Arizona Cardinals Coach Jonathan Gannon Fined $100K After Sideline Altercation
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has been fined $100,000 following a sideline incident involving running back Emari Demercado during the team’s narrow 22-21 loss to the Tennessee Titans on October 1, 2023. The altercation occurred after Demercado failed to secure a potential touchdown during a critical moment in the fourth quarter, which ultimately shifted the momentum of the game.
The incident unfolded when Demercado appeared to have a 72-yard touchdown run that would have extended the Cardinals’ lead to 28-6, with 12 minutes and 40 seconds remaining. Instead, he dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line, leading to a fumble that granted possession to the Titans at their own 20-yard line. Following the play, video footage surfaced on social media showing Gannon visibly upset, yelling at Demercado and swiping his arm downward in a moment of frustration.
In response to the incident, Gannon has publicly acknowledged his emotional reaction. He stated, “I woke up this morning and didn’t feel great about it, honestly.” He apologized to Demercado and the team, expressing regret for letting his emotions dictate his actions. “It’s not really who I am, who I want to be,” he added, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure as a leader.
Despite the fine, which is not expected to be officially announced by the team, ESPN reports that the NFL has been in contact with the NFL Players Association. There will be no additional punishment for Gannon stemming from the incident.
The Cardinals have struggled in recent weeks, marking three consecutive losses, all decided by last-second field goals. This unprecedented streak has raised concerns within the organization. Gannon, now in his third season with the Cardinals after previously serving as the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, faces increasing pressure to turn the team’s fortunes around.
As the team prepares for the upcoming schedule, Gannon emphasized the need for collective accountability: “It’s a mistake by me, and just like everybody in there, everybody made some type of mistake yesterday, which culminates to why we didn’t win the game.”
The Cardinals currently hold a record of 2-3 and will look to rebound in their next matchup. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds to this latest challenge.
