San Francisco 49ers linebacker De'Vondre Campbell has caused a stir within the team after refusing to enter the game during Thursday night's 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. This decision, made just when his team needed him to step up due to injuries, has led to strong reactions from coaches and teammates alike, effectively jeopardizing his future with the organization.
The incident occurred during the pivotal NFC West showdown at Levi's Stadium. Campbell, who had been starting for the majority of the season, was replaced by teammate Dre Greenlaw, returning from injury. When Greenlaw experienced soreness and had to leave the game, Campbell was called upon by head coach Kyle Shanahan. Instead of taking the field, Campbell opted to walk back to the locker room, stating, "He didn’t want to play today,” according to Shanahan.
Shanahan, visibly frustrated, confirmed on Friday, "His actions from the game are not something you can do to your team or teammates and still expect to be part of our team.” It was made clear by the coach's comments and the fallout from teammates following the game, Campbell would not be returning. The coach also indicated the possibility of suspending him or outright releasing him from his one-year, $5 million contract.
The decision by Campbell not only left teammates baffled but also angry. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, who has returned to play after the personal tragedy of losing his one-year-old daughter, expressed disdain for Campbell’s actions. "He’s been playing for a long time. If he didn’t want to play, he shouldn’t have dressed out. ... That’s some sucker stuff to me," Ward said. He added, "Definitely hurt the team, ‘cause you know Dee [Winters] went down and we needed a linebacker."
Tight end George Kittle echoed these sentiments, calling Campbell's actions “stupid” and “immature.” He stated, “It’s one person making a selfish decision. I’ve never been around anybody who’s ever done anything like this, and I hope I’m never around anybody who does this again.” Kittle also noted, “It’s hard to win football games when someone doesn’t want to play football.”
The 49ers’ struggles were amplified by the loss to the Rams, which virtually dashed their playoff hopes, leaving them with a record of 6-8. The team depended on Campbell to be ready to step up, especially with Greenlaw's injury requiring more players to fill the gap.
While Campbell had been performing as well as expected earlier this season, his outburst has plummeted his reputation among teammates and raised questions about his commitment to the team. Analysts speculate the 49ers might opt to suspend him for conduct detrimental to the team, especially since she could potentially cost the organization some of his signing bonus.
The situation has sparked debate not just among teammates and coaches but across the NFL, garnering reactions from various former players and commentators. Former NFL cornerback Richard Sherman noted, “You quit on your team and you can't do this in the NFL.” Others went even as far as branding Campbell’s actions as disgraceful, with ESPN pundits labeling them unacceptable.
Campbell's career will likely hang in the balance; with Thursday's loss and the surrounding controversy, the 49ers must decide how they will handle the situation heading forward. Many anticipate the turning point for Campbell's tenure with the 49ers has already arrived. The choice remains whether the team will officially release him or still explore options for suspension.
This incident serves as another vignette highlighting how one player's near-indifference can send ripples throughout the locker room and dramatically affect team morale, especially during such trying times when players are rallying through injuries and personal hardships.
With the season dwindling down and only three games left, the team must regroup to understand where they go from here. Campbell’s decision has put not just his future on the team but the 49ers' aspirations this season under scrutiny. Perhaps the question remains: how will the team react not just to this situation, but also to whatever changes might occur as they assess who truly wants to be part of the 49ers as the season begins to wind down?
