San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan announced that linebacker De’Vondre Campbell will no longer be a part of the 49ers team after he refused to enter a game when he lost his starting position.
Shanahan stated that the team is still considering their options on how to address Campbell’s actions when he walked to the locker room during a game against the Los Angeles Rams after refusing to go back in.
“His behavior during the game is not acceptable to the team or his teammates, and he cannot expect to stay with us,” Shanahan emphasized. “We are currently working through the details, but we will handle the situation appropriately.”
Shanahan confirmed that Campbell will not be part of the team for the remaining three weeks. According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams have the right to suspend players for up to four games without pay for conduct detrimental to the team. The 49ers could also choose to waive Campbell, allowing him the chance to be claimed or signed by another team.
Campbell had signed a one-year, $5 million contract with San Francisco in March.
He had started in 12 of the first 13 games of the season and played 90% of defensive snaps for the 49ers. However, he was benched on Thursday night due to the return of Dre Greenlaw, who had been out with an injury.
When Campbell was supposed to go back in the game in the third quarter, but he refused. Shanahan mentioned that this had never happened to him in his coaching career in the NFL. Campbell has not provided any explanation for his actions.
Campbell then left the field during the game with the Rams, leaving his teammates confused and upset. Shanahan did not send him to the locker room and was unaware of why he had left.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward described Campbell’s actions as selfish and harmful to the team. Ward, who had recently experienced personal tragedy, emphasized the importance of commitment to the team.
Tight end George Kittle condemned Campbell’s behavior as selfish and immature, echoing the sentiments of many other players in the team.
Campbell, previously an All-Pro player, had struggled with performance in the last few seasons before joining the 49ers. Despite some positive moments with the team, he failed to reach his previous level of play.
