As a heated scuffle in the Eagles-49ers game resulted in an ejection of linebacker Dre Greenlaw, another NFL player was thrown out of a game for throwing a punch.
Panthers star pass rusher Brian Burns was tossed from the contest after he threw a punch at Buccaneers offensive lineman Cody Mauch amid a scuffle that broke out in the third quarter.
#Panthers OLB Brian Burns has been tossed for throwing a punch at #Bucs OL Cody Mauch.pic.twitter.com/jUNtrY60Xf
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 3, 2023
This was a tough sequence for Panthers fans. Not only did the defense surrender a 75-yard touchdown to Mike Evans, but Burns failed to keep his composure when some pushing and shoving occurred following an extra-point attempt.
Carolina, which has won just one game this season, simply can’t afford to make mental mistakes like that. At 1–10, they haven’t proven they can win even when they play a clean game. Burns, a two-time Pro Bowler, will be missed in a close divisional game against the Buccaneers.
Despite this ejection, the Panthers have put up a valiant effort in their first game after the firing of former head coach Frank Reich, as they trail 21–18 with under five minutes to go in the contest.