The start of the NFL season for the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders was marked not only by the Chargers’ 22-12 victory but also by a heated brawl that erupted during the game, resulting in ejections and chaos on the field.
The incident occurred near the end of the fourth quarter after a failed two-point conversion attempt by Chargers running back Gus Edwards.
Multiple players from both teams joined the fray, which spilled out of the end zone and sparked a series of separate fights.
WOW, WE HAVE A MAJOR FIGHT
A BIG FIGHT BROKE OUT BETWEEN THE #RAIDERS & #CHARGERS PLAYERS IN THE REDZONE.
YOU DO NOT SEE THIS OFTEN…
pic.twitter.com/exQj6UBQGP— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 8, 2024
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As described by Palmer, the altercation was intense, with the player claiming he “got punched a lot” during the game, including a hit from Jones prior to the brawl. “They came and started throwing punches, but we’re not going to be punching bags,” Palmer stated after the game.
He emphasized that there was “no bad blood” between him and the Raiders, comparing the on-field aggression to the physicality seen in UFC fights, where competitors often respect each other regardless of the contest’s ferocity.
The melee drew in not just players but also coaches from both teams, with Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh actively working to defuse the situation. Harbaugh, along with linebackers coach NaVorro Bowman, who tried to energize the crowd post-altercation, rushed onto the field to separate the players and restore order.
Harbaugh later described the event as a “melee” and focused on getting his team back to the sidelines without further incident.
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce expressed disappointment over the fight, labeling it as “inexcusable” and “undisciplined.” “It’s just not worth it,” Pierce remarked. “They scored, I mean, they kicked our ass. They scored. Let it go.”
The fight underscored the long-standing rivalry between the two AFC West teams, known for their intense and sometimes volatile encounters.
This latest brawl is a continuation of the fierce competitiveness that often spills over both on the field and among fans.
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