Carolina Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks says no one is bigger than the team after he kicked Robbie Anderson out mid-game in their 24-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
The Panthers wide receiver was seen in a heated argument with position coach Joe Dailey late in the first half, before resuming their verbal exchange midway through the third quarter. Anderson had been benched for the third quarter and had been sitting alone on a cooler, before the second argument.
Wilks, who was taking charge for the first time after Matt Rhule was fired in midweek, intervened and sent Anderson to the locker room.
No one is bigger than the team, Wilks told reporters. I m not going to focus and put a lot of attention on one individual… I m not putting a lot of energy into one individual.
Anderson has been linked with a trade away from Carolina and Wilks said when asked about the 29-year-old s future: Right now everybody is being evaluated, as well as myself.
We ve got to figure out what s going to be right chemistry to put out on the field, offensively and defensively.
Anderson proactively spoke to reporters after the game, stating he was honestly confused by the situation.
I wanted to be in the game. I ve never had somebody yell to get out of the game, Anderson said.
I was honestly confused and upset by that. I should be. I don t see nobody that is a true competitor, that knows the value they bring and has true passion for the game, that will be okay with being told not to do something or being taken out of something when they didn t do nothing wrong.
Robbie Anderson speaks to the media
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers)
Anderson failed to have a catch in Sunday s game, having entered the game with 13 receptions for 206 yards.
The former New York Jets receiver had signed a two-year $29.5 million extension through 2023 prior to last season, but only had 53 receptions for 519 yards in 2021.
I wouldn t say I want to be traded, Anderson said. I m going to let God follow his plans for my life. I ll let things take his course on his time.
I ve been in trade rumours before. It s part of the game. I don t let it affect me.
