Raiders WR Davante Adams gets misdemeanor assault charges dropped for striking ESPN cameraman

The Las Vegas Raiders have been kicked out of the playoff race due to their poor performance throughout the regular season. The franchise has already fired head coach Josh McDaniels. They are now preparing for the 2024 NFL season under the new HC Antonio Pierce.

Key players like wide receiver Davante Adams now have the chance to recharge themselves to ensure a successful transition period. Besides the on-field struggle, he also got embroiled in a legal battle. However, Adams has not received a relieving update about the controversy.

NFL will not punish Davante Adams for shoving photographer

The NFL has made a decision regarding Davante Adams’ altercation with a photographer after a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022. He will not face any punishment from the league, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The league’s decision not to punish him comes amid ongoing legal proceedings and follows the dismissal of criminal charges.

The altercation occurred as the WR exited the field following a disappointing loss to the Chiefs on October 10, 2022. He shoved Park Zebley, a student who was carrying video equipment for a production company contracted with ESPN to cover the game.

The veteran later issued an apology by acknowledging his frustration and regretting his response to Zebley’s presence on the field. He expressed genuine remorse for his actions.

“Before I say anything, I want to apologize to the guy running off the field and he ran and jumped in front of me. I’m coming off the field and I bumped into him and pushed him. I think he ended up on the ground, so I want to say sorry to him because that was just frustration mixed with him running in front of me and I shouldn’t have responded that way and that’s how I initially responded”, he wrote.

Zebley initially claimed to have feared for his life and reported suffering concussion symptoms due to the shove. However, prosecutors dismissed the misdemeanor assault charge against Davante Adams in June 2023. Despite this, Zebley proceeded to file a lawsuit against the WR, the Raiders, and the Chiefs. The charge also included Jackson Sports Complex Authority and Landmark Event Staffing Services, the trial of which is scheduled for the upcoming summer.

Davante Adams thrilled to play under Luke Getsy

Davante Adams has been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to reunite with Luke Getsy, the newly appointed offensive coordinator for the Raiders. The news of Getsy’s hiring brought some criticism for the Raiders, but it brought a sense of familiarity and excitement to Adams. The WR had collaborated with Getsy for seven out of his eight seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

“That was a good feeling knowing a guy that I’ve worked with..I know how he works, I know how his mind works and we’ve had success together. So it’s definitely exciting,” he said during an interview with ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez.

Davante Adams
Chattanooga Times Free Press

Getsy emphasizes the importance of an innovative offense and a balanced run-pass strategy. Adams is accustomed to and appreciates the system.

“He’s going to be open to hearing things from the veteran players that know how this thing works and the best way to do things. So a lot of different things, but just the open-mindedness and, like I said, that innovation to the offense and a good run-pass balance. And that’s what I’m used to, that West Coast style. Gonna be fun, getting to work on a new system, something that’s a little bit more familiar for us. Me and the guys.”

Davante Adams maintained a formidable performance, despite facing challenges with injuries during the past season. He amassed 103 receptions, 1,144 yards, and scored eight touchdowns in 2023. He will not participate in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las, as his Raiders squad didn’t proceed to the race. However, the receiver remains engaged and committed to adapting to the new system Getsy brings to the Raiders.

Maliha

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Maliha is an insightful sports writer with over a year of experience focusing on the NFL. Initially venturing into both NFL and NBA coverage, her journey began without a particular affinity for American football. However, her passion for the sport blossomed as she started following football more. Now, a huge NFL fan, Maliha meticulously follows every development within the league. She always wants to ensure her analysis is comprehensive and up-to-date to fellow readers.

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