Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons reacted to Baltimore Ravens guard Marshal Yanda’s claim that the rookie spit on him.
One of the controversies that came out of the Tennessee Titans’ divisional round win against the Baltimore Ravens occurred between defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons and guard Marshal Yanda.
After the Titans’ 28-12 win, Yanda accused Simmons of spitting in his face during the game.
"“I just want to put him on notice, in the media. I’ve never done this in my career,” said Yanda. “There’s a right way and a wrong way to play football, and that guy did not do it the right way today. So the refs and everybody in the NFL need to put him on notice. Like I said, I’ve never been spit in my face, and I literally got spit right in my face by No. 98.”"
At this point, it is Yanda’s word against Simmons’, as there is no video evidence to prove the Ravens guard’s claim.
For the first time since the accusation was levied against Simmons, he was asked about it and had this to say before practice on Wednesday, per Paul Kuharsky.
"“I know what I did and I know what I didn’t do. At this point in time — today is Wednesday — I’m focused on the Chiefs right now and helping my team win. What I did this past game, what I didn’t do this past game, is not going to help us win this week, so I’m focused on what I can do to win, and what I will do to help get this win this Sunday.”"
Kuharsky then asked Simmons again if he spit on Yanda.
"“Like I said, I’m moving on from that game. Like I said, I know what I did and I know what I didn’t do.”"
.@GrindSimmons94 on @YandaMarshal’s accusation that the #Titans’ rookie spit on him. #Ravens. pic.twitter.com/jpetCo8DgZ
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) January 15, 2020
There you have it, from Big Jeff’s mouth. I guess we can take that as a denial, albeit he’s being a bit coy with it.
Simmons was drafted by the Titans with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and made his debut in Week 7 after making a successful recovery from a torn ACL he suffered last February.
He’s totaled two sacks, 32 tackles (18 solo, four for loss) in nine total games (seven starts) and has been a disruptive force up the middle for Tennessee.
In the playoffs, Simmons has two tackles, one QB hit and recovered a key fumble that was forced by Jurrell Casey after he sacked Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson during the divisional round win.