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In the midst of the grueling NFL training camps, where players endure the scorching heat and long hours of practice, tempers can sometimes flare up, leading to heated exchanges and altercations.
On Tuesday, during a Las Vegas Raiders‘ training session, a “chippy” incident unfolded between the team’s starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, and star defensive end, Maxx Crosby, shedding light on the intensity of the preparations for the upcoming season.
According to reports from The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, tensions boiled over during an 11-on-11 drill as Garoppolo and Crosby got entangled in a heated exchange.
(The laps thing isn't new; they started it last year as punishment for when guys mess up) https://t.co/UqwjHwMpTB
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) August 1, 2023
The incident didn’t escalate into a full-blown fight, as cooler heads prevailed. Instead, as per an established team disciplinary measure, Crosby was punished by having to run a lap as a consequence for the altercation.
In hindsight, there might have been indications that the clash was brewing beneath the surface. Last week, Crosby himself had commented on Garoppolo’s talkative nature during workouts and practice, acknowledging that the quarterback was not one to hold back when expressing himself on the field.
Despite describing Garoppolo as a “dog” and expressing admiration for his attitude, Crosby’s perspective seemed to have shifted during Tuesday’s practice, leading to the intense moment between the two players.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting certain boundaries during training camp. Rule number one is to avoid contact with the quarterback when they are wearing the designated red jersey, signifying their off-limits status.
These rules are put in place to protect the key players and minimize the risk of injuries during practice sessions.
As the Raiders gear up for the upcoming NFL season, it’s crucial for the team to harness their competitive spirits and work together cohesively.
While a bit of spirited rivalry can sometimes be beneficial for pushing players to excel, it is essential to strike a balance and maintain a positive atmosphere within the team.