Bears, Saints Brawl After Javon Wims Punches C.J. Gardner-Johnson

Early in the third quarter of the Bears-Saints game, Bears wide receiver Javon Wims threw two punches at Saints defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, leading to a brawl between both teams.

The fight occurred at the end of a play in which the action took place on the other side of the field. Wims was being guarded by Janoris Jenkins, and when the play stopped Wims jogged over to Gardner-Johnson and immediately threw a punch. Gardner-Johnson did not retaliate and appeared surprised before Wims punched him again with his right hand. Jenkins then intervened, followed by players from each side.

Evan Saacks of And The Valley Shook broke down the feud between Wims and Gardner-Johnson in a Twitter thread. The disagreement appeared to begin on the Bears' previous drive, when Gardner-Johnson yanks off Wims' mouthpiece after a play. Wims gets immediately subbed out, and does not return for the remainder of the drive. After a Saints possession, Wims returned to the field and took his swings at Gardner-Johnson on his first play back on the field.

Gardner-Johnson was also the player who was reportedly punched by Saints teammate Michael Thomas during a practice in October.