NFL | Oct 13, 2022

Davante Adams charged with assault after shoving photographer in Raiders loss

By Harry Bazley

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Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams has been charged with misdemeanor assault for pushing a freelance photographer to the ground as he left the field after the Raider loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday.

Ryan Zebley - a 20-year-old student - was working as a freelance photographer during the MNF matchup. As the game ended, Zebley walked across the players exit to the locker room and was abruptly pushed over by Adams. Reports state that Zebley suffered whiplash, a headache and a possible minor concussion from the incident. Court records released on wednesday, cited Adams for an "intentional, overt act" that inflicted "bodily injury."

Adams apologized for the incident in a post-game interview.

I want to apologise to the guy - some guy running off the field - he ran and he jumped in front of me coming off the field. I kind of pushed him. He ended up on the ground. I want to apologize to him for that. That was just frustration mixed with him really just running in front of me. I shouldn’t have responded that way, but that’s the way I responded. I want to apologize to him for that.

Davante Adams

If convicted, Adams could face a jail term of up to six months or a fine of up to $1,000, but the NFL is also investigating the issue which could result in a further fine and/or game suspension.

When you look at a different angle of the incident, it becomes clear that Adams was caught off guard by someone walking right into him. But the important factor is how Adams failed to help Zebley up from the ground.

Raiders coach Josh McDaniels spoke in support of Adams on Tuesday afternoon, stating that the incident "was an unfortunate situation."

We obviously don't want any of our guys to be doing anything like that. He knows that. He's very well aware of that. But I know the person; I don't think there was any intent behind it, on his part.

The Chiefs comeback win built some understandable frustration for Adams, who had a blockbuster game during a tough loss. The star WR logged three catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns, the last of which put the Raiders within one point of tying the scoreboard, but they went for 2 and were unable to convert.

On the next drive, the raiders had a chance to win if they could get within field goal range, but Adams & Renfrow collided on the final play of the game, and a pass intended for Adams fell to the ground. At this point, the frustration became clear as Adams threw his helmet returning to the Raiders sideline.