The NFL will not take any disciplinary action against Lions coach Jim Schwartz and 49ers boss Jim Harbuaugh after their spat in Detroit.
No NFL action on coaches spat after 49ers-Lions game in Detroit
Coaches Jim Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz will not face disciplinary procedures from the NFL after their angry spat at the end of the San Francisco 49ers game at the Detroit Lions.
A jubilant Harbaugh bounced onto the field and offered an over-enthusiastic handshake and slap on the back to his opposite number Schwartz after the Niners had ended Detroit's winning start to the season.
Lions coach Schwartz was not best pleased with Harbaugh and the two exchanged angry words before both teams got involved in some pushing and shoving by the tunnel.
The NFL have ruled, though, that since no actual fighting took place the two coaches will escape any sanctions.
"Fortunately, there was no fighting and thus no basis for a fine," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told the NFL Network. "However, both coaches told (NFL vice president of football operations) Ray Anderson today that their postgame conduct was wrong and will not happen again. We believe their response is the correct one and that their postgame conduct going forward will be more appropriate."
Warnings
Both men have received written warning but neither coach will be apologising for their actions.
"Personally I can get better at the postgame handshake, and we'll attempt to do that," Harbaugh said.
"I don't think that there's any reason for an apology. We spoke about it after the game, and at some point, we will talk in private. Apologies always seem to me like excuses."
At least both coaches agree on the fact that the incident should not have taken away from what was a great game of football at Ford Field.
"I think that it is unfortunate that the events after the game have overshadowed the fact that it was probably one of the better games played yesterday," Schwartz said.
Unfortunate
"It's unfortunate. The game's played by the players on the field, and you certainly don't want things like that to occur, but there's competitive people in the league. That said, we need to do a better job of just leaving it to the players on the field."
Harbaugh added: "It was an unfortunate incident that took place after the game. I take accountability and responsibility for my part in that. The thing that you feel bad about is that it detracts, takes away from what our football players did, what their football players did, and the game itself."
It has been speculated that the animosity came from Harbaugh trying to challenge a Lions touchdown, which is against the rules, and prompted a shout across the field from Schwartz, but neither coach is looking to extend the feud.
"We're not here today to throw any salvos," Harbaugh ended by saying.
"There's not going to be any salvos coming out of the West Coast. I have a lot of respect for Jim and the Detroit Lions. It was great competition. It was rough, hard football."
