Santa Clara, CA – The San Francisco 49ers are still reeling from their devastating 13-3 loss to the Seahawks, but the repercussions in the locker room now outweigh the defeat itself. Multiple sources within the team confirm that a rookie guard has…
skipped Wednesday’s recovery session and team walkthrough to go out partying in downtown San Jose.
The incident infuriated veterans across the roster, but no one reacted as strongly as All-Pro tight end George Kittle
, who has long been viewed as one of the emotional leaders and standard-setters of the franchise. According to those present, Kittle “lost it” when he learned a rookie player had chosen nightlife over responsibility the morning after one of the defense’s worst showings of the season.
Team staff said the rookie left the facility Tuesday night, ignored multiple messages from the defensive coaching staff, and was later seen at a nightclub with friends. Meanwhile, the rest of the team, including several injured players, reported early Wednesday morning to begin postgame treatment and review film.
The player at the center of the controversy was later identified as rookie cornerback Derrick Canteen, who played limited snaps against the Rams but was part of a secondary that surrendered more than 430 yards and six touchdown drives.
George Kittle did not hold back when reporters asked about the incident during Thursday’s open locker room period.
“Man, I don’t care if you’re a rookie or a ten-year vet, you don’t party after a loss like that,” Kittle said. “We got embarrassed. We got punched in the mouth for four quarters, and your response is to hit the club? That’s bullshit. If you can’t respect the work, get out of the building.”
Kittle added more, clearly frustrated with the mindset shown:
“This league is hard. Really hard. And if you’re not obsessed with fixing your mistakes, someone else will take your job by tomorrow. Talent doesn’t mean anything if your mentality is soft.”
According to insiders, several defensive veterans also confronted Canteen privately, urging him to take responsibility and prove he belongs in the NFL. The team has not yet announced any discipline, though head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the matter is being handled internally.
“We’re addressing it,” Shanahan said. “We’ll do what’s best for the team.”
Fan reactions have been mixed, disappointment, frustration, and some calling for immediate punishment. But most agree on one thing: in a locker room run by leaders like George Kittle,
Derrick Canteen’s margin for error just became razor thin.
As the 49ers prepare for the next matchup, all eyes will be on whether the rookie responds professionally, or whether this becomes the first major red flag of his young NFL career.
