Advertisement

San Diego Chargers claim Seahawks DL Clark attacked Rivers

By The Sports Xchange
San Diego Chargers quarterback Phillips Rivers (L). File photo by Jim Bryant/UPI
San Diego Chargers quarterback Phillips Rivers (L). File photo by Jim Bryant/UPI | License Photo

Offensive linemen of the San Diego Chargers accused Seattle Seahawks rookie defensive lineman Frank Clark of trying to attack quarterback Philip Rivers during Saturday night's preseason game.

Multiple players were angered when Chargers left tackle King Dunlap was flagged for a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty after yanking Clark from under a pile. Rivers was sacked on the play by Seattle defensive tackle Jordan Hill.

Advertisement

Dunlap told the San Diego Union-Tribune that he did not see the incident but said he wanted to protect Rivers after hearing his teammates yelling at Clark.

"That guy was on top of Philip, and that's our quarterback," Dunlap said after the Seahawks' 16-15 win. "I protect the quarterback at all costs."

Video of the play shows Rivers holding onto Clark's jersey after the sack.

"Man this game, it's a lot of emotions is involved," the 6-foot-3, 272-pound Clark told the Seattle Times. "I'm a real emotional player but there are ways you react and ways you don't react. You've got to be smart in this game. That was something Sherm (Richard Sherman) was telling me afterwards, that whole thing, even though I didn't get called for anything, just to avoid situations like that."

Advertisement

Clark's alleged antics after the play drew the attention from the Chargers.

"That's our quarterback," Chargers guard D.J. Fluker said. "We're going to protect the jewel of our offense."

Clark, who was dismissed from Michigan's football team last November, was drafted in the second round by the Seahawks. He was convicted of a disorderly conduct charge in April after pleading no contest in an agreement with prosecutors. A domestic-violence count involving his former girlfriend was downgraded to disorderly conduct, while an assault charge was dismissed.

Rivers left the game later in the second quarter after banging his throwing hand on a followthrough, but the five-time Pro Bowler said X-rays on his hand were negative. Rivers said he would have remained in the game had it been a regular-season contest.

On Sunday, the Chargers released 11 players from their roster. Injured linebacker Brock Hekking was cut, along with quarterback Chase Rettig, running back Jahwan Edwards, tight ends David Paulson and Logan Stokes, cornerback Manny Asprilla, wide receiver Titus Davis, defensive linemen Cameron Botticelli and Luther Robinson, linebacker Curtis Grant and tackle Forrestal Hickman.

Latest Headlines