DeAngelo Hall has the reputation of being a me-first player with an attitude. So, there wasn't really much afterthought to Hall removing his helmet and sounding off at a referee on Sunday against the Steelers. Part of the deal.
Hall wanted a flag thrown after he was "full nelsoned" to the ground by Emmanuel Sanders, and, when it wasn't, Hall reacted. But, according to Hall, he only did so after the ref took his own shots first. Hall went on the "LaVar and Dukes" show on 106.7 The Fan in Washington to tell his side:
"They're the good cops and we're the criminals. It has to be an even playing field, a level playing field. If they want us to go out there and respect them, they have to do the same thing. They have to give us the same kind of respect that I feel like we've been giving them as players, as referees that ultimately control some of the calls in these games. Nobody is going out there trying to bully the referees, and likewise they shouldn't be out there trying to bully us."
Bullying seems like a strong word to use, as it implies intimidation or fear, neither of which I imagine Hall experienced on the field with the ref. He's also talking like it's a widespread issue, which doesn't appear to be the case, either. Sounds like he's prepping for his defense.
Hall is looking for more cameras to display his version of the story to Commissioner Goodell. It's hard to believe that Hall would make all of this up, particularly if he's looking for camera angles, but his reputation will mandate solid evidence.
If Hall is right, it'll be interesting to see Goodell's next move. Will he back the players he just locked out, or the referees he just locked out?
