Las Vegas Raiders receiver Davante Adams avoided a suspension last season after shoving a cameraman after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, but could still face punishment for the incident. The cameraman filed a civil suit Thursday against Adams, the Chiefs and the Raiders, according to the Kansas City Star.
The incident came after the Chiefs narrowly defeated the Raiders 30-29 at Arrowhead Stadium last season. Las Vegas had a shot at a last-second drive that could have won the game, but Adams collided with Raiders receiver Hunter Renfrow on a fourth down play that ended the comeback attempt.
As Adams made his way to the tunnel, a cameraman crossed in front of Adams as he left the field. Adams pushed the man to the ground. After the game, Adams apologized in a tweet saying he was frustrated and “felt awful”. Adams later deleted that tweet.
According to the civil suit, the cameraman feared for his life after the incident. He also said he had concussion symptoms, was harassed online and received death threats. He’s suing Adams for battery.
The man is also seeking damages from the Raiders for liability for employing Adams. The Chiefs and two other companies are named in the lawsuit for not providing enough security to prevent the situation.
Adams was charged with assault following the push. That case is still pending. Adams will appear in court on June 26, according to the Kansas City Star.
The NFL initially issued no penalty against Adams, opting instead to wait for the legal issue to be resolved. It is possible that Adams could still face a fine or suspension from the NFL, depending on the outcome of the misdemeanor charge and civil suit.
