The NFL has completed an investigation into an incident in which a fan spilled a drink on Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown, ruling it an accident. The incident occurred Sunday in Carolina after the Bengals defeated the Carolina Panthers 34-24.
“The league’s review of the matter found that portions of a drink were accidentally spilled on the Cincinnati player as Bengals fans attempted to catch the gloves he threw at them,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told ESPN .
Brown was plied with a drink as he walked into the tunnel after the match. A video of the incident went viral and led to an investigation by the league into whether it was intentional.
If the NFL had discovered that the fan had maliciously spilled the drink, the league could have chosen to punish the fan, including the possibility of a lifetime stadium ban.
Brown ran for 80 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday’s win, and also had two receptions for 12 yards.
The second-year running back told ESPN on Thursday that he was glad the drink was not poured on purpose.
“It would suck if people did things on purpose,” Brown told ESPN. “Honestly, he’s a Bengals fan too. I’m just glad they got the gloves at the end of the day.”
He also said he may not throw away gloves or other equipment in future games to avoid being dunked again.
“Maybe I should turn it in now,” Brown said. “I’m not going to throw it up again.”
