Dallas Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy Criticizes Albert Huggins for Incident with LA Rams Staff…
During a joint practice session on Wednesday, Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Albert Huggins pushed a Los Angeles Rams staff member to the ground during a drill. As a result, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and his team decided to eject Huggins from the practice.
WILD: #Cowboys DT Albert Huggins SHOVED a #Rams staff member to the ground after a play…
(h/t @jonmachota)pic.twitter.com/06G7eGta7S
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 14, 2024
Immediately following the incident, several Rams players and one of Huggins’ own coaches confronted him. Huggins was promptly removed from the drill and sent away from practice for the day. On his way out, Huggins made an offensive gesture towards the Rams linemen.
WILD: #Cowboys DT Albert Huggins SHOVED a #Rams staff member to the ground after a play…
(h/t @jonmachota)pic.twitter.com/06G7eGta7S
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 14, 2024
In response to the situation, McCarthy addressed the media, condemning Huggins’ actions and discussing the matter with Rams coaches, as reported by Pro Football Talk.
WILD: #Cowboys DT Albert Huggins SHOVED a #Rams staff member to the ground after a play…
(h/t @jonmachota)pic.twitter.com/06G7eGta7S
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 14, 2024
McCarthy stated, “His behavior is clearly unacceptable. We’ve dealt with it, and he’s apologized, which I accept. I was on the other side of the field when it happened but spoke with Mike Zimmer and Sean McVay afterward. After reviewing the video, I spoke with Sean again, who told me that he was impressed with how our coaches handled the situation. I want to emphasize that such behavior is not tolerated. We expect emotional discipline, and Huggins understands that now.”
WILD: #Cowboys DT Albert Huggins SHOVED a #Rams staff member to the ground after a play…
(h/t @jonmachota)pic.twitter.com/06G7eGta7S
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 14, 2024
According to ESPN, Huggins is currently at the bottom of the Cowboys’ depth chart for his position, trailing behind other defensive linemen such as Mazi Smith, Osa Odighizuwa, Carl Davis Jr., Denzel Daxon, Viliami Fehoko Jr., and Jordan Phillips.
WILD: #Cowboys DT Albert Huggins SHOVED a #Rams staff member to the ground after a play…
(h/t @jonmachota)pic.twitter.com/06G7eGta7S
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 14, 2024
While McCarthy accepted Huggins’ apology, the incident is unlikely to help Huggins’ chances of making the 53-man roster.
WILD: #Cowboys DT Albert Huggins SHOVED a #Rams staff member to the ground after a play…
(h/t @jonmachota)pic.twitter.com/06G7eGta7S
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 14, 2024
The incident sparked backlash from fans, with both Cowboys supporters and non-supporters criticizing Huggins on social media. Many fans labeled him a “coward” for his actions and subsequent gesture, while others claimed this behavior is typical for a player on the Cowboys.
WILD: #Cowboys DT Albert Huggins SHOVED a #Rams staff member to the ground after a play…
(h/t @jonmachota)pic.twitter.com/06G7eGta7S
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 14, 2024
