Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: Local Hour: Andrew Hawkins on De'Vandre Campbell Quitting
Release Date: December 13, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, David Sampson, and former NFL player Andrew Hawkins delve into the controversial departure of De'Vandre Campbell, a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers. The discussion centers around Campbell's decision to refuse participation in a crucial game, the ramifications for the team, and the broader implications for his career and team dynamics.

Background on De'Vandre Campbell's Incident

De'Vandre Campbell, a seasoned linebacker for the 49ers, was thrust into the spotlight after his unexpected decision to refuse entering a game during the third quarter. At the time, Campbell was a backup and occasional starter, boasting impressive statistics with 12 starts in the first 13 games and ranking second on the team in tackles.

During a critical moment in the game, Campbell was called upon by Coach Kyle Shanahan to enter the fray. However, Campbell declined, prompting immediate concern and backlash:

• George Kittle, a key teammate, remarked, “The locker room at some point,” highlighting the suddenness and impact of Campbell's decision (02:03).
• Andrew Hawkins relayed that Coach Shanahan was furious, stating, “Oh, he's pissed. He's pissed. He is” (02:21).

Hosts' Perspectives

David Sampson's Critique

David Sampson expressed strong disapproval of Campbell's actions, emphasizing the lack of professionalism and commitment expected from players:

• “I would release him on the spot. I don't care if he's on waivers and goes to a playoff team.” (04:27)
• He criticized Campbell’s decision as detrimental to team morale and effectiveness.

Andrew Hawkins' Attempt at Understanding

Andrew Hawkins approached the situation from a more empathetic standpoint, acknowledging the human element behind such a decision:

• “I'm not saying he's right. I'm just saying let's take a moment to try to understand this situation.” (04:52)
• Hawkins shared his own experiences, relating moments where he contemplated quitting, though he never acted on those thoughts.

Stugotz and Sue Gods' Reactions

Stugotz and Sue Gods contributed to the debate with varying degrees of skepticism and frustration:

• Stugotz questioned Hawkins' attempts to empathize, hinting at the complexity of the situation (04:59).
• Sue Gods took a hard stance, stating, “I would release him on the spot. I don't care if he's on waivers and goes to a playoff team. I don't want him in that uniform again. It's a disgrace.” (04:36)

Teammates' Reactions

Trevarius Ward's Disapproval

Trevarius Ward, another teammate, criticized Campbell's actions, suggesting a lack of professionalism and predicting defensive consequences for Campbell:

• “I feel like there was some that he did definitely hurt the team because, you know, D went down and we needed a linebacker.” (06:26)
• Ward hinted at the likelihood of Campbell being cut from the team, emphasizing the negative impact on team cohesion.

George Kittle's Support for Team Standards

George Kittle maintained that every player on the roster is expected to be committed and willing to play when called upon:

• “Look, if you're on the roster, you're expecting your suit up, expect to play.” (07:26)
• Kittle underscored the importance of unity and the collective effort required to win games.

Broader Implications for the 49ers

The hosts discussed how Campbell's departure reflects broader issues within the 49ers organization:

• Andrew Hawkins pointed out that the incident could symbolize deeper problems, such as aging superstars and inconsistent team performance: “I think this is a microcosm of what the state of the 49ers is.” (10:04)
• David Sampson raised concerns about the team's future window of competitiveness, considering their recent struggles and Campbell's departure: “It does kind of feel like, is this the end for this?” (10:02)

Career Implications for De'Vandre Campbell

The discussion also focused on the potential long-term effects of Campbell's actions on his NFL career:

• Mike Ryan questioned whether Campbell would find opportunities with other teams, likening his decision to other notable incidents where players left their teams mid-game: “This is the worst thing you can do in football, is choose not to play when your teammates need you.” (18:00)
• Andrew Hawkins acknowledged the possibility that Campbell's reputation could severely hinder his prospects: “I don't think he's going to want to come back from this.” (19:09)
• David Sampson highlighted the stigma attached to Campbell's decision, suggesting it might overshadow his on-field contributions: “He is known now more for quitting than he is for playing.” (18:35)

Conclusion

The episode provided a comprehensive analysis of De'Vandre Campbell's unexpected decision to quit during a game, exploring its immediate impact on the San Francisco 49ers and the potential long-term repercussions for his NFL career. While hosts like David Sampson expressed unequivocal condemnation, others like Andrew Hawkins sought to understand the underlying human factors influencing Campbell's choice. The conversation underscored the delicate balance between individual agency and team commitment in professional sports, leaving listeners to ponder the future of both Campbell and the beleaguered 49ers organization.

Notable Quotes:

• David Sampson: “I would release him on the spot. I don't care if he's on waivers and goes to a playoff team.” (04:27)
• Andrew Hawkins: “I'm not saying he's right. I'm just saying let's take a moment to try to understand this situation.” (04:52)
• Trevarius Ward: “I feel like there was some that he did definitely hurt the team because, you know, D went down and we needed a linebacker.” (06:26)
• George Kittle: “Look, if you're on the roster, you're expecting your suit up, expect to play.” (07:26)
• Mike Ryan: “This is the worst thing you can do in football, is choose not to play when your teammates need you.” (18:00)
• Andrew Hawkins: “I don't think he's going to want to come back from this.” (19:09)
• David Sampson: “He is known now more for quitting than he is for playing.” (18:35)

This summary encapsulates the critical discussions and viewpoints presented in the episode, providing a clear and comprehensive overview for listeners seeking insight into the controversy surrounding De'Vandre Campbell's departure from the San Francisco 49ers.