Rams safety Quentin Lake sent a text message to Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to apologize for remarks he made about Herbert’s play during a podcast appearance. Lake’s comments, which described Herbert as “throwing deli meat” and “seeing ghosts,” were made on the St. Brown Podcast following the Rams’ 24-9 victory over the Chargers on Sunday. As of Friday afternoon, Lake reported that he had not received a response to his apology.
Lake’s apology and public comments
Lake told The Los Angeles Times that he sent the text to Herbert to clarify his intent, stating, “In no way shape or form was it supposed to be disrespectful.” He acknowledged that while the comments were made in a casual setting with friends, the public reaction highlighted the potential for misinterpretation. “You know, I was with my boys,” Lake said. “I was in a comfortable environment. I was trying to say stuff funny. But looking back on it, they have a big platform. And when you say stuff like that, people are going to take it in ways that you may not mean it.”
Lake and teammate Trent McDuffie each intercepted a pass thrown by Herbert during the game. The Chargers entered the matchup with a 0-7 record, and Herbert had thrown five touchdowns and a league-high 10 interceptions over the season, ranking 31st in quarterback rating among passers with at least 100 attempts.
Reaction to the comments
The remarks made by Lake and the podcast hosts—Amon-Ra St. Brown and Equanimeous St. Brown—were initially met with laughter during the broadcast. However, the comments gained widespread attention online, prompting Lake to issue the apology. Lake and Amon-Ra St. Brown played high school football together at Mater Dei.
The apology reflects a broader discussion about accountability in public statements, particularly in professional sports where athletes often engage with media outside traditional press conferences. Lake’s decision to reach out directly to Herbert underscores an effort to address the perceived tone of his remarks, even as he maintained that the comments were not intended to be disrespectful.
Context of Herbert’s performance
Herbert, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has faced scrutiny this season amid the Chargers’ struggles. His interception total leads the league, and the team’s 0-7 start marks one of the worst records in the NFL. While Lake’s comments were framed as lighthearted smack talk, they coincided with broader criticism of Herbert’s play. The Chargers’ record and Herbert’s statistics provide context for the heightened attention to his performance, though the apology centers on the manner in which the remarks were delivered rather than their content.