Fournette defends role in fight with Lawson: 'I did what I had to do'
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette defended his actions in a fight with Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson after he was ejected from Sunday's game.
Fournette came off the bench to get into a tussle with Lawson after a touchdown by Jaguars receiver Donte Moncrief. Both exchanged open-handed punches and continued their interaction even as they were told to leave the field.
Fournette vs. Lawson > Liddell vs. Ortiz. #Bills #Jaguars pic.twitter.com/kLaRmsWnE3
— Greg Vorse TV (@GregVorse) November 25, 2018
"He's hitting (Jaguars running back) Carlos (Hyde's) back of his head. Carlos was getting jumped by whatever number. (The other player) was pushing him and (Lawson) come pushed him and I did what I had to do," Fournette said postgame, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco.
"I mean, that's my brother. All of them are my brothers. I don't know (how) ya'll was raised, that's just me."
Teammate Dede Westbrook offered further explanation for the scuffle.
"Ain't nobody going to stand over (Moncrief)," he said, according to DiRocco. "I don't care who it is and I felt like buddy was trying to stand over him and then so I went and I nudged, like, 'Get your a-- back,' and it went from there, period."
Fournette did, however, want to relay a message to young fans who may have seen his actions.
Just want to apologize to the fans and kids out there was totally out of character was in the heat of the moment in a important game, emotions got the best of me apologize again to you all....
— 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) November 25, 2018
Fournette had scored two touchdowns at the time he was ejected from the 14-14 game. The Bills went on to win the contest 24-21, dropping the Jaguars to 3-8 on the season.
Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch was suspended one game for leaving the bench to enter a fray last season, however, the discipline stemmed from his contact with an official.