Justin Herbert just wanted to be left alone after a big win.
In the moments immediately following the Chargers’ critical 22-19 overtime win over the Eagles on “Monday Night Football,” Los Angeles’ superstar quarterback appeared to want nothing to do with a Laura Rutledge on-field postgame interview.
“Yeah, I’m trying to celebrate with my team,” Herbert said while trying to avoid ESPN’s sideline reporter.
“No, I know, but can we just talk to you really fast?” Rutledge replied.
ESPN’s lead commentator Joe Buck noticed Herbert’s antsy body language and short answers during the interview.
“Alright, now he can go celebrate with his teammates, thank you, Laura. Good job,” Buck said once the interview concluded.
The awkward encounter drew ire online, as some did not appreciate how Herbert tried to dodge his postgame winners’ responsibility.
The collective bargaining agreement forces players to be available to the media after games, including postgame interviews with sideline or locker room reporters.
“I’m sorry I thought Justin Herbert was extremely rude to ESPN’s Laura Rutledge,” Fox7 in Texas anchor Alec Nolan posted on X. “You know the drill dude, you’re the QB. Big win for the Chargers, gut-wrenching loss for the Eagles.”
Some disagreed, saying that Herbert should be able to celebrate with his teammates for a few minutes before getting forced into an interview.
ESPN colleague Lindsey Thiry also commented, saying, “You are a PRO!!!” in an X post.
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The game ended in an adrenaline-filled hurry, as the Eagles had multiple chances to win this “Monday Night Football” contest.
They allowed a late tying field goal to send the game to overtime and advanced to the Chargers’ 17-yard line in the extra stanza while trailing by three before quarterback Jalen Hurts threw another poor pass.
While scrambling to his right on first down, Hurts’ intended ball to Jahan Dotson was tipped in the air and intercepted by Tony Jefferson to seal the Eagles’ fate.
After throwing four interceptions and turning the ball over five times, Hurts and the Eagles enter dangerous territory as Week 15 nears.
Philadelphia is in a must-win spot at home against the lowly Raiders in Week 14, while the Chargers own the AFC’s fifth seed entering a matchup with the Chiefs next week.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
