Deommodore Lenoir didn't hold back on De'Vondre Campbell after the 49ers suspended the latter following his decision to quit on the team.
For better or worse, linebacker De'Vondre Campbell is starting to epitomize the San Francisco 49ers' 2024 campaign, one in which the problems run far deeper than the actions of a lone disgruntled player.
Campbell, who elected not to play in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams in the wake of star linebacker Dre Greenlaw making his 2024 season debut after recovering from an Achilles tear, was subsequently sent off the field by general manager John Lynch. Immediately after the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan and a number of players commented on Campbell's actions.
And plenty of those players stressed their desire not to take the field with Campbell ever again.
Tight end George Kittle stressed his hope to never play alongside someone who does that sort of thing, while cornerback Charvarius Ward used NSFW commentary to describe the linebacker's actions.
Additionally, defensive end Nick Bosa said he overheard Campbell complaining about his demotion prior to the game.
Now, one can add fellow corner Deommodore Lenoir to the list of players who didn't hesitate to sound off on Campbell.
Deommodore Lenoir on De'Vondre Campbell: 'He's a cancer to the team'
The Niners opted not to release Campbell immediately after Thursday night's game, although they did clear out his locker and removed his name plate.
Instead, Lynch and Shanahan opted to suspend the one-time All-Pro for three games, citing "conduct detrimental to the team," which means Campbell can't sign elsewhere and will forfeit a good chunk of money over the balace of the regular season.
Following the news, Lenoir didn't hold back on his critique of Campbell.
"For that to happen, and for him to do that, I just lost all respect," Lenoir told reporters within the locker room.
"He's a cancer to the team."
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) December 17, 2024
Deommodore Lenoir did not hold back when talking about De'Vondre Campbell.
Said he was excited when the #49ers signed Campbell but he's lost all respect for him. #FTTB pic.twitter.com/1Kfc8eMYoh
While Lenoir admitted he was originally excited to have Campbell join the defense as a free agent last offseason, the former also pointed out how important it is to have someone ready to go in a moment's notice to back him up.
"He's a cancer to the team," Lenoir concluded.
Pretty blunt.