Ahmad Brooks benched for lashing out at Jim Tomsula, apologized to coach, team

Fooch's Note: Here is the full transcript of his media session

National media has been reporting that San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks benched himself during Sunday's win over the New York Giants. We are now getting some clarification from Brooks on the situation. During player availability on Wednesday, he told assembled media that he lashed out at Jim Tomsula on Sunday, and that is why he was benched. It appears Brooks is fairly contrite about his behavior:

Ahmad Brooks says he lashed out to DL coach Jim Tomsula Sunday, which is why he was benched. Has since apologized to coach, to team.

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) November 19, 2014

Ahmad Brooks: "I did not take myself out of the game. But words said by me could not be taken back, so they decided to not put me back in."

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) November 19, 2014

#49ers Brooks: "I just have to look at myself in the mirror. I have to reevaluate myself as a person, as a man and just get better."

— Mindi Bach (@MBachCSN) November 19, 2014

Ahmad Brooks: We've had several distractions this year. I can't be a distraction, especially by me being a veteran." #49ers

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) November 19, 2014

Ahmad Brooks: "I can't bring that attitude to the team."

— Taylor Price (@TaylorPrice) November 19, 2014

#49ers Ahmad Brooks said he was fined, but not game check; probably in $10,000 range

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) November 19, 2014

Jim Harbaugh told the media on Monday, and again on Wednesday, that the matter had been addressed. He did not go into any more detail, other than to say he expected Brooks to play on Sunday. Getting this clarification from Brooks will hopefully bring this matter to a close. As Brooks pointed out, the team has had to deal with numerous distractions this season, so this is something he can bring to a close, so the team can move on.

The 49ers do still need to figure out how they will rotate their outside linebackers. Aldon Smith is back in the fold, and Aaron Lynch has been playing out of his mind. Brooks makes sense as a short yardage option, and his run-stopping ability likely will get him some work in the base defense. However, when the 49ers are in their nickel and dime defenses, I don't expect to see a lot of Brooks.

Brooks also had a chance to address the trade rumors from earlier this month.

Ahmad Brooks on trade rumors: I’m not going to pout about it, I’m not going to cry about it. but it is my job, it is my career…(more)

— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) November 19, 2014

…(Brooks continued): If i don’t speak about it, then nobody’s going to speak for me.

— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) November 19, 2014