Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has been fined $100,000 by the team following a heated sideline altercation with running back Emari Demercado during a Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
The incident occurred after Demercado prematurely celebrated what appeared to be a 72-yard touchdown run by dropping the football before crossing the goal line. The play was ruled a fumble and touchback, giving the Titans possession and momentum. Tennessee capitalized on the turnover, scoring 16 unanswered points to win 22–21.
Video footage from the game shows Gannon angrily confronting Demercado on the sideline, appearing to make physical contact with the player’s chest or arm. The altercation quickly went viral, drawing criticism from fans and analysts alike. In response, Gannon issued a public apology, acknowledging that his actions were out of character and expressing regret for letting emotions take over in a critical moment. He addressed the team privately, apologizing to Demercado and the entire squad .
The Cardinals’ internal disciplinary action makes Gannon the first NFL head coach fined for physical conduct toward a player since Bruce Arians in 2022. The NFL has indicated it will not take further action, but the NFL Players Association is reportedly reviewing the matter .
Despite the controversy, Demercado took accountability for his error, stating there was no excuse for the premature celebration. The Cardinals, now 2–3 and last in the NFC West, have faced criticism for their inability to close out winnable games. Gannon emphasized the need for improvement and urged the team to focus on correcting mistakes as they prepare for upcoming challenges .
