Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert faced criticism after attempting to sidestep an interview with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge following the team’s victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Following the Chargers’ 22-19 win, Rutledge aimed to get a standard postgame reaction from Herbert. However, he initially tried to brush her off, eventually giving brief, scattered responses before hurrying away.
When Rutledge asked him to talk, he replied, “Yeah, I’m just trying to celebrate with the team.”
Rutledge persisted with, “No, I understand, but can we chat quickly?”
Herbert, hindered by a hand injury, lingered for about a minute but seemed uninterested in engaging with the media.
His reluctance was notable. Players, according to U.S. Soccer Players Association rules, are expected to be available for press interviews after games.
Reactions on social media included many who felt Herbert was being immature. Austin reporter Alec Nolan criticized him on X, stating, “Honestly, I thought Justin Herbert was quite rude to ESPN’s Laura Rutledge. You know the drill, man, you’re a quarterback.”
Some agreed with that perspective.
However, numerous commenters suggested that Rutledge might have rushed the interview, arguing she could have let Herbert have a bit more time to celebrate before approaching him.
The Eagles, meanwhile, seemed to have squandered opportunities, more so than the Chargers had won. They allowed a crucial field goal in the final minute, leading to overtime. QB Jalen Hurts missed a game-winning pass, allowing the Chargers’ Tony Jefferson to make an interception.
Next up, the Eagles need a win against the Raiders in Week 14, while the Chargers will face the Chiefs in their upcoming game.
