NFL star Davante Adams charged with assault for shoving photographer
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NFL star Davante Adams has been charged with misdemeanour assault after violently shoving a photographer to the ground.
ESPN reports that the Raiders player was cited for ‘intentional, over act’ that inflicted ‘bodily injury’, according to court records.
In the wake of the Las Vegas Raiders' 30-29 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs, Adams' temper got the better of him and he lashed out at a bystander as he made his way from the field.
The force of the push sent the person crashing to the ground, all while Adams himself casually walked away into the tunnel.
Davante Adams was visibly upset after the Raiders’ loss to the Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/XW2fmx6adJ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 11, 2022
The man, who was identified as Ryan Zebley, suffered whiplash, a headache, and a possible minor concussion due to the incident.
He was working as a freelance photographer for ESPN’s Monday Night Football.
So whilst the wide receiver is used to handling defences on the football field, he will now have to contend with a legal defence in the Municipal Court of Kansas City on November 10.
Adams is facing a jail term of up to six months or a fine of up to $1,000.
The league has yet to address the situation publicly, however, NFL’s Tom Pelissero reported that they are looking into the incident and a suspension may be on the table.
However, as law enforcement is involved they may wait until legal proceedings wrap up, in accordance with the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy.
BREAKING: Raiders WR Davante Adams cited for assault in Kansas City, MO, after pushing a photographer while leaving the field in the Chiefs' Monday night win against Las Vegas. Here's a copy of the citation, filed in KC Municipal Court. pic.twitter.com/0JYxABuHOY
— Shain Bergan (@ShainKCTV) October 12, 2022
If he doesn’t cop a suspension, there is a likelihood that Adams will be fined for the shove.
Speaking in the locker room after the game, the wide receiver told media: "I want to apologise to the guy.
“There was some guy running off the field, and he ran, like, jumped in front of me coming off the field and I bumped into him, kind of pushed him, and he ended up on the ground.
"So I wanted to say sorry to him for that because that was just frustration mixed with him literally just running in front of me.
“I shouldn't have responded that way, but that's how I initially responded. So, I want to apologise to him for that."
Raider head coach Josh McDaniels also spoke about the incident in his press conference.
"I know that was an unfortunate situation," McDaniels said.
"We obviously don't want any of our guys to be doing anything like that. He knows that. He's very well aware of that.
"But I know the person. I don't think there was any intent behind it on his part. But whatever they [the NFL] ask of us, whatever they need from us, obviously, we'll comply."
Featured Image Credit: Cal Sport Media / Alamy. @cjzero/Twitter.
Topics: NFL, US Sports, Australia, American Football
