Seahawks' Bruce Irvin says he was defending teammate in 4th-quarter brawl
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin rationalized his role in a brawl that occurred near the end of Super Bowl XLIX.
After New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler picked off Russell Wilson with 20 seconds remaining, tempers were running high.
On the next play, Irvin apparently provoked a fight with Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and offensive lineman Ryan Wendell, and was ejected from the game.
The 27-year-old defending his actions in a post-game interview.
"I was protecting a teammate, emotions flew," Irvin said to reporters Sunday, according to ESPN's Jeff Legwold. "I saw somebody hit Mike Bennett, so I went and backed up my brother. I went about it wrong. Emotions were flying high and I apologize."
"But if it happened again, I would go protect my teammate. That's just how it is."
I want to apologize to all of the younger kids for my actions last night. I was trying to protect my brother and it got out of hand.
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) February 2, 2015
It's easy to say u would have done different but in the heat of the moment I just reacted when I seen my brother get punched.
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) February 2, 2015
Still not an excuse and I'm truly sorry to all the 12's and my Wvu family for my actions.
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) February 2, 2015
New England proceeded to secure a 28-24 victory, its fourth Super Bowl title in franchise history.
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