Tension was high on Sunday as the Pittsburgh Steelers took on the Las Vegas Raiders at Heinz Field. Several players went at it verbally all game, spitting insults at each other. But apparently, others took things quite literally.
Steelers lineman Trai Turner was ejected in the game in the fourth quarter after spitting on Raiders defensive tackle Solomon Thomas. A referee immediately caught the incident and tossed Turner out.
Looks to me like Trai Turner spits at the Raiders toward the end of this replay pic.twitter.com/lvO0F1kGuC
— 2022 Jim (@SportsingJim) September 19, 2021
After the game, which the Steelers lost, 26-17, coach Mike Tomlin came to the defense of Turner. He said Turner only retaliated after an opponent spit on his face in a previous play. You know what they say: An eye for an eye, a spit for a spit (via Steelers Now).
“Somebody spit in his face. So I understand the 15-yard penalties and so forth, gaining control of the game and stuff. Trai is not a young guy. He’s not overly emotional. He’s a flat-liner. For him to respond the way that he responded, what transpired had to transpire. I was stating that case to them. I didn’t believe he did enough to be kicked out of the football game. That was just my opinion.”
Tomlin lamented the penalties the Steelers incurred against the Raiders, who completed another impressive win. It didn't help that the Steelers lost star linebacker TJ Watt to a groin injury in the second quarter.
It remains unclear if Turner will be given a heavier sanction by the NFL. The Steelers will open their AFC North campaign next Sunday as they host the Cincinnati Bengals.
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