SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, Kyle Shanahan, downplayed a recent confrontation between star wide receiver Deebo Samuel and two teammates, labeling it an “overreaction.” He stated that the issue has been resolved within the team.

The incident took place in the closing moments of the 49ers’ tight 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, following a troubling moment when kicker Jake Moody failed to convert on his third field goal attempt of the day.

During the game, television footage captured Samuel visibly upset, interacting with long snapper Taybor Pepper in a heated exchange, which included an unfortunate shove directed at Pepper’s throat as Samuel confronted Moody on the sidelines. Samuel also inadvertently struck the side of Moody’s helmet.

“I didn’t think it was too big of a deal,” said Shanahan in a press conference the following day. “However, after seeing the footage on ‘SportsCenter’ and all the chatter surrounding it, I wanted to ensure it was adequately addressed. I spoke to the players and a number of guys on the squad. We’ve cleared the air and everything is fine now.”

Samuel acknowledged post-game that his behavior was uncharacteristic of him, admitting that he allowed his emotions to get the better of him. Pepper stated that Samuel had urged Moody to “lock in” following the missed kick, emphasizing that he was merely trying to protect his teammate.

Moody, reflecting on the occurrence, described it as something that happened in the “heat of the moment” and mentioned that he did not feel an apology was necessary.

Shanahan concurred with Moody’s perspective, indicating that while he disapproved of the physical altercation between Samuel and his teammates, he did not believe Samuel harbored negative intentions.

“I appreciate Pep’s intentions in defending his kicker,” Shanahan remarked. “But I think there was a slight misinterpretation of Deebo’s actions that led to a bit of an overreaction. Deebo wasn’t keen on that and just wanted some space, and that’s where it essentially concluded.”

Despite the earlier setbacks, Moody bounced back and successfully executed the game-winning kick from 44 yards as time expired, sealing the victory for the 49ers.