Five players booted from Panthers-Pats practice after fights

New England Patriots offensive lineman James Ferentz (65) walks to the practice field at the Patriots training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Five total players booted from joint practice between the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers for fighting

By Adam Stites | Last updated 8/16/22

The New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers joined for a joint practice in Foxboro, Massachusetts, ahead of their Friday night preseason meeting. But the Tuesday practice was largely defined by fights.

Early in the session, a massive brawl broke out that resulted in Patriots receivers Kendrick Bourne and Kristian Wilkerson, as well as Panthers defensive back Kenny Robinson getting thrown out of the practice.

HUGE fight taking place, started with shoving and ended with a lot of punches being thrown. Both fields were cleared. Chaos in Foxboro. pic.twitter.com/BU2YrzEVAE
— Ethan Hurwitz (@HurwitzSports) August 16, 2022

Later, New England offensive lineman James Ferentz and Carolina defensive tackle Phil Hoskins were tossed out of the practice for another scrap.

After the practice, Panthers coach Matt Rhule told reporters that he and Patriots coach Bill Belichick agreed ahead of time that fighting players would be removed. Rhule sounded disappointed that brawls broke out anyway.

Matt Rhule after joint session with Patriots: “We came here not to fight. We came here to practice.”
— Ellis L. Williams (@BookofEllis) August 16, 2022