🏈 Quentin Lake says he texted Justin Herbert deli meat apology

Rams safety Quentin Lake said on Friday, Nov. 6 that he sent Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert a text apologizing for comments he made on a podcast this week, according to Yahoo Sports, whose report was first published at 2:16 PM ET that day. Heavy also reports that Lake confirmed the text on Friday.

What was said

Lake appeared on the podcast hosted by Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and his brother Equanimeous St. Brown, Heavy reports. He was discussing the Rams' 24-9 win over the Chargers, a game in which Herbert threw two interceptions, per Yahoo Sports. Lake recorded one of them.

"He was throwing deli meat out there"

Quentin Lake on the St. Brown Podcast, as quoted by Yahoo Sports

He added that Herbert was "seeing ghosts," Yahoo Sports reports. The podcast posted a video clip of Lake's answer, and according to Yahoo Sports it went viral.

The apology, and the response

Lake told the Los Angeles Times he felt comfortable joking with St. Brown, a former high school teammate, per Heavy. "You know, I was with my boys," he said, as quoted by Yahoo Sports. "But looking back on it, they have a big platform."

"In no way shape or form was it supposed to be disrespectful."

Quentin Lake to the Los Angeles Times, as quoted by Yahoo Sports

Herbert has not publicly answered the apology. When Lake spoke to the Times on Friday afternoon he had not received a response, per Yahoo Sports. Lake guessed Herbert might say he doesn't care anymore. Herbert did address the original remarks on Wednesday: he told reporters he had not heard them and remained focused on his team's work, according to Heavy. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh disputed Lake's assessment, saying Herbert played well against the Rams apart from two passes he wanted back, per Heavy.

What happens next

None of the reports read names a league step or deadline. Heavy says whether Herbert responds is unclear. The reports read do not say anything about a fine or any NFL review of the comments, and this piece does not cover the league's record on fines for on-field comments because no source in the pack addresses it.

Backstory

The scoreboard context: Lake's interception came on a first-quarter pass intended for Charlie Kolar, which he returned 45 yards, and the Rams turned that possession into a field goal, per Heavy. Cornerback Trent McDuffie later intercepted Herbert, setting up a touchdown. Herbert threw for 257 yards without a touchdown against the Rams, Heavy reports.

The Chargers are 0-7. Herbert has five touchdown passes and an NFL-high 10 interceptions through seven games, per Heavy and Yahoo Sports. Lake still called Herbert a "great" quarterback and said the Chargers roster is "still very, very talented," per Yahoo Sports.

As of Nov 7, 1:19 PM ET, the confirmed record is Lake's own account to the Los Angeles Times, relayed by Yahoo Sports and Heavy, that he sent the apology text. Pending: whether Herbert replies, and whether the league does anything at all, which no report read says.