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It would have been easy for the San Francisco 49ers to cut linebacker De’Vondre Campbell after he refused to enter Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. But the Niners and general manager John Lynch, who personally confronted Campbell on the sidelines, had a better idea.
The 49ers plan to suspended Campbell for the remainder of the regular season, according to a report from ESPN. In doing so, San Francisco could recoup some of the Campbell’s $3.35 million signing bonus on his one year deal. But wait, there’s more. Because they did not release Campbell, it means that he cannot be picked up off waivers by another team, which would allow him to play out the remainder of the season and potentially the postseason.
FOX NFL Sunday reporter Jay Glazer hinted at the punishment during Sunday’s pregame show.
#49ers John Lynch confronted De’Vondre Campbell and kicked him off the sideline after learning the LB refused to enter the game, per @JayGlazer
The team is looking to suspend him the maximum amount so he does not get paid or have a chance to sign with another team pic.twitter.com/AFnJCQg1cb
— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners) December 15, 2024
After the game, which San Francisco lost 12-6, all but ending its playoff hopes, both Niners coach Kyle Shanahan and star tight end George Kittle ripped into Campbell.
“His actions from the game are not something you can do to your team or your teammates and still expect to be a part of the team,” Shanahan said.
Kittle was even harsher.
“Whatever his decision was, it wasn’t for this organization, it wasn’t for this team, and that’s on him,” he said in his postgame press conference, “Not very happy about it. I would have had something to say. I wish I heard about it on the field, but I didn’t.
“I’ve never been around anybody that’s ever done that, and I hope I’m never around anyone that does that again.”
Both have a fair point, and now Campbell is dealing with the consequences of his own actions