A massive brawl broke out during an intersquad practice between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, ending the scrimmage earlier than planned.
Rams superstar defensive tackle Aaron Donald was seen using an opposing player’s helmet during the scrum to strike Bengals players several times. The preseason practice in Cincinnati, Ohio, was reportedly chippy leading up to the brawl, with several post-snap incidents throughout the day. Per NFL policy, any discipline for the practice field melee would have to be determined by the Rams and Bengals themselves. The two teams last faced each other in Super Bowl 56, with the Rams defeating the Bengals 23-20.
WATCH: PATRIOTS COACH BILL BELICHICK SHUTS DOWN ‘NBC KIDS’ REPORTER OVER QUESTION
#Rams Aaron Donald used a #Bengals helmet to hit Cincy players after a fight broke out at joint practice. pic.twitter.com/GmfnsdCinJ
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 25, 2022
“I just see guys swinging, and some guys have helmets on, some don’t, there’s a scrum — you just never know what can occur,” Rams head coach Sean McVay told the media after the practice was cut short. “My biggest concern is just unnecessary injuries for people that we’re counting on. Whether it’s for our team or the other team. I care about these guys, especially when you start throwing punches with gear on. I’ve been enough of a meathead in my past that I’ve done some stupid stuff, too.”
The fracas reportedly began when an unidentified Rams defender put his arms around the chest of Bengals right tackle La’el Collins during a play. Collins, who took exception to being wrapped up from behind, swung punches once he was free, igniting the melee, according to ESPN.
At one point, Donald, an eight-time NFL Pro Bowler, is seen being knocked to the ground with a Bengals helmet still in hand. After coaches and officials separated the heated players, the practice was ended early. McVay said after the practice that it did not appear that any player was injured during the brawl.
“I know how volatile and how fragile it is when you hit it the wrong way and you break your hand, and it could affect a guy’s chance to be OK — or God forbid somebody gets hit in the head with the helmet off. I don’t know what emotions I was feeling right there. I just was glad that everything got broken up, and my understanding was everybody’s OK,” the Super Bowl-winning coach said.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“These are guys that — they stand up for one another. How exactly is the right way to handle it? If you guys know the answer, I’d love to hear your perspective,” McVay told the media. “I am gonna always support our players. They’re going to support each other. I’m not interested in diving deep into how it started or what got into it.”
The two teams will square off in a preseason game on Saturday.
