The Buffalo Bills faced a double blow during their recent clash with the Philadelphia Eagles, not only falling to a 6-6 record but also witnessing a challenging night for their defensive lineman, Shaq Lawson, who failed to record a tackle in the Week 12 loss. Amidst this individual struggle, Lawson found himself unable to contain his emotions, resulting in a physical altercation with an Eagles fan.
As the NFL takes a stricter stance on player behavior, with J.J. Watt dismissing it as “money stealing,” the Bills organization took preemptive action by charging Lawson before the league could intervene. This move, perhaps aimed at shielding him from potential hefty fines from the NFL.
Bills are fining Shaq Lawson an undisclosed amount
The NFL community found itself embroiled in controversy as defensive end Shaq Lawson faced scrutiny for physically contacting a fan during the Buffalo Bills Week 12 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The incident, captured on video, drew widespread attention and raised questions about the consequences Lawson would face from both the NFL and the Bills organization.
In the aftermath of the incident, Bills general manager Brandon Beane acknowledged that the NFL’s investigation into Lawson’s actions was expected to be ongoing. After the fans’ demand, the league, under the watchful eye of Commissioner Roger Goodell, was tasked with determining the appropriate course of action in response to the player’s physical altercation with a fan, per Gridion Heroics.
Recent reports indicate that two weeks after the incident, the Buffalo Bills have taken internal disciplinary measures by fining Shaq Lawson for his actions in Philadelphia. The fine, of an undisclosed amount, was confirmed by Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, who cited a source familiar with the situation. According to Pelissero, the matter is now considered resolved, and it is unlikely that Lawson will face further discipline from the NFL.
With the internal fine now imposed by the team and the NFL considering the case closed, it appears that Lawson has reached the end of the disciplinary road in this particular incident.
This is not the first time Shaq Lawson has found himself on the receiving end of a fine during his eight-season NFL career. In 2018, he was fined over $33,000 for his involvement in an altercation with then-Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette. It underscores a pattern of behavior that has caught the attention of league officials in the past.
What did Shaq Lawson shove Eagles fan?
In the viral video, Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips can be seen approaching an Eagles fan in the front row, with Lawson joining in and appearing to shove the fan with his right hand. The aftermath of the incident saw Lawson take to Instagram on Monday to provide his perspective on the altercation.
Lawson claimed that the confrontation was sparked by the fan making life-threatening remarks towards him and his teammates, including their families. He revealed that the Bills had sought the intervention of Philadelphia security to remove the fan, but their request went unanswered, and the fan was allowed to stay for the entire game.
“We asked Philadelphia security to remove the fan, but he was allowed to stay for the entire game,” Lawson shared in his Instagram post.
The frustration over the lack of action against the alleged offender seemed to have reached a tipping point, leading to the regrettable incident involving the Bills player.
Despite the physical altercation, Lawson took a moment to apologize for his actions, acknowledging that emotions got the better of him. He recognized the mistake he made in the heat of the moment.
“Eventually, our emotions boiled over, and I made a mistake. For that, I apologize, but there are certain lines that should not be crossed.”
Teammate Jordan Phillips stood in solidarity with Lawson, emphasizing that he would not tolerate anyone making threats against his family. Bills head coach Sean McDermott also addressed the situation on Monday, highlighting that efforts were made to have the fan removed.
What’s your take on Shaq Lawson’s emotional outbreak? Tell us in the comments section.
