Marlon Humphrey may not have choked Odell Beckham Jr when the two players got into a scuffle during Sunday’s game, and the Baltimore Ravens want to make sure people know that.
Many who watched Baltimore’s loss to the Cleveland Browns or saw a replay of the altercation between Humphrey and Beckham were left with the impression that the cornerback put his hand around Beckham’s throat when he was on top of him on the ground. However, a much clearer close-up video that the Ravens shared on their official website Tuesday morning showed that Humphrey actually had a handful of Beckham’s jersey just below his neck and throat area. In fact, Beckham threw at least one punch at Humphrey while he was grasping his facemask.
The NFL said replay officials in New York reviewed the play and determined it did not warrant an ejection for either player. When you see some of the original footage that circulated on Sunday, you can see how it appeared Humphrey choked Beckham.
Odell had every right to go at Marlon Humphrey. You can’t choke another player.
— Everything Cleveland (@EverythingCLE_) September 29, 2019
Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens said he believes Humphrey should be disciplined for the act and that he planned to speak with the NFL about it.
“I don’t like seeing our player on the field and someone’s hands around his throat,” Kitchens said. “I don’t like that. I don’t think that needs to be in our game, and I would be the first to say that if it was our guy doing it.”
Based on the video the Ravens shared Tuesday, it appears neither player did that. Perhaps that is part of the reason Beckham was only concerned about a piece of his jewelry after the dust-up.
