Running back Kenneth Gainwell addressed Tuesday's training camp brawl between his Philadelphia Eagles and the Indianapolis Colts with the media, saying his team "whooped they a--."
Kenneth Gainwell on fight with the Colts: “We’re a team. We ain’t going to let nobody come in our house and take over…We whopped they ass, so.” pic.twitter.com/xjnVGSx9QF
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) August 22, 2023
Kenny Gainwell says Eagles whooped the Colts a**. He says they’re not gonna let anyone come into their house. Kenny got hit a few times after the play and Jason Kelce went after the Colts & that started the bench is clearing pushing and shoving. Kenny says this team is connected. pic.twitter.com/6h7GIhfy9A
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) August 22, 2023
The fighting reportedly started after Eagles All-Pro center Jason Kelce hit Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin with what Kelce admitted afterward was a "cheap shot." The center explained to reporters that his actions were "unacceptable" and that he "let (his) emotions get the better of (him)."
Given Kelce's reputation as one of the more likable "good guys" in the league, it was certainly surprising to see that he was apparently the instigator. Less surprising was how he immediately owned up to his mistake.
Tuesday's extracurricular activities between Indianapolis and Philadelphia are just the latest in what has been a significant string of brouhahas at NFL summer training camp joint sessions in recent weeks.
New York Jets cornerbacks coach Tony Oden was sent to the hospital last week after being hit by a "friendly fire" during a scuffle between Gang Green and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Rams also engaged in some fiery exchanges this month. Following those events, Raiders two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby and Rams running back Cam Akers continued the sparring on social media.
The Colts and Eagles will conclude their respective preseasons when they square off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday. Indianapolis opens its regular season at 1 p.m. ET on Sept. 10 at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Philadelphia starts its defense of last season's NFC championship by traveling to face the New England Patriots at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sept. 10.
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