NFL bans fan indefinitely following ugly Ravens-Bills clash
A Bills fan who shoved Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and quarterback Lamar Jackson during their season opener has received a lifetime ban.
The NFL has banned a Buffalo Bills fan indefinitely after an on-field incident involving Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins during Sunday’s season opener.
Fan who shoved Lamar Jackson hit with NFL ban
Late in the third quarter, following a Ravens touchdown at Highmark Stadium, players celebrated near the wall separating the field from the stands. A fan reached over, shoving Hopkins’ helmet before striking Jackson.
Jackson reacted by shoving the fan back before security intervened. No penalty was issued during the game, and the league has not announced any disciplinary action against the Ravens star.
After the game, Jackson admitted the moment got the best of him.
“I saw him push Hop, then he slapped me and was talking, so I just forgot where I was for a little bit,” Jackson said. “You’ve got security out there, let security handle it. I let my emotions get the best of me. Hopefully it won’t happen again.”
In a statement, the NFL underscored its stance on fan behavior: “Any fan that engages in unruly and disruptive behavior will lose the privilege of attending NFL games. Penalties can include ejection, banishment from NFL games and events, and legal action.”
The ban also applies to marquee NFL events such as the Super Bowl, draft, and combine.
Despite the controversy, Buffalo ultimately defeated Baltimore 41-40 on a game-winning field goal as time expired, handing the Ravens a heartbreaking loss to open their season.
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