On Monday, Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson sucker punched Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb. On Tuesday, the NFL suspended Jackson for two games.
After the suspension was imposed, Rams coach Sean McVay addressed the expectations for Jackson.
“It is very important to represent the things that we want to be about,” McVay told reporters. “He has to consistently do a better job. I think each situation is its own separate entity. I think you want to be careful pigeonholing yourself into a one-size-fits-all. The league made their decision. I want to understand the totality of the situation.
“I’m not condoning by any stretch of the imagination, but I want to gather all the information before I make comments. It certainly doesn’t help us when we’re missing a player of his caliber. He has to make more consistent decisions that are in alignment with being available and representing the things that we want to be about without a doubt.”
McVay, who said he believes Jackson will appeal the decision, doesn’t know what Chubb said to prompt the punch from Chubb.
While Chubb’s words won’t excuse the reaction, California does have a “fighting words” law that prohibits certain comments that are “inherently likely to provoke an immediate reaction.” That would be relevant if the local authorities get involved in the situation.
Frankly, they should. The game was over, for several minutes. Jackson’s pads were off. He returned to the field for the conversation that led to the altercation. If the situation had unfolded elsewhere and in the presence of a police officer, Jackson would have been (or at least should have been) immediately arrested.
In this case, the evidence is on video. Why shouldn’t Jackson be charged with battery? Anyone else who sucker punched someone in a public place would be, or at least should be.