The team-mates of Buffalo Bills cornerback Vontae Davis have confirmed that the 30-year-old quit and retired at half-time during their 20-31 loss against the LA Chargers today.
The stunning news emerged from the Bills' locker room after the game. Davis was a noticeable absentee after half-time and it was later confirmed he told his team-mates he was retiring.
Head coach Sean McDermott spoke at his press conference and was reluctant to go into the details.
He pulled himself out of the game. He told us he was done. When I get back there, we'll continue to communicate and get things sorted out. I wish I had a better answer.
McDermott on Vontae Davis: "He pulled himself out of the game. He told us he was done."
— WGR 550 (@WGR550) September 16, 2018
Kyle Williams reacts to Vontae Davis situation. pic.twitter.com/R7LRcFMoe1
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) September 16, 2018
Rafael Bush says “I did lose respect for him as a man” in regards to Vontae Davis apparently quitting in the middle of the game. #Bills defensive players are stunned by this.
— Jay Skurski (@JaySkurski) September 16, 2018
Lorenzo Alexander says he was told at start of second half that Vontae Davis quit and retired.
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) September 16, 2018
Lorenzo Alexander said he was told Vontae Davis pulled himself out and retired at halftime. Said he hasn't seen anything like it going back to Pop Warner. "Completely disrespectful."
— Matthew Fairburn (@MatthewFairburn) September 16, 2018
I’ve been covering the NFL since 2009. I have not once seen a situation where a player pulls himself out, retires, and quite possibly leaves at halftime way before the game is done. Bizarre situation with Vontae Davis. #Bills
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) September 16, 2018
Davis signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the franchise earlier this year. He was inactive last week during their loss against the Ravens and his refusal to play today forced them to start special team's man Lafayette Pitts.
