C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been known as an instigator throughout his career. That reputation added another chapter in Week 16 vs. the Washington Commanders when the Philadelphia Eagles safety was ejected.
We take a look at what led to Gardner-Johnson’s ejection.
Why Was C.J. Gardner-Johnson Ejected?
Gardner-Johnson received two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, which leads to an automatic ejection.
The first penalty came near the end of the first quarter after an 11-yard reception from Terry McLaurin. Gardner-Johnson was jawing with several members of the Commanders offense and received a penalty, presumably as a warning from the officials.
The second penalty was a little more controversial. With 11:31 remaining in the third quarter, Commanders receiver Dyami Brown appeared to shove Gardner-Johnson in the face. However, the Eagles safety was the only one penalized for the play.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson is the only guy whose trash talk is so nasty he can get punched in the face and the ref STILL flags him and not the guy doing the punching pic.twitter.com/UBB2JoJQZg
— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) December 22, 2024
Gardner-Johnson showed his displeasure with Commanders fans as he walked off the field following his ejection.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson as he walks off the field after receiving his second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, leading to his ejection. pic.twitter.com/1HfLQOpqZ9
— Chris Franklin (@cfranklinnews) December 22, 2024
This isn’t the first time the brash defensive back has made some enemies on the field over the years. Earlier this season, he was fined three times totaling over $45,000 for various infractions after the Eagles’ Week 3 matchup vs. the New Orleans Saints. However, this was the first time that Gardner-Johnson had been ejected from a game in his career.
The Eagles led 27-14 at the time of his ejection. A win would clinch the NFC East for Philadelphia for the second time in the last three seasons.