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Kris Rhim
KANSAS CITY, Mo — Chargers security Tony Jefferson was ejected after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Kansas City Chiefs broad receiver Tyquan Thornton within the fourth quarter of Los Angeles’ 16-13 victory Sunday and left the sphere in frustration, making an obscene gesture towards followers.
After the sport, Jefferson apologized for the gesture. He stated that he did not have any unhealthy intentions on the hit and thought it was authorized however hadn’t but seen a replay.
“I am classier than that. I used to be simply caught up within the second,” Jefferson stated. “Feelings get excessive. I will not sit right here and act like I am an ideal man. I tousled and I did that. I’ve children at dwelling and there is children on the market watching the sport too, so I apologize.”
The play was initially flagged for pointless roughness, and a quick skirmish adopted earlier than officers disqualified Jefferson. Thornton was put in concussion protocol after the hit.
“I noticed a soccer play,” coach Jim Harbaugh stated. “That is what I noticed.”
Jefferson had been bodily all through the sport, delivering a number of large hits, together with a jarring shot on Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice that compelled an incompletion on third down earlier within the sport.
“Physicality is a large a part of the sport,” he stated. “You need to be good with it.”
Jefferson, who was a wholesome inactive for 3 video games this 12 months, has grow to be one of the vital necessary gamers within the Chargers’ secondary in latest weeks.
Earlier than this season, Jefferson had 4 interceptions over his first 10 seasons within the NFL. This season, Jefferson is tied for the workforce lead in interceptions with 4 whereas routinely delivering crushing hits to receivers who dare to catch passes over the center of the sphere, as he did on Sunday.
“He is taking part in actually good, actually good soccer,” Harbaugh stated.
The Chargers already started Sunday’s sport with out security Elijah Molden, who had a hamstring damage. Rookie security RJ Mickens additionally went down with a shoulder damage. With out Jefferson, the Chargers needed to depend on veteran Marcus Williams, who was elevated from the follow squad, and Kendall Williamson, who sometimes solely performs particular groups.
