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On the first drive of the Cleveland Browns’ 35-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, each team had a player ejection. Starting center Cameron Erving was tossed for Cleveland, and Dallas lost backup defensive end David Irving. What happened? Mike Pereira of FOX Sports explained:
The officials were right to eject both players. #DALvsCLE pic.twitter.com/veJpuF3n6q
— Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) November 6, 2016
Pereira says that although it appears the Cowboys’ player started it, Erving had to be tossed because throwing a helmet is an automatic ejection. If Erving had only resorted to pulling the other players’ helmet off, he probably would’ve only been flagged. If he wouldn’t have retaliated at all, then Cleveland would’ve had a fresh set of downs so they could have tried to score an opening-drive touchdown as opposed to an opening-drive field goal.
Reporters tried to interview Erving after the came, but he was having none of it:
#Browns C Cameron Erving, who was ejected on first series, left before reporters allowed into locker room. Wouldn't stop to talk.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) November 6, 2016
After the game, head coach Hue Jackson said that Erving has to keep his poise in that situation, because he cost his team a starter:
#Browns Hue Jackson on Cam Erving's ejection and how he shouldn't have thrown the helmet pic.twitter.com/MSsEsPKymu
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 6, 2016
This past Friday, Jackson had alluded to a possible position change in the future for the struggling Erving. This won’t help matters for him.