The San Francisco 49ers have decided to suspend linebacker De’Vondre Campbell for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season after a controversial incident during last week’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The suspension, which will keep Campbell off the field for the final three games of the season, comes after he refused to enter the game when asked by head coach Kyle Shanahan.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the decision to suspend Campbell instead of cutting him was made to prevent him from joining another team for the remainder of the season. The 49ers are allowed to suspend players for up to four games for conduct detrimental to the team, and Campbell’s actions have clearly been deemed as such by the organization.
The incident took place on Thursday night during the 49ers’ matchup against the Rams. Campbell, a key starter for San Francisco in the first 13 games of the season, found himself on the sidelines in favor of Dre Greenlaw, who was making his season debut after recovering from an Achilles injury sustained during the Super Bowl.
When Shanahan asked Campbell to go into the game, Campbell reportedly told the coach that he did not want to play, a decision that led to further frustration within the team.
Following the refusal, Campbell left the sideline and headed to the locker room. Reports from Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer revealed that general manager John Lynch confronted Campbell and instructed him to leave the sidelines. Campbell’s decision not to participate in the game sparked criticism from his teammates, who were upset by his apparent lack of commitment to the team.
The following day, Shanahan made it clear that Campbell’s refusal to play was unacceptable and would result in consequences. “That’s not something you can do and still be a part of our team,” Shanahan said.
As a result of the suspension, Campbell will forfeit $261,666 in salary and bonuses, according to Spotrac, and the 49ers could seek to recoup up to $111,666 of his $3.35 million signing bonus. The 31-year-old linebacker, who is in his ninth NFL season, was on a one-year, $5 million contract with the team.
For Campbell, this marks a bitter end to what had been a productive season up until that point. His absence from the remaining games will leave a void in the 49ers’ linebacker corps as they continue their efforts to finish the season strong.
The decision to suspend Campbell adds to what has already been a challenging and disappointing year for the 49ers. While their playoff hopes are still alive, the drama surrounding Campbell has overshadowed what should have been a straightforward victory over the Rams.
With the suspension, it appears that Campbell’s time in San Francisco will end on a sour note, leaving both the player and the organization with unresolved issues as the season draws to a close.
