49ers Suspend De’Vondre Campbell After Game Refusal Sparks Controversy

49ers to Suspend De’Vondre Campbell for Three Games After Refusal to Play

Drama is brewing in San Francisco, and it’s not the kind of drama that 49ers fans were hoping for as the season winds down. The team has decided to suspend linebacker De’Vondre Campbell for three games after he refused to enter Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. Sources confirmed the news to ESPN on Monday, and it’s safe to say this decision has sent shockwaves through the locker room and beyond.

The suspension, which was first reported by NFL Network, could very well mark the end of Campbell’s season. With the 49ers sitting at 6-8, they’re still mathematically alive in the playoff race, but they’re trailing four other teams for the seventh and final NFC playoff spot. Let’s be real—this is not the kind of distraction a team on the postseason bubble needs.

What Happened on Thursday Night?

In a game that ended in a frustrating 12-6 loss to the Rams, Campbell’s decision not to play didn’t just raise eyebrows—it outright angered head coach Kyle Shanahan and many of his teammates. Shanahan didn’t mince words when addressing the situation, saying, “It’s not something you can do to your team or your teammates and still get to be a part of our team.” Ouch. That’s about as direct as it gets.

Here’s how it all went down: Campbell was asked to enter the game in the second quarter after strongside linebacker Dee Winters left with a neck injury. Instead of stepping up, Campbell declined, forcing Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles to take over. Later, in the third quarter, when starting weakside linebacker Dre Greenlaw began experiencing knee soreness, Campbell was once again asked to play. And once again, he refused. By the fourth quarter, Campbell had taken matters into his own hands and headed to the locker room without permission. Talk about a bold move.

What’s Next for Campbell and the 49ers?

Campbell’s suspension isn’t just about sending a message—it’s also a strategic move. Cutting the 31-year-old linebacker would have allowed him to hit waivers and potentially sign with another team to finish out the season. However, by suspending him, the 49ers may be able to recoup some of the $3.35 million signing bonus they gave him when he signed a one-year, $5 million deal back in March. That’s a significant chunk of change, and it’s clear the team isn’t taking this situation lightly.

Campbell’s signing was initially a backup plan after veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks backed out of a deal with the 49ers to join the Dallas Cowboys. Campbell was brought in as a placeholder for Greenlaw, who was recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in Super Bowl LVIII. For most of the season, Campbell did his job, starting 12 games and playing 90% of the defensive snaps. He racked up 79 tackles, including three for loss, and defended two passes. But all of that seems to have been overshadowed by his actions—or lack thereof—on Thursday night.

Locker Room Fallout

It’s no secret that Campbell’s refusal to play has caused a rift within the team. Shanahan’s comments make it clear that this isn’t just a coaching issue—it’s a locker room issue. For a team that’s already facing an uphill battle to make the playoffs, this kind of internal conflict could be devastating. The 49ers’ defense showed flashes of brilliance on Thursday, holding the Rams without a first down in the first quarter and limiting them to just three points in the first half. But with Greenlaw’s knee acting up and Winters sidelined, the team needed Campbell to step up. Instead, he stepped out.

Key Takeaways

Here’s what we know so far:

• The 49ers plan to suspend De’Vondre Campbell for three games, effectively ending his season.
• Campbell refused to play in Thursday night’s 12-6 loss to the Rams, angering his coach and teammates.
• The suspension could allow the team to recover part of Campbell’s $3.35 million signing bonus.
• Campbell will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, leaving his future in the NFL uncertain.

As the 49ers fight to keep their playoff hopes alive, this situation is a stark reminder of how quickly things can unravel in the NFL. For Campbell, this could be a career-defining moment—but not in the way he might have hoped. And for the 49ers, it’s a test of their resilience and ability to stay focused amid the chaos. One thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on San Francisco as this story continues to unfold.