The San Francisco 49ers are set to suspend linebacker De’Vondre Campbell for three games, effectively ending his season, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. The disciplinary action comes after Campbell’s controversial decision to refuse to play in last week’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, a move that has sparked tension within the team and raised questions about his future in San Francisco.
Campbell’s refusal to participate in Thursday night’s matchup against the Rams infuriated both head coach Kyle Shanahan and his teammates. The decision left the team shorthanded at a critical moment, ultimately contributing to their 24-21 loss. Players and coaches did not hold back in their criticism following the game. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, for example, publicly called out Campbell’s actions, saying, “It definitely hurt the team because D went down, and we needed a linebacker. I think Flan (Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles) was banged up too. So for him to do that, that’s some stuff to me. He’s probably going to be cut soon, so it is what it is with that.”
The Incident and Its Fallout
The controversy began when Campbell was asked to step up during the game after the return of starting linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Greenlaw, appearing in his first game of the season following a long recovery from a torn Achilles, had bolstered the 49ers’ defense early on. The unit held the Rams scoreless in the first quarter and limited them to just three points by halftime. However, Greenlaw began experiencing knee soreness in the third quarter, forcing the team to rely on depth players.
When strongside linebacker Dee Winters exited the game with a neck injury, the coaching staff turned to Campbell, only for him to refuse. According to Shanahan, Campbell outright told the team he did not want to play. This left Flannigan-Fowles, who was already nursing injuries, as the only viable option at linebacker.
Shanahan later revealed that he tried to address the situation with Campbell directly during the game. However, the linebacker appeared “distant” and disengaged. The situation reached a breaking point in the fourth quarter when Campbell abruptly left the sidelines and walked to the locker room without explanation, an action that was captured live on the broadcast. Shanahan clarified that Campbell had not been instructed to leave, stating, “I don’t know why he left. Once I realized he wasn’t going to play, I moved on to people we could count on.”
Shanahan didn’t mince words when addressing Campbell’s decision post-game, explaining that a player refusing to play demonstrates a clear lack of commitment. “It’s simple. When a player tells you they don’t want to play, you move on. It’s not about losing a player; it’s about recognizing they don’t want to be part of the team.”
Sources: The #49ers are planning to suspend LB De’Vondre Campbell three games, ending his season, after Campbell refused to go into the game on Thursday night.
Coach Kyle Shanahan had said, “His actions from the game is just not something you can do to your team.” pic.twitter.com/eVCPU1t5wy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 16, 2024
The Context Behind Campbell’s Frustration
Campbell’s decision to sit out appears to have stemmed from frustration over losing his starting role to Greenlaw. The 27-year-old linebacker had been a starter for the first stretch of the season, but Greenlaw’s return from injury relegated him to a backup role. While Greenlaw’s presence was a significant boost to the defense, Campbell reportedly struggled with the demotion.
Despite these frustrations, Shanahan and the 49ers expected professionalism from Campbell, especially given the team’s injury woes during the game. His refusal to participate left teammates and coaches feeling betrayed, further complicating his standing within the organization.
49ers’ Disciplinary Measures
In the days following the incident, the 49ers deliberated on the appropriate disciplinary action to take. Reports suggested the team wanted to avoid releasing Campbell outright, as doing so would allow him to sign with another team. Instead, the organization has opted to suspend him for conduct detrimental to the team, which not only ends his season but also has financial ramifications.
The suspension will cost Campbell approximately $261,666 in salary and per-game active bonuses for the three missed games. Additionally, the 49ers are expected to recover $111,666 from his $3.35 million signing bonus, citing missed games as a basis for reclaiming part of the payment.
By taking this step, the 49ers have ensured that Campbell will remain sidelined for the remainder of the season while also protecting the team’s financial interests. The suspension sends a strong message about the importance of commitment and accountability within the organization.
Implications for Campbell’s Future
The decision to suspend Campbell has significant implications for his NFL career moving forward. While the linebacker has shown flashes of talent, his refusal to play in a critical moment has raised concerns about his attitude and reliability. Teams across the league may view this incident as a red flag, potentially jeopardizing his chances of securing a future roster spot.
For the 49ers, the suspension allows the organization to focus on players who are fully committed to the team’s success. Despite the setback, the defense will look to regroup as they aim to bounce back in the coming weeks.
Campbell’s time with the 49ers is likely nearing its end. As the season progresses, the team will continue to evaluate its roster and make decisions that prioritize cohesion and professionalism, qualities Shanahan and his staff have made clear they value above all else.
