As expected, the Monday morning sports shows each used a segment discussing the sideline altercation between Washington defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.
ESPN’s First Take Ryan Clark, “No, it is not necessarily a big deal. I don’t look at this and say these two guys should be admonished for what they did. But you do have to be better than this. When you are getting your butts handed to you, the way the WFT was, don’t be fighting each other. Go fight (your opponent) on the field.”
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio commented that he really thought the two might continue to argue and fight with each other on the field, seeing they lineup next to each other as defensive tackles.
Mike Golic added, “I have a feeling those two are going to be just fine because this stuff does happen, but it happens more often than not in the locker room. You have it, it is frustration, and then it is over and you move on.”
On ESPN’s Get Up, former NFL Defensive Coordinator and Head Coach Rex Ryan commented, “I like what they said that they are brothers and that is going to happen. But I still think they got some issues. They are going to have to get it resolved and sit down man-to-man…”
Coach Ron Rivera had revealed in the post-game press conference he was unaware it had even transpired until he was informed about it later. Rivera also added he had already talked to both of Allen and Payne. When asked what the players had said to him, he quickly asserted, “What my players say to me is really nobody’s business.”
