Recently released videos show two NFL players caught on camera saying “F*ck you!” to fans in the stands.
Both of those instances happened at the same game – the Monday Night Football game between the Redskins and Chiefs.
On the opening drive of the game, Kansas City defensive back Marcus Peters gave up a 44-yard touchdown to Washington receiver Terrell Pryor. Understandably so, Peters was visibly upset after giving up the big scoring play.
When he made it back to the sideline, a Chiefs fan shouted something (probably less than motivational) at him. Instead of ignoring the heckler, Marcus Peters snapped. “F*ck you, b*tch!” he screamed at the fan, before slamming his helmet to the ground.
RT if you agree @Chiefs player Marcus Peters should be suspended for cussing out fans! @nflcommish #BoycottNFL pic.twitter.com/AXWzv55yoE
— Chiz (@CChiz5) October 3, 2017
Ironically enough, the other player caught on camera exchanging expletives with fans, was Terrell Pryor — the receiver that caught the opening touchdown pass on Marcus Peters, which ultimately led to the first fan interaction.
As Pryor was entering the tunnel towards the locker room following their loss, he heard some heckles from fans. And, like Marcus Peters, he wasn’t letting it go. Pryor turned towards the fans, threw up a middle finger, and said “F*ck you!”
He then raised his helmet as if he were going to throw it at them. Luckily for Pryor, a Redskins staffer grabbed him, and escorted him towards the locker room before things could escalate.
I’ve been to over a hundred NFL games in my life, and fans heckling players is nothing new. These two instances aren’t the first time players have decided to respond to fan criticism, and they certainly won’t be the last.
But, the decision of some NFL players to kneel during the national anthem caused a seemingly Grand Canyon-like rift between players and many fans. The NFL caused, or at least exposed, a cultural division of sorts between its employees and its customers.
Don’t be surprised if we see an increase in player/fan shouting matches in the coming weeks due to the current climate. I think it’s fair to ask: could this be the start of a trend?