(Reuters) – Green Bay Packers rookie linebacker Quay Walker apologised on Monday after shoving a member of the Detroit Lions’ medical staff, which led to his second ejection from an NFL game this season for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The incident occurred during the fourth quarter of the NFL’s regular season finale on Sunday when Walker shoved a trainer who came on the field to check on D’Andre Swift after the Lions’ running back fell awkwardly.
“I want to apologize publicly about what happened Sunday night,” Walker posted on Twitter. “I reacted off of my emotions again and take full responsibility of making another stupid decision. Since then I’ve questioned myself on why did I do what I did when the trainer was doing his job!! I was wrong!!
“I understand I have to face everything that comes with the decision I’ve made and I’m definitely paying for it now.”
After being ejected from the game, a frustrated Walker could be seen crying as he walked through the tunnel to make his way back to his team’s locker room.
“I wasn’t upset about being kicked out, I just knew I messed up again and was wrong for what I did and couldn’t believe I did it again,” Walker tweeted.
“To the Detroit lions and to the entire training staff including the person I did that too. I’m sorry.”
Walker’s shove also came on a day when the first responders and medical professionals who cared for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin after he went into cardiac arrest during a game last Monday were recognised before each game.
During a game in Buffalo last October, Walker was also ejected late in the first half when he shoved a non-uniformed player on the Bills sideline after a play.
Walker was selected by the Packers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft and led the team in tackles this season.
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
