Santa Clara, Calif. – The San Francisco 49ers have suspended linebacker De’Vondre Campbell without pay for the final three games of the season following what the team described as “conduct detrimental to the team.” The decision was announced via a brief statement from general manager John Lynch just hours after the team reconvened following their 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
“We have suspended De’Vondre Campbell Sr. for three games due to conduct detrimental to the team. We will have no further comment on the matter,” Lynch stated.
The incident occurred during Thursday’s game when Campbell refused to enter the game despite injuries to key linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Dee Winters. According to reports from Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, Campbell walked to the locker room in the fourth quarter after being confronted by Lynch, who had left his suite to address the situation.
Financial and Career Implications
The suspension will cost Campbell $261,666 in unpaid salary and bonuses. Additionally, the team may seek to reclaim $111,666 of his signing bonus. Despite the disciplinary action, the 49ers have not released Campbell, preventing him from signing with another team this season.
Fallout from the Incident
Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the matter during a Friday press conference, indicating that Campbell would likely not play for the 49ers again. “His actions from the game, it’s not something you can do to your team or your teammates and still expect to be a part of our team,” Shanahan stated.
Campbell, a ninth-year veteran signed to a one-year, $5 million deal in March, began the season as the 49ers’ starting weak-side linebacker. However, he was demoted after Greenlaw’s return and further displaced by Winters. Injuries to both Greenlaw and Winters during Thursday’s game left the linebacker unit shorthanded, leading to the controversial incident.
Comparisons to Past Suspensions
Team-issued suspensions are uncommon for the 49ers. The last notable suspension occurred in 2012 when running back Brandon Jacobs was suspended for voicing frustration over his role. Jacobs was released shortly after and continued his career with the New York Giants.
As the 49ers prepare for their upcoming road game against the Miami Dolphins, neither Lynch nor Shanahan is scheduled to address the media further on the matter. Campbell has yet to release a public statement.
