14 days after Justin Herbert interview with Laura Rutledge, ESPN reporter shares behind–the–scenes development of awkward encounter with Chargers QB

An awkward 45-second postgame interview between ESPN sideline reporter Laura Rutledge and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert sparked debate across social media about professionalism, player obligations, and media access.

Herbert, playing with a surgically repaired, broken left hand, initially tried to walk away from Rutledge on Dec. 8 to celebrate the Chargers' win over the Philadelphia Eagles with his teammates.

"Yeah, I'm trying to celebrate with my team," Herbert said, attempting to keep moving. "No, I know, but can we just talk to you real fast?" Rutledge responded.

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The Chargers quarterback was labeled rude by many, while some argued that he deserved a moment to celebrate. On Dec. 22, Rutledge sat down with Athlon Sports' Kyle Wood and revealed the behind-the-scenes circumstances that led to the awkwardness.

"The interesting thing about that was we did not interview him until about over 90 seconds until the game had gone final," Rutledge said. "So he had been going around celebrating with his teammates... there's a broadcast window that only goes so far. So we were actively stalling until I could get him." "I was telling our production truck, you know, I don't have him yet. I don't have him. He's visiting with people. I'm going to give him some space. And then finally we just ran out of time and we had to try to get him."

Rutledge added that she tried to reach Justin Herbert when he had slowed down a bit, and there weren't many people around. She revealed that she planned on doing a totally different interview, but once she realized the tone of it, she adjusted to get the quarterback in and out as quickly as possible.

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Barstool Sports host takes a dig at Justin Herbert

Laura Rutledge tried to keep things cool after the awkward interview with Justin Herbert. She posted the moment on X with a hilarious caption.

“Rough day at the office 🤣🤣 let’s all have a good laugh and move on!” Rutledge tweeted on Dec. 9 .

However, Barstool Sports host Kayce Smith did not hold back and lashed out at Herbert for his behavior.

“Hey bro, you get paid $262 million to play football. When the prime time broadcast wants an interview, you stand there like EVERYBODY ELSE does and do the interview. Grow up. Kudos, Laura Rutledge. Real pro,” Smith wrote on X.

The Chargers went on to knock the Kansas City Chiefs out the following week. They are currently No. 2 in the AFC West standings with an 11-4 record. Justin Herbert and Co. host the Houston Texans in the Week 17 game on Saturday.

Edited by nagpaltusharn25