Bobby Wagner
Run over by player: Flitzer sues NFL professional
Short process: Bobby Wagner tackles a speedster in the middle of the field
© Terry Schmitt / Picture Alliance
During the Los Angeles Rams’ NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers, a man ran onto the field with a smoke flare. He was quickly brought down by linebacker Bobby Wagner. However, the activist did not want to accept that so easily – and filed a complaint.
It was a curious scene that unfolded Monday night during the game of the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Los Angeles Rams, against the San Francisco 49ers. Just before the half-time break, a man suddenly ran onto the field with a pink smoke flare. The security personnel tried to catch the speedster, but that didn’t really work.
As he ran to the Rams sidelines and dodged around to avoid security, linebacker Bobby Wagner made short work of the young man and, to cheers from onlookers, tackled the young man to the ground.
NFL pro Bobby Wagner: “It was about protecting us all”
When asked about his mission after the incident, the 32-year-old replied: “It was about protecting all of us”. You never know what’s going on in a fan’s head and what they might be carrying in their pockets. “It looked to me like a person on the other side of the field got hurt and security looked like they were having trouble catching the guy. I was so frustrated I took it out on him.” , Wagner told sports broadcaster ESPN.
Even the opposing team’s coach, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, was impressed: “I thought it was pretty cool to see.”
The activist, who belongs to the animal welfare organization Direct Action Everywhere, apparently found it less cool and was taken away by the security service after the tackle. He filed a complaint against the NFL professional with the police the next day, the Associated Press news agency reported.
Asked about the ad by journalists at the training center, NFL pro Wagner said, “I’ve heard about it, but it is what it is. It’s behind me. I’m not really focused on it. I’m more worried about the security guard, who was injured trying to chase him (…) You just have to do what you have to do.”
Animal rights group Direct Action Everywhere supports whistleblowers who face jail time for reporting animal abuse on farms. Even before the interruption shortly before the half-time break, a woman had also gotten into the interior, but was quickly caught by security. Direct Action Everywhere published a photo of the two activists after the game, with the speedster provided by Wagner wearing a bandage on his arm. The two are doing well, the organization assured.
Watch the video: The recording is currently circulating on social media. The clip shows fraternity members celebrating their college football team’s win — but the team lost.
Source: Associated Press