Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has been fined $100,000 following a heated sideline confrontation with running back Emari Demercado during Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans. The altercation came after a costly mistake that changed the momentum of the game.
The incident occurred early in the fourth quarter when Demercado appeared to score a 72-yard touchdown that could have extended Arizona’s lead to 28-6. However, the running back dropped the ball before crossing the goal line, turning a certain touchdown into a turnover. The Titans capitalized on the blunder, eventually rallying to defeat the Cardinals 22-21.
A video circulating on social media showed Gannon approaching Demercado, who was being comforted by teammate Paris Johnson after the error. The coach appeared visibly frustrated, confronting Demercado before briefly making contact with the player’s arm as he turned away. The moment quickly drew widespread attention and criticism online.
Speaking on Monday, Gannon apologized for his reaction, saying, “I kind of let the moment get the better of me there.” According to ESPN, the $100,000 fine will be the only disciplinary action taken against him.
This marks the first time an NFL head coach has been fined for a player-related altercation since 2022, when Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians was docked $50,000 for hitting safety Andrew Adams’ helmet during a playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Demercado’s mistake was not the only miscue for Arizona. Later in the game, several Cardinals defenders failed to recover a red-zone fumble after an interception, allowing Tennessee’s Tyler Lockett to recover the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward then led a comeback drive, finishing with a game-winning field goal as time expired.
The narrow loss dropped Arizona’s record further, and the sideline incident added to the team’s frustrations in what has already been a difficult season. Despite the controversy, Gannon’s apology and the fine appear to have settled the matter internally, allowing the Cardinals to shift their focus back to the field.
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