49ers-Panthers fight: Why Jauan Jennings 'punched' Tre'von Moehrig during postgame handshakes

David Suggs

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49ers-Panthers fight: Why Jauan Jennings 'punched' Tre'von Moehrig during postgame handshakes image

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The Week 13 iteration of "Monday Night Football" was fairly unremarkable, with Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers claiming a resounding, if slightly underwhelming win over the Panthers, 20-9.

But in the waning moments of the affair, fireworks erupted.

The two players at the center of the outpouring of emotion were San Francisco wide receiver Jauan Jennings and Panthers safety Tre'von Moehrig. The former landed a clean smack on the latter's hard hat, precipitating a brief brawl and plenty of speculation on punishment that could be levied out in both player's direction.

On Tuesday, Moehrig reportedly received a suspension for his role in the incident.

Here's what you need to know about the fight that had the football world talking between Jennings and Moehrig.

MORE: Brock Purdy's struggles come to light after 3 INT first half vs. Panthers

49ers vs. Panthers fight: Jauan Jennings swings at Tre'von Moehrig

Tempers flared as the final whistle rang from Levi's Stadium on Monday night, with Jennings slipping beyond detection before landing a slick shot on Moehrig during postgame handshakes.

The "punch" looked more an open-handed shove. Nevertheless, Jennings struck Moehrig's helmet, an act that often brings about some form of punishment from the league office.

Predictably, a scuffle ensued following the incident. San Francisco personnel tackled Jennings to the ground during the fracas. He was eventually escorted to the locker room by an entourage of 49ers players, including left tackle Trent Williams.

The origins of Jennings and Moehrig's scuffle were revealed shortly after the contest concluded. During San Francisco's last possession, Moehrig appeared to deliberately punch Jennings in the groin. Jennings grimaced after taking the shot, ambling to the sidelines as San Francisco attempted to close out its win.

MORE: Christian McCaffrey dominates rushing and receiving in MNF win over Panthers

Panthers head coach Dave Canales told reporters he didn't see what happen. He vowed that he would speak with the fifth-year safety before the end of the night. He also said he would watch film of the incident after his presser.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, meanwhile, dubbed Moehrig's punch a "cheap shot" to "the balls." He praised Jennings for "not losing his mind out there", per insider Andrew Siciliano.

Jennings, too, was aghast at Moehrig's actions, calling the punch to the groin "childish behavior." He poked some fun at the nature of the confrontation before finishing his media obligations, per FGSN's Tracy Sandler.

Moehrig offered his side of the story in the Panthers locker room, claiming the incident was an isolated one.

"There really ain't much to it," Moehrig said. "It was just that. Like I said, I'll take that one. He wanna do a little dirty stuff so, it is what it is man."

Carolina cornerback Mike Jackson echoed Moehrig's sentiments following the brawl.

Will Jauan Jennings, Trevon Moehrig be suspended?

Moehrig received a suspension of one game without pay for his role in Monday's incident, per Tom Pelissero. If served, it will cost the saferty one game check worth $65,000.

Jennings' actions will be reviewed for a potential fine, but he will not be suspended, per Pelissero.

Earlier in the season, Lions safety Brian Branch was suspended one game after punching Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster. As previously mentioned, Jennings' "punch" was more of an open-palmed slap. But that's not likely to have factored too much in the league office's assessment of his actions. The strike landed cleanly on Moehrig's helmet. It's hard to imagine a situation where he'll be able to escape punishment for that, especially not as the league attempts to mitigate contact with the head and neck area.

In many ways, Moehrig is likelier to punished for his role in the fracas. His strike was definitely a punch. Moreover, it went undetected by the officials. While Jennings' slap drew headlines and could theoretically pose more damage on Moehrig, it didn't look all that severe. Moehrig's punch, meanwhile, inflicted actual pain on Jennings. Now, he'll have to watch Carolina's next game from the sidelines.

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