Overview
- Following the Chargers’ 22-19 overtime win on Monday Night Football, Justin Herbert initially tried to walk past ESPN’s Laura Rutledge, saying he wanted to celebrate, before stopping for a brief on-field interview.
- The awkward moment circulated widely on social media, with some viewers calling Herbert rude and others arguing he deserved a moment before speaking on camera.
- Rutledge later posted a lighthearted message saying, “Rough day at the office, let’s all have a good laugh and move on,” and ESPN colleagues publicly praised her handling of the exchange.
- Coverage noted Herbert played through a recent procedure on his non-throwing hand and took multiple hits, adding context to the tense postgame scene.
- Outlets emphasized that quick postgame interviews are standard broadcast access for winning quarterbacks, framing Herbert’s initial hesitation against customary media obligations.