The Los Angeles Rams had an embarrassing showing on Monday night in the team’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. If it wasn’t bad enough that they were blown out 28-0 by their division rivals, star DT Aaron Donald also got ejected in the fourth quarter.
Donald ripped off 49ers WR Quinton Patton’s helmet which drew an unnecessary roughness penalty. Donald would then make contact with an official which led to the ejection.
Afterwards, Donald accepted responsibility for his actions, saying he simply let his emotions get the best of him according to Rams reporter Dani Klupenger:
"I let my emotions get the best of me. There's no excuses for that. I let my team down. Just dumb on my part."-Aaron Donald on his ejection
— Dani Klupenger (@daniklup) September 13, 2016
Emotions getting out of hand is understandable as the Rams were certainly being embarrassed and it was clear Monday was not their night.
The entire incident began with LB Alec Ogletree pushing 49ers QB Blaine Gabbert to the ground which led to a number of Niners players surrounding him. Donald quickly moved in and grabbed Patton which led to the first flag. The contact made with an official was inadvertent, but still led to the ejection.
Donald will definitely have to keep his emotions in check in the future as the Rams need him on the field as much as possible. Trying to defend his teammate is admirable, but things can’t get out of hand like that.
Donald seemed to understand that he must do better and hopefully nothing like this happens again for the rest of the year.
