Eagles’ running back Kenneth Gainwell’made a mistake’ with his halftime show.
The Philadelphia Eagles escaped any on-field drama during Sunday’s victory over the Washington Commanders, but the same cannot be said about halftime. Halfway through the second quarter, 24-year-old running back Kenneth Gainwell fumbled at Washington’s 3-yard line, putting an end to a 10-play, 75-yard drive. Gainwell decided at halftime to respond to a troll who had messaged him about the error on Instagram, according to ESPN. The fan’s comment, which included a profanity, encouraged Gainwell to keep the football.
“Lil boy,” Gainwell said, “don’t text me.” On Monday, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni admitted the event occurred and said it was being handled internally. “We just reminded him to ignore the outside noise,” the coach explained. “He knows he made a mistake.”
Gainwell has yet to comment publicly on these incidents. Gainwell’s actions are unforgivable. Being on his phone during halftime, especially after a costly turnover, is bad enough. Stooping down to his troll’s level and conversing with him demonstrates his lack of maturity and self-control. Furthermore, the NFL forbids players, coaches, and team personnel from using unauthorized devices during games. The Eagles should have realized that Gainwell was breaking protocol by utilizing his phone. The team’s decision on whether or not to penalize Gainwell remains unknown. He’s happy that Colorado coach Deion Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, isn’t his coach.
