Lamar Jackson apologizes to Bills fan after sideline shove; fan banned from NFL games
Ravens quarterback pushed a Buffalo spectator who had slapped multiple players during Baltimore's dramatic Week 1 defeat; team officials notified the league
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson apologized Wednesday to a Buffalo Bills fan he shoved after the spectator struck two players during the teams' Week 1 game, saying he let his emotions get the best of him. The fan was ejected from Highmark Stadium immediately and has been banned from all NFL games and events.
The incident occurred in the third quarter of Sunday's game, moments after a Ravens touchdown extended Baltimore's lead to 34-19. As receiver DeAndre Hopkins and Jackson celebrated near the crowd, a man in a Bills jersey slapped Hopkins' helmet and then made contact with Jackson. Jackson pushed the fan backward into the stands; the exchange was captured on video and circulated widely.
Jackson apologized in remarks on Wednesday, saying, "My apologies to him. Just chill next time. You can talk trash and stuff, but keep your hands to yourself." He added that he had allowed his emotions to take over and that he would learn from the episode. Jackson had said shortly after the game, "I've seen him slap D Hop. He slapped me, he was talking. I forgot where I was for a little bit but you've got to think in those situations. You've got security out there, let security handle it. I just let my emotions get the best of me but hopefully it doesn't happen again. I'll learn from that."
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he and general manager Eric DeCosta have spoken to Jackson about the incident, and that DeCosta and team president Sashi Brown had notified the league. Harbaugh defended Jackson's conduct in context, saying the team had discussed the matter internally. NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth, watching replays, noted that while players should not go after fans, the fan's actions were provocative.
Security personnel at Highmark Stadium removed the man immediately after the contact. The Bills organization said the individual had been banned from future NFL games and events. The NFL office did not immediately release a public statement on the matter.
The altercation was one of several chaotic moments in a game that featured a late Buffalo comeback. In the fourth quarter, after Derrick Henry's second touchdown of the night, a beer was thrown into the end zone area and narrowly missed Henry and other players. Despite trailing by 15 points in the fourth quarter, the Bills rallied to win 41-40 with a last-second field goal.
Bills fans, widely known for a raucous game-day reputation, have produced high-profile incidents at home games in past seasons, and stadium security has at times taken steps to limit fan access to the field and sideline areas. The league and clubs regularly review fan conduct policies and stadium security procedures after notable episodes.
Jackson and the Ravens will turn their attention to practice and preparations for their next matchup. Team officials said the internal conversation about the incident was intended to reinforce expectations about player conduct and the role of security in handling fan behavior.