Steelers guard Trai Turner spoke on Friday about the spitting incident that led to his ejection from Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Turner, who still claims he was spit on first, admitted the situation was serious and thanks coach Tomlin and his teammates for supporting him.
Video shows Turner responded by spitting on linebacker Marquel Lee.
“All the parties involved know what happened . . . really with that situation I just like to say thank you to coach T and to my teammates for having my back,” said Turner.
Turner also said he will learn from the moment, but admits it’s hard to tell how someone will act in certain situations.
“You know, looking back on the situation, maybe I can keep my cool better . . . but when you’re presented with circumstances that you’re not familiar with, sometimes you go out to foreign territory,” added Turner.
Both Tuner and Raiders defensive lineman Solomon Thomas were penalized with unsportsmanlike conduct early in the fourth quarter on Sunday, but it was Turner who was ejected from the game after officials saw him spit on Lee.
Tomlin said after the game that Turner was retaliating after he was spit on first.
“For him to respond the way he responded, what transpired had to transpire, and I was stating that case to them. I didn't believe he did enough to be kicked out of the football game. That was just my opinion,” said Tomlin.
Turner, who signed with the Steelers in the offseason after David DeCastro was released, says he’s understanding a little bit better what it means who a player on Tomlin’s team.
“I think everything that transpired this past week has shown me that there are more people that have my back than I thought, you know,” said Turner.
It was reported early this week that Turner will not be suspended for the incident, and there is no word on possible fines.