Green Bay Packers rookie linebacker Quay Walker took to social media on Monday to apologize for pushing a member of Detroit’s medical staff during Sunday night’s game, an action that led to his ejection.
Walker was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct with 7:24 left in Green Bay’s loss after shoving a trainer attending to Lions running back D’Andre Swift.
“I want to apologize publicly about what happened Sunday night. 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!!” Walker posted in one of three tweets Monday morning.
I want to apologize publicly about what happened Sunday night. 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!!
— Quay (@QuayWalker_) January 9, 2023
It’s the second time this season Walker has been ejected. His first came on Oct. 30 when he shoved a non-uniformed player on the Buffalo Bills sideline. Walker is the only player since 2000 to get kicked out of multiple games in a season, according to ESPN.
The penalty gave the Lions first-and-goal at the Packers’ 5 and they scored three plays later for a 20-16 lead, the final margin. The loss eliminated Green Bay from the postseason.
“I’ve got a much higher standard for our players than to do silly things like that,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said after Sunday’s game. “I mean, we’ve had a guy get ejected twice. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that in my career, and we’ve got to be much more mentally tough.”
Walker finished with 121 tackles – five for loss – to go with 1.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 17 games (16 starts) in his rookie campaign. The Packers selected him No. 22 overall in this year’s draft.
–Field Level Media