Davante Adams caught in 'disgusting' act towards NFL cameraman
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams is at the centre of a police investigation after the photographer he shoved to the ground following the Raiders’ 29-30 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs reported the incident to law enforcement.
Adams was seen leaving the field visibly frustrated after he collided with a teammate on the Raiders’ last offensive play of the game, robbing them of the chance to snatch a last-gasp victory.
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As Adams made his way towards the tunnel, a credentialed photographer stepped into his path and began taking photos of him, with Adams responding by shoving the cameraman to the ground.
Davante Adams was visibly upset after the Raiders’ loss to the Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/XW2fmx6adJ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 11, 2022
The photographer had to be helped back to his feet by security, as Adams continued on down the tunnel.
The incident was labelled ‘unacceptable', ‘disgusting’ and ‘uncalled for’ by NFL pundits and fans on social media.
This is an unbelievably unacceptable behavior by Davante Adams.
We all love the game, we all know tensions get high. This warrants a suspension and/or a hefty fine. pic.twitter.com/SJTzxETwtP— Preston Moore (@prestoncmoore) October 11, 2022
Honestly disgusting behavior. Davante Adams should be suspended for AT LEAST one game with a heavy fine. This is akin to Dennis Rodman kicking the cameraman in Minnesota which was an 11 game suspension. That equates to just over 2 NFL games. pic.twitter.com/jbrBt7t3pu
— Commissioner Cheah (@StevenCheah) October 11, 2022
17 is a phenomenal player, but this was completely and totally uncalled for.. pic.twitter.com/VzBm6UQZPN
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) October 11, 2022
Davante Adams apologises over incident
For his part, Adams used his post-game press conference as an opportunity to immediately issue an apology to the photographer for his actions.
“I want to apologise ... there was some guy running off the field," Adams told reporters in the locker room post game.
"He jumped in front of me coming off the field and I bumped into him and 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 apologize to him for that.”
Adams also took to Twitter to post another public apology, saying he hoped the photographer would see it.
Sorry to the guy I pushed over after the game. Obviously very frustrated at the way the game ended and when he ran infront of me as I exited that was my reaction and I felt horrible immediately. Thats not me..MY APOLOGIES man hope you see this.
— Davante Adams (@tae15adams) October 11, 2022
However, the Kansas City Police Department issued a statement indicating the photographer had filed a complaint to police immediately following the incident, while also arranging for his own transport to hospital to assess injuries he claimed to sustain as a result of Adams’ shove.
“The victim is a photographer at the Chiefs/Raiders game,” the statement, obtained by NFL Network Insider, Tom Pelissero, read.
“At the end of the game, he was pushed to the ground causing injury. He made arrangements for private transport to the hospital for treatment, at which time he called the police. The injuries are preliminarily thought to be non-life threatening.
“The incident will be investigated by our Assault Unit detectives, upon completion they will coordinate with the applicable city or state prosecutor to determine any applicable charges.”
From the Kansas City Police Department on the police report filed by a photographer against #Raiders WR Davante Adams, alleging assault: “The injuries are preliminarily thought to be non-life threatening.” pic.twitter.com/kMsCkj2tRs
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 11, 2022
The NFL is also reportedly conducting their own investigation into the incident, with Adams facing possibles sanctions includes fines and/or a suspension.
As I said on NFL Live, the NFL continues to review Davante Adams’ postgame incident for potential discipline that could include fine or suspension, per sources.
Because Raiders have a bye, NFL is aware they don’t need to be as expeditious as normal with a decision. No timetable.— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) October 11, 2022
Adams had three catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns in the game as the Raiders blew a 17-0 lead to drop to 1-4 on the season.
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