Anderson sent off by coach during Panthers' loss

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Robbie Anderson walked out of the locker room wearing a jacket that said “Lover Boy” on the back. When it comes to matters between the Carolina Panthers wide receiver and his coaches, things appear to be far from hunky dory.

Anderson was sent off the field and into the locker room by coach Steve Wilks during the second half of the Panthers' 24-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

Wilks, named the team's interim coach after Matt Rhule was fired last Monday, did not elaborate on why he made the decision to end Anderson's day early.

“It was a sideline-type situation and that's something we will discuss as we further get into the week,” Wilks said.

Anderson was close with Rhule. The seventh-year receiver played for Rhule in college at Temple, and signed with the Panthers in 2020 when Rhule became coach.

During the first half, Anderson got into an argument with receivers coach Joe Dailey. He was on a stationary bike early in the third quarter before sitting alone on a cooler.

Anderson came off the field late in the third quarter when he again exchanged words with Dailey. That was the last straw for Wilks, who got between the two and banished Anderson to the locker room.

Anderson said he wasn't happy being taken out on third down and expressed his displeasure.

“It's third down, it's a money down. I don’t think I should be okay with that (being taken out),” Anderson said. “So I made a comment on why I was taken out.

“Honestly, I was confused because I have never been told get out of the game. And, you know, upset by that. Nobody that is a true competitor would be OK with that."

Instead of quickly leaving the locker room or refusing interviews, Anderson decided to address things from the podium in