’t think I was trying to punch him.”
Trending
Antonio Brown Unveils “Caitlin Clark’s Hair Force One’s” in Another Insulting Attack, Hours After Being Blocked
April 19, 2024 05:57 PM EDT
Who Is Kristen Louelle Gaffney, Donald Trump Supporter & SI Model Wife of Former Patriots Star Tyler Gaffney?
February 23, 2024 02:01 PM EST
Where Is Russell Wilson’s Ex-partner Ashton Meem Now? Everything We Know About Broncos QB’s First Wife
November 20, 2023 04:39 AM EST
Controversial Antonio Brown Launches Another Attack on Caitlin Clark With Vulgar Jab
April 18, 2024 01:45 PM EDT
Who Are the Parents of Caleb Williams? A Glimpse Into the Childhood of USC Trojans’ Star
March 02, 2024 06:02 PM EST
Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“I know it looks worse than it is in slow motion,” Heyward said. “I’m sorry if I did anything to offend anybody. I wish I said more to Justin after it but there was nothing behind it.”
Shocked Cam Heyward didn’t get ejected for a punch on Justin Herbert #PITvsLAC pic.twitter.com/XAkrRC09LJ
— Tony Clements (@TonyCMKE) November 22, 2021
Justin Herbert in response to the punch
The officials did not think of the play to be ejection worthy, as it almost seemed that Cameron tripped on the quarterback. “It just didn’t look like it rose to the level of a foul that would result in a disqualification,” NFL senior vice president of officiating Walt Anderson explained in a pool report.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, it did not matter to Justin Herbert as he shrugged it off like nothing had happened. “He’s a tough player. Football’s an emotional game. Whatever happened, happened. We’ll shake hands and say, ‘Good game’ after the game,” he said.
please look at where Justin Herbert threw this ball and where Mike Williams caught it pic.twitter.com/lIGhKOzgSg
— ric sanchez (@ricsanchez) November 7, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Chargers dominated almost the entire game, however the Steelers took a lead briefly in the fourth quarter of the game with just 3:24 minutes’ time left in the timer. But the Chargers scored the game.
WATCH: Clyde Edwards-Helaire Becomes Latest NFL Taunting Rule Victim for ‘Pointing’ at his Opponent