When a protesting fan ran onto the field during the San Francisco 49ers’ Monday night home game against the Rams, Bobby Wagner did not hesitate to remove the man from the premises.
Prior to halftime, the protestor ran onto Levi Stadium’s field while waving a device emitting pink smoke. Alongside his teammate Takk McKinley, the linebacker helped contain the situation by flattening the fan.
Since the incident, Santa Clara Police Department Lt. Cuong Phan confirmed to The Associated Press that the man filed a police report against Wagner. Few details were provided due to the case being an active investigation.
When asked about the incident, Wagner had no qualms about his decision to tackle the man on the field. “It is what it is,” said the NFL player. “It’s behind me. I ain’t really focused on it. I’m more concerned about the security guard that was hurt trying to chase him.”
Continuing, he explained that he was attempting to keep his teammates and other fans in the area safe. “We don’t know what that (pink smoke) is. You’ve just got to do what you’ve got to do,” he commented. “You just never know.”
“People run on the field for no reason sometimes. Again, pretty sure it’s going to keep happening, but you never know what that person has got in their pocket, their hands, whatever. … There’s consequences for your actions,” Wagner added. And, if it wasn’t the linebacker who made the tackle, it was likely going to be another player. The Rams player relayed, “I think a lot of players want to do it, too.”
Bobby Wagner’s NFL circle celebrates his decision to tackle the protesting fan
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In addition, Wagner garnered the support of his teammates and coaches. According to Sean McVay, head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, the player’s actions were widely celebrated. “I think that we all know where Bobby’s intentions were, and I support Bobby Wagner,” McVay stated. “I don’t think anybody would disagree.”
Rams teammate Greg Gaines also outwardly supported the linebacker, noting that 32-year-old was just trying to keep everyone safe. “I was scared for my life, (the protester) could have had a bomb,” Gaines shared. “Bobby Wagner saved our lives.”
Even the San Francisco 49ers head coach had to laugh about the situation. “I saw Bobby Wagner take somebody out. That was kind of cool to see,” Kyle Shanahan said after the game.
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