The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly looking to suspend their star linebacker De'Vondre Campbell after his refusal to play on Thursday night.
In the fourth quarter of the 49ers' game against the Los Angeles Rams, Campbell, draped in a towel, made his way off the field, opting not to finish out the team's inevitable defeat.
According to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the brutal punishment involves ending Campbell's time at the 49ers by suspending him, rather than just releasing him.
“It prevents him from just going on waivers, getting claimed and signing with another team and playing out the rest of the season,” Rapoport said while outlining the suspension reasoning on air.
“Also, it potentially would allow them to claw back some of his $3.35 million signing bonus.”
The 31-year-old Campbell, a nine-year NFL veteran, signed a one-year free agent contract worth $5 million (USD), including a $1.21 million base salary and $3.35 million signing bonus.
As a refusal to play constitutes a forfeitable breach under the CBA, Campbell's suspension potentially jeopardises his bonus and effectively eliminates him from the 49ers' roster - and from consideration by any other team.
This marks yet another chapter in the 49ers' dramatic fall from grace. After narrowly losing to the Chiefs in overtime at the Super Bowl earlier this year, the team has struggled to regain its footing.
A string of untimely injuries and underwhelming performances have culminated in a disappointing 6-8 record, officially eliminating them from playoff contention this season.
Speaking to the media after the Rams game, 49ers tight end George Kittle criticised Campbell's actions, calling his frustrated walk-out a "selfish decision."
“I've never been around anybody that's ever done that,” Kittle said, “and I hope I'm never around anyone that does that again.”