Steelers WR Diontae Johnson Apologizes for Fumble Incident
PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson went viral over the weekend for the wrong reason, getting caught during the team's game not attempting to recover a fumble and then walking away from the play as an opponent scooped it up.
During the opening drive of the Steelers' Week 12 battle with the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson dropped a ball in the endzone that maybe should have been ruled a touchdown. On the next play, running back Jaylen Warren fumbled near Johnson. Johnson's lack of effort on the play was then caught by cameras, causing an instant stir online.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said during his weekly press conference that Johnson would "need to answer" for the play with his teammates. The wideout has since down so, apologizing in front of the team.
"I addressed the situation to my teammates," Johnson said. "They know how I feel and how I should go about the situation next time it occurs. I owned up to it. I'm not perfect, so all I can do is move forward and keep playing football. That's all I'm worried about."
Johnson said his teammates didn't have a response, but he likely wasn't looking for one. Instead, he just made it known "it won't happen again."
Johnson said he expects to be in the starting lineup in Week 13, meaning the situation is likely settling within the team. At this point, he'll focus on improving his reaction toward poor plays and rebuild any lost confidence with his teammates.
"I didn't know the play was still going," Johnson said. "If I could make the play again, I'd jump on the ball."
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