Spence: I was protecting myself

DAVIE — Dolphins defensive tackle Akeem Spence says he would never use a helmet as a weapon, and was protecting himself during an altercation that led to his ejection in Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders.

Spence ripped off the helmet of Raiders offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele after a shoving match after the first sack of the season by defensive end Cameron Wake in the second quarter of the Dolphins’ 28-20 win against the Raiders.

Spence later fell after tripping over Raiders running back Jalen Richard, and was seen using the helmet in his left hand to hit Oakland guard Gabe Jackson on the helmet after the tussle.

Spence, who was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and ejected from the game, said he was trying to celebrate Wake’s sack with teammates before the altercation.

Spence also added Oakland’s offensive line has a reputation for being “extra after the whistle.”

“Guys put hands on me, and I was trying to protect myself and keep him off of me,” Spence said Monday.

“Y’all seen the helmet in my hand, but me, being the person I am, I’m never going to hit nobody with a helmet. I’m never going to put somebody’s career in jeopardy or something like that.

“It’s really unfortunate because I thought I was still in the game.”

The penalty, which occurred after a third-down stop, was especially unfavorable for the Dolphins, who gave up a 25-yard field goal, resulting in a 10-7 lead for Oakland with 3:34 left before halftime.

“I see Cam get the sack. I’m trying to go celebrate, but the guy has his hands on me, pushing me, pushing me, pushing me,” Spence said recapping the situation.

“I mean, at some point, as a man, I have to protect myself and get his hands off me, and do what I got to do. And then, it just went beyond football at that point, which it shouldn’t have.”