Practice Brawl: Packers and Seahawks Involved in Fights and Ejection

In a joint practice filled with tension between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks, a series of confrontations erupted, culminating in the expulsion of a player. The two-hour session at the Packers’ facility witnessed a dozen altercations, some of which escalated into fights. Zach Tom, Packers’ right tackle, was ejected after exchanging blows with Ernest Jones IV, Seahawks linebacker, and Devon Witherspoon, cornerback.

I think when both bands clear, it’s difficult. You try to break it up and things like that, but it’s going to happen. I don’t know. There’s no answer for that.

Jordan Love, Packers quarterback

According to Tom, the fight started when Jones entered the Packers’ circle, trying to attack a running back after a previous play. Tom expressed his discontent at the lack of respect and the need to defend the team’s pride. At the other end of the field, Seattle’s offense and Green Bay’s defense had several confrontations during the 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 periods. A Packers defender even hit Anthony Bradford, the Seahawks’ right guard, in one of the most heated incidents. Although the last 11-on-11 periods went without incident, at the end of practice, players from both teams gathered in the center of the field and began to argue. The tension continued as the Seahawks headed inside.

In general, I didn’t like that they came to our band when practice was over. We had already broken the circle, the guys are on our side, their guys are on their side, and people come. It’s difficult with these joint practices because things like that always happen. You don’t want it to happen, but it happens.

Leonard Williams, Seahawks defensive tackle

Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald didn’t seem too concerned about the fights. He thanked Packers coach Matt LaFleur and the organization for hosting. Macdonald commented that these situations are a reality in joint practices, but he expects his players to maintain composure. Love, who is recovering from thumb surgery, only participated in individual drills and 7-on-7. He stated that he avoided contact due to his injury. Sam Darnold, Seahawks quarterback, humorously responded when asked about his reaction in those situations.