C.J. Gardner-Johnson reacts to getting tossed from Week 16's loss to Commanders
Following two unsportsmanlike penalties, Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected from Week 16's 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders. As usual, Gardner-Johnson took to social media to stand up for himself. 'Respectfully got kicked out for nothing, I play with passion and fire!! Guys was chirping all day what u expect !!" he wrote […]
Following two unsportsmanlike penalties, Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected from Week 16's 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders.
As usual, Gardner-Johnson took to social media to stand up for himself.
'Respectfully got kicked out for nothing, I play with passion and fire!! Guys was chirping all day what u expect !!" he wrote on X/Twitter.
After the game, Pool Reporter Nicki Jhabvala interviewed NFL referee Shawn Smith to clarify why Gardner-Johnnson was disqualified.
Question: Could you explain the ruling for the second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on C.J. Gardner-Johnson? What led to the call that ultimately got him ejected?
Smith's Answer: He's basically taunting the opponent on the second foul. He already had a first one earlier in the game that we had announced as the first towards disqualification. So, this became his second. He was taunting the players, so that's a disqualification by rule."
Gardner-Johnson drew his first flag in the first half after he shared some words with Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown. Brown threw a punch but only Gardner-Johnson was penalized for stirring things up in the first place.
Gardner-Johnson's second penalty came after he ran his mouth again after linebacker Zach Baun forced another Commanders' turnover while Nolan Smith recovered it.
He left the game in the third quarter and threw double birds up to Commanders fans on his way out.
Regardless of how he feels about the situation, Gardner-Johnson will be down at least $19,697 next week when NFL fines are released.
