De’Vondre Campbell opted not to play for the San Francisco 49ers during their Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and now the veteran linebacker won’t play for any NFL team for the rest of the 2024 season. The 49ers officially suspended Campbell for the final three games of the year.
“We have suspended De’Vondre Campbell Sr. for three games due to conduct detrimental to the team. We will have no further comment on the matter,” 49ers president of football operations and general manager John Lynch announced Monday.
Campbell, a former All-Pro, started 12 of San Francisco’s first 13 games while filling in for the injured Dre Greenlaw. However, he was relegated to a backup role when Greenlaw returned for Week 15. During last Thursday’s loss to the Rams, Campbell was seen leaving the field after reportedly refusing to enter the game as an injury replacement when Greenlaw and another linebacker got hurt.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, along with key 49ers players like tight end George Kittle and cornerback Charvarius Ward, criticized Campbell’s actions, stating that walking away from his teammates in such a moment made it unreasonable to expect him to play for the team again. By suspending him, the 49ers not only ensure Campbell won’t return this season but also prevent him from signing with another team.
