RENTON -- The Seahawks are incredibly fortunate that they escaped Sunday's end-of-game ugliness without having a single player suspended.
Head coach Pete Carroll confirmed Monday multiple reports that the league was not going to suspend Michael Bennett, Sheldon Richardson or Quinton Jefferson for their actions in the closing seconds of Seattle's 30-24 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"I really, really don't like the way the game ended for us," Carroll said. "We never want to see football games look like that. The level that we play at, that's not an excuse for going over the top like that. All these guys have heard that and they understand that and we don't ever want to look like that.
"Everybody was remorseful. We don't want to play like that. We don't want to look like that, ever."
Bennett didn't seem particularly remorseful after the game. He told reporters "I don't have to explain myself" when asked about what happened in the closing moments.
Richardson and Jefferson were both ejected from the game while Bennett was responsible for instigating much of the ensuing chaos by trying to swipe the snap on a kneel down attempt. Bennett then took Jaguars center Brandon Linder to the ground and rolled up on his legs, drawing the ire of many Jaguars players.
"The stuff that happened after that was wrong, but he was trying to get the ball. But after that, it got messy," Carroll said.
"He's been told (to stop doing that)."
Richardson threw a punch and Jefferson was ejected for a personal foul on the ensuing kneel down snap. He then attempted to go after fans in the stands after having objects thrown at him as he was attempting to leave the field.
"That was wrong. He was wrong," Carroll said of Jefferson. "I've talked to him about it. Professional athletes, people can say whatever they want to say and that's kind of just what comes along with it. You have to be able to deal with it professionally and he lost it. He feels terrible about it. That's not the kind of kid he is and he just emotionally got overrun and he lost it."
The Jaguars released a statement saying they were investigating the four individuals who threw objects onto the field during the game. If identified, they will be banned from attending games in the future.
While fines are almost certain to be handed down, all three players will be available to play next Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks remain a game behind the Rams in the NFC West chase and could vault into first place with a victory.
Bobby Wagner (hamstring) and K.J. Wright (concussion) are already uncertain to be available due to injury. If they were also miss several pieces along their defensive line, it would have been an incredibly uphill challenge for the Seahawks to overcome.
Malik McDowell arrested for disorderly conduct:
According to a report from TMZ, Seahawks defensive tackle Malik McDowell was arrested early Sunday morning in Atlanta after a verbal altercation with security for the SL Lounge.
He was booked for disorderly conduct and was released on bond.
"I am embarrassed by the situation and my actions on Saturday," McDowell wrote in a post on his Twitter account. "I would like to apologize to the Atlanta Police Department, SL Lounge, the entire Seattle Seahawks organization and my teammates. I am a young man who made a mistake and am constantly working towards getting better."
McDowell was injured in an ATV accident in mid-July that left him with a severe concussion and additional injuries. He was Seattle's top draft pick in May but has been injured all season and won't play this year.
"I did see him and he met with John (Schneider) also," Carroll said. "He's very remorseful. He got in a situation and made a mistake and hopefully this will be a learning experience for him. I don't know much more than that about it. We just talked about it a bit but I know he felt really bad representing in that manner."
Notes:
The status of linebackers Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright, and running back Mike Davis won't be known until later in the week.
All three players left Sunday's game in Jacksonville in the second half with injuries. Wagner aggravated a hamstring strain that has been bothering him for weeks. Wright sustained a concussion on a collision with fullback Tommy Bohanon and Davis injured his ribs while being tackled on a run play.
Carroll said Wright had a good day today and Davis was feeling better as well. However, he didn't divulge much about Wagner's status. Carroll was already anticipating it taking until Saturday to know whether Wagner will be able to play against the Rams.
Defensive end Dion Jordan is expected to practice again on Wednesday. He's missed the last three games due to a neck injury.
Photo Credit: JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 10: Quinton Jefferson #99 of the Seattle Seahawks walks off the field during the second half of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 10, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)