Rams DT Aaron Donald apologizes to teammates for 'dumb' ejection
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald apologized to his teammates for the "dumb" and explosive meltdown that saw him ejected from the team’s crushing 28-0 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.
Donald, one of the most highly-rated defensive players in the league, was thrown out of the contest at Levi’s Stadium for making contact with an official as the Rams hurtled towards a nightmare start to the season.
The 25-year-old had previously shoved the helmet off the head of 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton, then hurled his own helmet to the turf in anger after being given his marching orders.
"It was dumb on my part," Donald said. "I just let emotions get the best of me. There are no excuses. I can’t make mistakes like that and hurt my team."
Donald claimed his anger had been stoked by seeing teammate Trumaine Johnson surrounded by a cluster of 49ers players and had entered the fray by angrily pushing his way into the scrum. He will likely receive a fine for his actions, admitting, "I got to pay."
Head coach Jeff Fisher said Donald had shown immediate remorse and had addressed the rest of the team in the locker room at the conclusion of the game.
"(He was) so frustrated," Fisher said. "He’s really disappointed. He apologized. He’s such a talented player and he just lost his poise there. He wants to win. He’s a great football player. It’s a learning experience for some of the younger guys, but he’ll be fine."
Follow Martin Rogers on Twitter @mrogersUSAT.
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