Buffalo Bills players who were involved in an ugly scene after their recent overtime loss to the Eagles in Philadelphia are now explaining that their heated and physical exchange with a fan was the result of the audience at The Linc "making life-threatening remarks towards us and our families.''
Said the Bills' Jordan Phillips, who approached one allegedly offending Eagles fan: "I love the crowd I love rowdy fans it makes the game fun. But one thing I’m not going to tolerate is someone threatening me or my family. This is a line that shouldn’t be crossed."
Added Buffalo teammate Shaq Lawson, who actually got physical with a fan: "Before the game started ... there was a fan behind our bench, who was making life-threatening remarks towards us and our families.
"We asked Philadelphia security to remove the fan, but he was allowed to stay for the entire game.''
A video shows some details of the confrontation, with Phillips approaching the fan while yelling, then when Lawson appearing to put his hands on the fan, then with Bills vet Leonard Floyd entering the fray to help break up the incident.
Lawson on Friday was "fined an undisclosed amount for his interaction with a fan in the game against Philadelphia," per NFL Network.
Along with the explanations from the players has come an apology from Lawson.
"Those of you who know me know that I'm all about the fans, and I have a lot of respect for the game I play and my opponents," Lawson said. "Eventually, our emotions boiled over, and I made a mistake. For that, I apologize, but there are certain lines that should not be crossed."
The 10-2 Eagles this week turn their attention to "Sunday Night Football'' at the 9-3 Dallas Cowboys.
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