Chris Long apologizes to Rams fans, denies giving middle finger to crowd

Sunday's Panthers-Rams game featured Rams defensive end Chris Long getting ejected after throwing a punch during the game. As he was being escorted out of Bank of America Stadium, Long gestured to the Carolina crowd with his hand— after at least one Panthers fan rudely threw a bottle his way — that appeared to include his middle finger. He's since apologized to Rams fans for getting tossed and pointed out that it was not a middle finger he flashed.

Long delivered his apology via Twitter on Sunday afternoon:

Apologies 2 fans 4 losing my cool. Hard 2 watch from the locker room. Will always defend a tmmate + play w emotion but I need 2 reel it in.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) October 20, 2013

The Rams defensive end pointed out that there is "no chance" he gave the bird to fans and that he was "pointing to the individual who tossed a bottle."

Thanks Carolina fans 4 the flipped birds+few bottles to the head. Sticks n stones may break my bones but aluminum zimas will never hurt me.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) October 20, 2013

Either way, the "aluminum zimas" reference was a nice touch.