When there’s a rivalry as intense as the one between the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders, it’s only a matter of time before the physicality extends to after the whistle.
Late in the 4th quarter of Sunday’s season opener after the Chargers extended their lead to 22-10, ultimately the final score, things got testy between the squads.
After a failed two-point conversion, Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer and Raiders defensive back Jack Jones tangled up in the end-zone and went after each other well after the play ended. Eventually, Palmer threw Jones to the ground, leading to players from both squads to join in on the action.
Raiders safety Marcus Epps then went after Palmer, where he were greeted by Chargers receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.
The situation lasted long enough for penalty flags to fly and for benches to clear. Some players, like Chargers star quarterback Justin Herbert, tried to calm down teammates while others threw punches.
New Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh even ran out onto the field to retrieve his players.
Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, in his first game since shedding “interim” from his title, expressed disappointment after the game, according to the Las Vegas Sun.
“We’ve got to do a better job with composure,” Pierce said. “It starts with myself and the coaching staff. What happened at the end of the game is inexcusable. It’s not going to be tolerated. At the end of the day, we can’t be selfish.”
Palmer and Jones were both ejected from the game as a result of the brawl.
