The game between the Houston Roughnecks and the Tampa Bay Vipers on Sunday, March 5, 2023, had a dramatic end. The quarterback of the Roughnecks, A.J. McCarron, got sacked, and it triggered a huge fight between the teams.
During the fourth quarter of the game, with the Roughnecks leading 24-21, McCarron got sacked by the Vipers' defensive end Aaron Lynch. McCarron got up, said something to Lynch, who responded by shoving him. This led to a brawl between the players of both teams.
The game was crucial for both teams as they were fighting for a playoff spot. McCarron had replaced the injured P.J. Walker and was under pressure to perform well. Frustration with the officiating could also have played a part, as some coaches and players expressed dissatisfaction with the referees' decisions.
It's possible that Lynch and McCarron had some prior history or personal animosity that escalated during the game.
The fight was a serious breach of sportsmanship and could have resulted in injuries or ejections. The XFL has not yet announced what penalties or disciplinary actions it will take against the players involved.