Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jonathan Gannon's Sideline Behavior Towards Player Sparks NFLPA 'Investigation'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew McCarty | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 10:34 AM ET

Over the weekend the Arizona Cardinals fell to 2-3 on the season with an embarrassing loss to the Tennessee Titans. Early in the fourth quarter the Cardinals held a 21-6 lead and looked to be well on their way to a win.

Instead, the Panthers mounted an epic comeback helped along by a number of critical mistakes from the opposing side. Perhaps the most glaring error came with just under 13 minutes left to play when running back Emari Demercado raced for what appeared to be a 72-yard touchdown.

Officials later ruled that Demercado dropped the ball right before crossing into the endzone. Instead of a 28-6 lead with 12:40 to play in the fourth quarter, the Cardinals turned the ball over to the Titans who went on to score a touchdown on the ensuing possession, sparking their comeback and eventual 22-21 win.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan GannonKirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jonathan Gannon Apologizes to Emari Demercado

After Demercado's fumble, head coach Jonathan Gannon was spotted ripping into the running back before appearing to strike his right arm. The heated sideline interaction went viral on social media with Gannon eventually apologizing to his running back.

"I woke up this morning and didn't feel great about it, honestly," Gannon said on Monday following the game. "I just told [the team], I kind of let the moment of what happened get the better of me there. Obviously, I try to be emotionally stable and calm because my job is to solve problems during a game and lead the charge on that. So, it's not really who I am, who I want to be, and I told the guys that today."

Investigation Launched After Gannon's Actions

Gannon's actions have since launched an investigation by the NFLPA, according to USA Today's Jarrett Bell. NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said the league is aware of the incident, but had no further comment into the sideline interaction.

"So, it's a mistake by me, and it's just like everybody in there, everybody made some type of mistake yesterday, which culminates to why we didn't win the game, and we can't let it happen moving forward," Gannon admitted.

"I just thought it was a big play in the game that it needs to be executed. I've seen us do that before, execute those things, and we hold our hat on standard operating procedures about the ball, and I just would've liked to see it execute a little bit better there."

Arizona will attempt to end its three-game losing streak next weekend in a bout against the Indianapolis Colts (4-1).

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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