'Poor Attitude': Users Say the 49ERS 'Should Cut' This Football Player After He Refused to Play vs. Rams - Details

A critical moment in a high-stakes NFL matchup took an unexpected turn, leaving fans and teammates stunned by an unprecedented mid-game decision.

The San Francisco 49ers found themselves grappling with a tough loss and unexpected controversy on Thursday night, December 12, during their crucial matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The veteran's actions sparked a wave of outrage among fans and fellow players

The game, a must-win for the 49ers to stay in playoff contention, ended in a disappointing 12-6 defeat. However, the spotlight shifted away from the scoreline and onto linebacker De'Vondre Campbell after his surprising decision to exit mid-game.

Campbell, a nine-year veteran and key starter for the 49ers this season, made a shocking decision during the second half of the game.

According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, Campbell informed the team that he no longer wanted to play. The incident occurred in the third quarter of the game, leaving many to question the reasons behind the unexpected move.

"He said he didn't want to play today," Shanahan revealed during a post-game press conference. When asked if Campbell had communicated this directly to the coaching staff, Shanahan confirmed, "He did when I asked him why he didn't want to go in."

Campbell, who had started 12 of the team's 13 games leading up to Thursday night, went to the locker room during the third quarter and did not return. His refusal to play has not only left fans disgruntled but also fueled speculation about his future with the team. Campbell's actions have sparked a heated debate about professionalism, commitment, and accountability in professional sports.

One fan bluntly criticized the message Campbell's decision sends to younger players, saying, "How do you quit on your team? Better yet, what are you showing our youth looking up at you who play this game? Poor attitude [sic]."

Others were quick to speculate on the linebacker's future, with one user declaring, "Well that's the end of his career," while another added, "This dude should be ashamed and hope he never gets another contract."

Some comments took a harsher tone, with one user stating, "De'Vondre Campbell is an absolute [joker emoji] for walking out on the @49ers. He's healthy enough to play and oh yea he is still getting paid. Man up and do your job [sic]."

The demands for Campbell's dismissal grew louder as fans urged the 49ers' management to cut ties with the veteran. One user wrote, "I would like to see the 49ers cut De'Vondre Campbell this morning. If he doesn't want to play football, he doesn't need to be on the football team."

The frustration was echoed by another fan who asked, "Has De'Vondre Campbell got cut yet?" and another who expressed doubts about his future in the league, "I'm not sure how De'Vondre Campbell gets picked up by any legitimate franchises next season. The dude legit just quit on the Niners."

The ripple effects of Campbell's actions extended beyond his career, with fans lamenting the impact on the 49ers' season. One commenter reflected the disappointment of many, stating, "The 49ers should cut Campbell ASAP. Guess the Packers are saying, we told ya. Also send the rest of the players on vacation because the 49ers season is over. Embarrassing and disappointing."

Amid the overwhelming criticism, some fans struck a more compassionate tone. A user acknowledged the gravity of Campbell's actions but raised concerns about his well-being, writing, "I get it. It looks awful. But hope he's got family and friends checking on him. Maybe something ain't right. No one just does this cause they hate their team or wanna hurt their team. Make sure he's good mentally."

Another commenter echoed the sentiment, urging people to consider potential underlying issues. "For what we know about the 2 other players who've done this, someone should be asking if he needs help rather than making him out a villain [sic]."

As the controversy surrounding Campbell's decision to refuse to play against the Rams continues to grow, reactions from his teammates have added more fuel to the fire. While fans on social media have been vocal in their disapproval, the NFL star's actions also drew critical responses from within the San Francisco 49ers organization.

The frustration among Campbell's teammates was apparent. San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius "Mooney" Ward didn't hold back during a post-game interview, calling the linebacker's decision selfish.

Ward's reaction was shared widely on social media, including by CBS Sports Anchor Matt Lively, who posted, "Here is the whole Mooney Ward exchange on De'Vondre Campbell refusing to go into the game tonight. Mooney was brutally honest about a guy who appeared to quit on his team."

In the accompanying video, Ward said, "He's a professional, he's been playing for a long time. If he didn't want to play, he shouldn't have dressed out. He could have told them that before the game. … It definitely hurt the team because (Greenlaw) went down and we needed a linebacker, you know? … So for him to do that, that's some selfishness. He's probably going to be cut soon, so it is what it is with that."

Ward's words reflect the sentiment of many who viewed Campbell's decision as a significant letdown for the team, particularly in a game that was critical for their playoff hopes.

Adding to the discussion, 49ers tight end George Kittle addressed the situation during his own media availability. Kittle emphasized that Campbell's actions were an isolated incident and didn't cause discord within the team.

"Not disbelief or disconnection as a team. That is one person who just decided not to play for his teammates. I don't think that makes our offense or our defense look like we're falling apart, it's more of one person making a — like Mooney said — selfish decision. And I'm with Mooney on that. I've never been around anybody that's ever done that, and I hope I'm never around anybody that does that again," Kittle stated.

Kittle's comments highlight the team's collective effort to maintain unity despite the controversy while still acknowledging the unique and disruptive nature of Campbell's actions.

Campbell joined the 49ers earlier this year, signing a one-year deal in May 2024 after three seasons with the Green Bay Packers (2021-2023). The 49ers brought him in as part of a strategy to bolster their linebacker unit, which had been depleted following key injuries and departures.

The team needed reinforcements, particularly with Dre Greenlaw recovering from a torn Achilles and Oren Burks moving to the Philadelphia Eagles.

During his time in Green Bay, Campbell made a name for himself with a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2021. His overall career statistics are impressive, spanning eight years and 115 games (110 starts).

He has recorded 778 tackles, 28 passes defensed, 9.5 sacks, seven interceptions, eight forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Campbell also has Super Bowl experience as part of the 2016 Atlanta Falcons, where Shanahan served as the offensive coordinator.

Campbell's decision not to play during Thursday's game has drawn attention and prompted discussions about the expectations placed on players of his experience and stature. The incident has led to questions about his role with the 49ers and the potential implications for his career in the NFL.