Panthers WR Xavier Legette Breaks Silence After Fight Against Browns

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette apologized after fighting with Cleveland Browns veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins.

The two got tangled up in the first quarter during a running play. Legette threw multiple punches at Jenkins’ helmet and then seemingly went for a takedown. Jenkins ripped his helmet off before the two were separated.

Both Legette and Jenkins were ejected following the scuffle, ending their first taste of preseason action early. After the game, Legette took to social media to apologize

“Panthers nation I apologize It want happen again. i appreCiate youu all,” Legette wrote in a social media message.

Panthers Want Xavier Legette to be ‘Better’

Carolina selected Legette in the first round last season, hoping the former South Carolina standout could be a difference-maker. He had a fairly underwhelming rookie season, catching 49 passes for 497 yards and four touchdowns.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales felt the ejections were warranted and wants Legette to keep his cool in those situations.

“I was right in front of it,” Canales said. “We ask our receivers to finish the play with hands on. He had his hands on the guy the whole time through the echo of the whistle. The guy swung and chopped his arms down, and Xavier just kind of held on to his jersey. Then they started exchanging punches. You can’t do that, neither side, both guys got ejected, rightly so. We can’t have that as a part of our game.

“It’s a physical game; can’t handle that, tempers are going to get hot, but as soon as you throw a punch, all of a sudden we’re at a disadvantage. So we want to see better from X for sure.”

Browns QB Shedeur Sanders’ Big Night Overshadows Fight

During most preseason games, an on-field fight would usually be the story of the evening. However, that was reserved for Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

The former Colorado star delivered a big performance in his debut, passing for 138 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

“I wasn’t nervous. It was just getting comfortable. There’s plenty of game before I was nervous, but I knew the answers to the test. I know I’m ready for the moment,” Sanders said in his postgame press conference. “Did I play up to par? No, I don’t feel like I did. But, the main goal was to win.”

Sanders’ showing should give him some momentum in the Browns’ quarterback competition, which includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Tyler Huntley and Dillon Gabriel. But he’s not dwelling on that, choosing instead to focus on making the most of his opportunities when his number is called.

“I just think about when I get out there, doing what I’ve got to do. Everything else is not in my hands, so why worry about it?” Sanders said. “Why put energy into something that you can’t control. The most you can do is whenever you get your opportunity, perform.”

The Browns will take on the Philadelphia Eagles in their second preseason game, which is slated for August 16.