'Completely intentional': Outrage over NFL star's 'dirty' act
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones has been condemned by NFL fans over a "dirty" act in his side's 24-6 win against the Carolina Panthers.
The incident happened late in the first quarter of New England's win when Jones fumbled the football after being sacked by Carolina's Brian Burns.
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Jones then grabbed Burns' ankle and appeared to twist it as his opponent tried to chase after the loose ball.
Burns left the field with an ankle injury shortly after the incident and despite making a return later in the game, he was once again forced off in the fourth quarter with the same injury.
Panthers linebacker Haason Reddick blasted Jones over the incident, calling it a "completely dirty" play after the game.
Suspend Mac Jones pic.twitter.com/YTMsb06wiQ
— Barstool North Carolina (@BarstoolNCdavid) November 8, 2021
“I thought it was completely dirty. Hopefully it’s something the league addresses,” an irate Reddick said afterwards.
His view was echoed by many other NFL fans, with Buffalo Bills linebacker Tyrel Dodson calling out Jones for his "unprofessional" actions in a since deleted tweet.
"ARE YOU SERIOUS!??! THIS IS WHAT WE ARE DOING NOW!? UNPROFESSIONAL," Dodson wrote in response to a video of the play.
This is as dirty as it gets and Get back gonna be in order!!! This would be on loop if it was reversed 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 https://t.co/AGUvnpf4gv
— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) November 8, 2021
The best view you’ll ever see of Mac Jones rolling up on Brian Burns, via NFL Films.
(H/T: @philorbanWSOC9) pic.twitter.com/cC6r9XkwfE— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) November 8, 2021
I stated this yesterday, this is as dirty as it gets, no room for this in the game of football, Jones twist his ankle then trips him with the other leg. Shows no remorse as he walks off the field. I'm disgusted by this, there should be a hefty fine and possible suspension. https://t.co/FZvkJrgjvi
— Leger Douzable (@LegerDouzable) November 8, 2021
Mac Jones was getting rid of the ball quick before this he will have the fastest release time the rest of the season cause every defensive player is gonna be out to punish him after watching this play pic.twitter.com/Mj9VdPSFnp
— Carp (@robcarpenter81) November 8, 2021
Patriots are dirty and always have been. Disgraceful @MacJones_10 you’re a scrub
— Matt (@dallostaa) November 8, 2021
Mac Jones expected to escape suspension
Carolina head coach Matt Rhule said that “maybe a foul should have been called” against Jones after looking at the replay.
“It looked like it was an injury that happened after the play,” Rhule said.
Jones wasn’t penalised on the play and even if he does face sanction over the incident, it's only likely to be in the form of a fine.
The fumble by Jones helped the Panthers take a 3-0 lead but they conceded 24 of the next 27 points as New England sealed a comfortable win.
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