Packers LB Quay Walker ejected after shoving Lions athletic trainer on the field
Penalty helped Detroit on game-winning TD drive in upset of Green Bay
Green Bay linebacker Quay Walker was ejected in the fourth quarter of the Packers' loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday night after he shoved a Lions athletic trainer.
Midway through the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field, Lions athletic training staff ran out onto the field to tend to running back D'Andre Swift, who was injured on a 2-yard run. As the athletic trainer tried to navigate through players to reach Swift, he brushed by Walker who then shoved him in the back, which drew the flag and an ejection.
The athletic trainer moved Walker out of the way slightly to get in so he could access Swift on the ground, but it was nothing out of the ordinary.
#Packers LB Quay Walker has been ejected for shoving a #Lions athletic trainer
pic.twitter.com/S9uuzo7M3X— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) January 9, 2023
Several other players from both teams quickly stepped in to deescalate the situation while Walker didn't seem to understand why he was being penalized.
"That is unacceptable," Packers coach Matt LaFleuer said after the game. "I’ve got a much higher standard for our players than to do silly things like that. We’ve got a guy ejected twice. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that in my career."
Walker has now been ejected twice this season. The former Georgia standout had seven total tackles when he was tossed.
The penalty kept the Lions drive moving and eventually led to a 1-yard touchdown run from Jamaal Williams, which gave Detroit a four-point lead late in the fourth quarter.
The Lions then held on to take the 20-16 win, which knocked the Packers out of playoff contention and gave the Lions a winning record for the first time since 2017.
While the Lions were in scoring position on that drive anyway, Walker's ejection didn't help. Late in a game with the playoffs on the line, that penalty couldn't have come at a worse time for the Packers.
Walked tweeted a heartfelt apology Monday morning. He acknowledged that he messed up in a way he has before, and was even more upset at himself for slipping up again. He also apologized to the Lions trainer he shoved.
I want to apologize publicly about what happened Sunday night. I reacted off of my emotions again and take full responsibility of making another stupid decision. Since then I’ve questioned myself on why did I do what I did when the trainer was doing his job!! I was wrong!!
— Quay (@QuayWalker_) January 9, 2023
I understand I have to face everything that comes with the decision I’ve made and I’m definitely paying for it now.
— Quay (@QuayWalker_) January 9, 2023
Also to explain my frustration in the tunnel. I wasn’t upset about being kicked out, I just knew I messed up again and was wrong for what I did and couldn’t believe I did it again. To the Detroit lions and to the entire training staff including the person I did that too.I’m sorry
— Quay (@QuayWalker_) January 9, 2023