Rivera: NFL says Luke Kuechly wrongly ejected
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Panthers coach Ron Rivera says the NFL has informed him that Luke Kuechly was wrongfully ejected from Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers for contact with an official.
Rivera said Wednesday he received a memo from the league that also indicated the middle linebacker will not be fined.
Rivera says, ''I'm definitely in agreement with that. ... I appreciate what the league's response was. It doesn't help us, but it makes sense and it's a learning experience for everyone in the league.''
Kuechly, one of the team's defensive leaders, was ejected late in the third quarter of a 38-17 loss when he shrugged off an official who was pulling him from behind. Kuechly said he thought he was being pulled away by a Packers player.
Rivera said he would like to see such calls reviewable by replay officials and hopes the league will consider changing that rule during the offseason.
Kuechly was unavailable for comment on Wednesday.
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