Cowboys DT Albert Huggins apologizes after “unacceptable” incident with Rams coach

OXNARD, Calif. – Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said defensive tackle Albert Huggins apologized for his behavior after causing a brief brawl during a joint practice with the Rams on Wednesday.

Huggins was ejected from practice after knocking down a Rams assistant coach who was holding a football during a pass rush drill. The incident prompted Rams coach Sean McVay to yell at Huggins and have Cowboys defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina grab the player.

“I wouldn't say it was an argument, his behavior is unacceptable,” McCarthy said. “It's something that's been addressed, he's apologized. I'm happy with his apology.”

Huggins spoke with team owner Jerry Jones after practice on Thursday.

The atmosphere at practice became heated after defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa got into a scuffle that resulted in some verbal abuse. Huggins pushed past a Rams blocker and then knocked over the Rams assistant coach. Two Rams players approached Huggins, who retreated toward the Cowboys. That prompted McVay, who was standing at the other end of the field, to approach the Cowboys and yell at Huggins.

“I was on the offensive side of the field when it happened,” McCarthy said. “I had the opportunity to [defensive coordinator] Mike Zimmer and Sean McVay and we suspended him from practice. And honestly, when I saw the video a few hours later, I called Sean again and his response to me was, 'You would have been proud of the way your coaches responded.' I just wanted to make sure that behavior was not accepted. Emotional discipline. That's not what we're about. He clearly understands that.”

The team training on Thursday took place without incident.

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