The Chicago Bears are handing out punishment to cornerback Tyrique Stevenson after he celebrated toward Washington Commanders fans just seconds before he was late to defend the game-clinching Hail Mary.
Stevenson issued a public apology for his actions, but NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that the team had more punishment in mind for the cornerback who had started every game so far this season.
Rapoport reported that Stevenson will not start in the team’s Nov. 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals, which he called a “one-week demotion” because of his actions during the Hail Mary play. Stevenson will still dress for the game and is expected to rotate in with cornerback Terrell Smith, who will be getting the start instead.
Stevenson had already taken to social media hours after the 18-15 loss to issue a public apology for his behavior.
“To Chicago and teammates my apologies for lack of awareness and focus …. The game ain’t over until zeros hit the clock,” he wrote in a post on X . “Can’t take anything for granted. Notes taken, improvement will happen. #Beardown.”