Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson issued an apology on Monday for forcefully pushing a Philadelphia Eagles fan seated behind the Bills’ bench. Lawson asserted that the fan had been making threatening comments directed at players and their families. The incident, captured on video during Buffalo’s overtime loss to the Eagles, showed Lawson and five defensive teammates approaching the fan, who was clad in an Eagles shirt beneath a jacket and holding a can of beer. Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips engaged in a verbal exchange with the spectator, prompting Lawson to shove him.

In his Instagram apology, Lawson revealed that the fan had been heckling players from the onset of the game. Despite the Bills requesting stadium security to remove the individual, he was allowed to remain in his seat. Lawson acknowledged that emotions escalated, leading to his regrettable action. He expressed remorse for his mistake while emphasizing that certain boundaries should not be breached.

Teammate Jordan Phillips echoed Lawson’s sentiments in a message on his own Instagram account, underscoring his intolerance for threats against himself or his family. The NFL has not yet commented on the matter, and the Philadelphia Eagles have indicated that they are reviewing the incident.

Notably, the players involved were unavailable for further comment as the Bills entered their bye week. Coach Sean McDermott addressed the situation, describing it as “a very unfortunate situation.” McDermott mentioned that attempts were made to have the unruly fan removed, but nothing was done. He expressed the team’s reluctance to be involved in such incidents during games and deemed the situation regrettable overall.