Bad blood boiled over on “Monday Night Football,” and it was a cheap shot that ignited an ugly brawl.
After the 49ers’ dominant 20-9 home win over the Panthers, San Francisco receiver Jauan Jennings got into a heated altercation with Carolina safety Tre’von Moehrig.
ESPN originally showed Jennings shoving and open-hand punching Moehrig before players from both teams broke up the scuffle.
However, the Worldwide Leader later provided crucial context that showed Moehrig was actually the instigator of the brawl after he hit Jennings below the belt, which the network showed in a highly zoomed-in, slow-motion camera angle.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan backed his player, saying that Jennings was right to be upset with Moehrig.
“Yeah, the guy took a cheap shot and hit him in the balls,” Shanahan said postgame. “And I was real proud of Jauan for not losing his mind out there. Get him to the sideline.”
Jennings confirmed that the scuffle postgame was related to the groin shot from Moehrig.
The veteran tallied five catches for 41 yards and one touchdown.
Jauan Jennings throws a few strikes at Panthers safety at Trevon Moehrig. ESPN “The TV is gonna tell you what happened,” Jennings said. “To me, I was just responding to some childish behavior.”
Moehrig appeared to be going for a handshake to end the game just moments after the groin shot, when Jennings immediately came forward and shoved him in the facemask before the fracas got broken up.
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The NFL has not issued a public statement on the matter, but it is entirely possible that a fine or suspension could be coming for those involved.
Carolina (6-6) heads back home to face the Rams (9-2) on Sunday, while the 49ers (8-4) move on to Cleveland to face Shedeur Sanders and the Browns (3-8).
