49ers linebacker suspended 3 games after refusing to take field against Rams [View all]

San Francisco Chronicle

In a transaction telegraphed shortly after De’Vondre Campbell refused to play in a loss to the Rams last week, the San Francisco 49ers have suspended the 31-year-old linebacker for their final three regular-season games. The team announced the decision Monday in a terse statement from general manager John Lynch.

“We have suspended De’Vondre Campbell Sr. for three games due to conduct detrimental to the team,” Lynch said. “We will have no further comment on the matter.”

By suspending Campbell for his conduct, rather than releasing him, the 49ers can avoid paying him $261,666 in base salary and per-game bonuses. They could also avoid paying more than $100,000 from the $3.35 million signing bonus the nine-year veteran received when he joined the 49ers on a one-year, $5 million deal in March. A suspension would also prevent Campbell from signing with another team during the regular season.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan and players strongly condemned Campbell after a 12-6 loss to the Rams on Thursday night during which Campbell refused to enter the game as a backup. On Friday, Shanahan made it clear that Campbell had played his last snap for the 49ers.

Link and paywall: https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-plan-suspend-de-vondre-campbell-refusing-19983771.php

Any guesses who would be motivated to sign him next year? Or will teams make an example of him and end his career?