Atlanta running back Devonta Freeman was ejected in the third quarter of the Falcons’ Sunday game for throwing a punch at Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
The players scuffled after Rams linebacker Cory Littleton intercepted a pass that bounced off the hands of wide receiver Mohamed Sanu.
The much bigger Donald was pushing Freeman backward when the running back grabbed Donald’s facemask, then took a swing toward Donald’s head. With several players on both sides involved in the scrum, umpire Terry Killens eventually pulled Freeman away and took him to the turf.
Donald and Freeman were assessed unnecessary roughness penalties, with Freeman being tossed because of the punch with 9:43 to go in the third quarter.
The Rams, who led 20-3 at the time, quickly scored a touchdown after the turnover and won 37-10.
Freeman ran seven times for 19 yards and had two receptions for 6 yards.