San Francisco 49ers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell’s refusal to play during the team’s Thursday night loss to the Los Angeles Rams has sparked major backlash within the organization. The 49ers were already dealing with the absence of key players due to injuries, and Campbell’s decision not to take the field in a crucial moment only added to their struggles.
Campbell, who had signed a one-year deal with the 49ers and played an important role in their defense this season, was not slated to start the game due to the return of star linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Greenlaw had been recovering from an Achilles injury and made his season debut, but experienced some knee soreness in the third quarter, prompting the 49ers to pull him from the game.
The 49ers’ coaching staff attempted to have Campbell fill in for Greenlaw, but head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that Campbell refused to play. Shanahan expressed his frustration, stating that Campbell’s attitude was one of someone who didn’t want to play football and that the team would move on from him. His comments indicated that Campbell’s future with the team could be in jeopardy.
In the wake of Campbell’s refusal to play, the 49ers were forced to insert Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles into the game, even though he had limited experience and had only recorded seven tackles all season. Meanwhile, Campbell, who had started 12 games and racked up 79 total tackles, watched from the sideline, leaving his team shorthanded during a tight game.
Veteran players like tight end George Kittle voiced their disapproval of Campbell’s actions, calling his behavior selfish. Kittle expressed that it was the first time he had encountered a teammate making such a decision, and emphasized the disappointment felt by the team. Other players, including defensive back Charvarius Ward, echoed similar sentiments, with Ward calling Campbell’s refusal to play “some sucker s–” and predicting that the linebacker would likely be cut from the team.
Campbell’s refusal to step up for his team, especially in a close game the 49ers ultimately lost 12-6, is likely to have long-term consequences for his career in San Francisco. Shanahan’s harsh words, along with the reactions of veteran players, signal that Campbell’s days with the 49ers may be numbered. This situation is likely to be a turning point in Campbell’s tenure with the team.
Interestingly, this was not the first time Campbell’s commitment to the game had been called into question. Prior social media posts from the linebacker had gone viral, with some fans pointing out that he had previously considered quitting football. This history of doubts about his dedication to the game only adds to the controversy surrounding his actions on Thursday night.
