San Francisco 49ers Lose to the Chicago Bears, Criticized for Refusing to Play
The San Francisco 49ers dropped their fourth game in their last five, falling to 6-8, and their chances of making the postseason are now slim. The team’s struggles were compounded by the surprise decision of linebacker Dre Greenlaw to refuse to play in the game.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan strongly denied that he had lost the locker room, stating that he hasn’t lost any players and that it’s clear that anyone on the roster who suits up wants to play. However, players such as tight end George Kittle and cornerback Charvarius Ward expressed their disappointment and frustration with Greenlaw’s decision.
Kittle emphasized that players are expected to play if they’re on the roster and suited up, and that Greenlaw’s decision was not in line with the team’s values. Ward was more direct, calling Greenlaw’s decision “sucka s—” and predicting that he will likely be cut from the team soon.
Shanahan revealed that he has never had a player refuse to play in a game before, and that the situation did not distract from the team’s focus. Despite the loss, the 49ers are determined to move forward and improve their performance.
Greenlaw, 31, had started 12 games this season and was second on the team with 79 tackles. His decision to refuse to play was a surprise to his teammates and coaches, and it’s unclear what his future with the team will be.