Stefanski: Drake London 'has to be a pro' after fan exchange

The Falcons head coach said the wide receiver took accountability for arguing with a spectator during Atlanta's loss to Carolina.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that wide receiver Drake London cannot respond to fans, one day after London was caught on camera arguing with a spectator during the team's 34-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

The exchange occurred near the Falcons sideline in the third quarter, with Atlanta trailing 27-3. Olamide Zaccheaus was also nearby as London pointed toward the fan. The moment came shortly after quarterback Cooper Rush committed his third turnover of the game.

"You can never respond to a fan," Stefanski told reporters. "That's not the way we're going to do that. Drake knows that, and he took accountability last night. That's something he knows he needs to be better there and just be a pro." Stefanski added that everyone in the organization needs to take the high road when games go sideways.

London addressed the incident after the game, saying the fan made personal comments but that engaging was the wrong choice. "I don't take light to disrespect at all," London said. "But that's not the right thing. So, I got to take accountability for that, and I got to push forward and be the bigger man in some of those situations."

London finished with a team-high four catches for 51 yards. The 0-2 Falcons host the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night.