The San Francisco 49ers were left reeling Thursday night when linebacker De’Vondre Campbell made an unprecedented decision to walk off the field mid-game, refusing to play during the team’s 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
The shocking and inexcusable move unfolded during the third quarter with the 49ers struggling against the Rams.
Campbell, a 2021 All-Pro linebacker and veteran presence on the team, informed the coaching staff he “didn’t want to play” and promptly left the field for the locker room.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t mince words in his post-game comments, expressing both frustration and finality over Campbell’s selfish decision.
“He said he didn’t want to play today,” Shanahan said. “When someone says that, you move on. You don’t deal with that anymore. That’s somebody who doesn’t want to play football, that’s pretty simple.”
Shanahan confirmed that Campbell gave no reason for his abrupt departure, leaving both the coaching staff and teammates baffled.
“I think our team and myself, we know how we feel about that. I don’t think we need to talk about him anymore.”
While Campbell didn’t explain his actions, some have speculated that his frustration stemmed from the return of linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Greenlaw, who had been sidelined since the Super Bowl due to an Achilles injury, reclaimed his starting role against the Rams, reducing Campbell to a reserve position.
Before Thursday, Campbell had started 12 of the 49ers’ 13 games this season, but his role and on-field production had steadily declined.
Against the Rams, he failed to record any stats, a stark contrast to his previously significant contributions.
Greenlaw ended up leaving the game, making the need for Campbell even more important. However, the veteran decided to quit, leaving his teammates stunned and disgusted.
Tight end George Kittle called Campbell’s decision “immature” and “stupid.”
“I’m a leader on the team, and if that is something that is being a distraction on the sideline, I would’ve loved to voice my own opinion in the moment,” Kittle said.
“We’re past that moment. So, it doesn’t matter what I wish I could have said or wish I could have done, but I don’t like distractions on the sideline.
“I think that’s ignorant. And I think it’s just dumb. It’s just stupid, and it’s very immature. I just don’t see how you could do something like that to your team.
“It’s one person making a selfish decision. I’ve never been around anybody that’s ever done that, and I hope I’m never around anybody who does that again.”
Cornerback Charvarius Ward echoed similar sentiments, criticizing Campbell for not addressing the issue before suiting up for the game.
“He’s a professional. He’s been playing for a long time. If he didn’t want to play, he shouldn’t have dressed out. He could have told them that before the game,” Ward said.
“I feel like that was some sucka sh*t that he did. It definitely hurt the team. Dee went down and we needed a linebacker. … So, for him to do that, that’s some sucka stuff to me, in my opinion.
Ward went on to state the obvious, saying, “he’s probably going to get cut soon, so it is what it is with that.”
Last night was a must-win for the 49ers to have any realistic shot at making the playoffs.
It’s been an extremely disappointing season in San Francisco. Despite being one of the most talented teams in the league, the Niners have been doomed by injuries and late-game collapses.
One of the major reasons for their sustained success the past several years has been how tight-knit of a team they’ve been.
In a way, it was encouraging to see virtually every 49ers condemn what Campbell did. But the fact he actually did it was shocking to see.
What are your thoughts on the bizarre situation?
In the bigger picture, what does Shanahan and GM John Lynch need to do going forward???
