Former Green Bay Packers tight end, Mark Chmura, made news this week for his offensive comments about San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Chmura, appearing on a radio show for ESPN Milwaukee suggested that Packers defenders be more aggressive with Purdy, even encouraging them to hit the young quarterback late. Chmura said, "You guys are going to think I'm crazy, a 15-yard penalty—and I don't condone this, but I kind of do in the playoffs—a 15-yard penalty for a late hit on Brock Purdy is not a bad thing, as long as it's worth it. Sometimes a 15-yard penalty early in the game is worth it if you knock the living crap out of the guy."
Chmura, who spent eight seasons with the Packers and is a member of the team's Hall of Fame, was accused of sexually assaulting a former babysitter in 2000. The former tight end's accuser, a teenage girl who used to babysit for his two sons, accused Chmura of pulling her into a bathroom during a drunken party. She said Chmura pulled down her pants and had sex with her without her consent. Chmura was acquitted of the charges.
On Wednesday, former 49ers and Seahawks cornerback, Richard Sherman, reacted to Chmura's comments, saying, "This is disgusting and has no place anywhere in sports or sports commentary. There is never a scenario where this is ok for any person or team."
This is disgusting and has no place anywhere in sports or sports commentary. There is never a scenario where this is ok for any person or team. https://t.co/4LSkzsBfyD
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) January 17, 2024
Not surprisingly, fans agreed with Sherman. Chmura's comments did not sit well with 49ers fans, who still remember "Bountygate," when New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was captured on audio in a meeting with his defense before their 2011 divisional playoff game against the 49ers. During his tirade, Williams instructed his players to deliberately try to injure several 49ers players. He instructed his players to knock out running back Kendall Hunter, to try to tear wide receiver Michael Crabtree's ACL, and go after tight end Vernon Davis' ankles.
Williams also encouraged his players to go after kick returner Kyle Williams, pointing out that he had a history of concussions. He also named quarterback Alex Smith, telling his players to hit Smith in the chin, while making the cash sign with his fingers, and saying, "I got the first one. I got the first one. Go get it. Go lay that [expletive] out." Williams also mentioned running back Frank Gore as another one to "take out." Williams was suspended and banned from applying for reinstatement for one year. Head coach Sean Payton was also suspended for one year.
49ers fans also remember Purdy tearing his UCL in last season's NFC Championship Game, leading to a major surgery and recovery. For much of the offseason, the 49ers and their fans weren't sure when Purdy would be able to return from the injury. Which makes his 2023 accomplishments even more impressive.
Another 49ers great, Hall of Famer Bryant Young, also spoke out against Chmura's comments. Young, appearing on KNBR radio, said, "That's the stuff we don't need to hear or say, whether you want to accomplish that or not. But it don't need to be put out there. And the game is violent and physical as it is without the guys taking cheap shots. But to put that out there, I mean, come on. Obviously, you want to play within the scheme of the game and the rules and all those things. And if you're doing your best and the guy happens to get hurt, it can be beneficial. But to absolutely publicly say that, I don't agree with that.
"And unfortunately, injuries do happen when you're out there playing your best. It's a physical game, but to put a bounty on somebody like that, that's uncalled for."
Chmura no longer plays for Green Bay, but you can bet the 49ers are well aware of his comments.
- Marc Adams
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Written by:Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
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