NFL Reporters Clash at Combine Amid Tense Encounter

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — A verbal altercation between NFL reporters Jordan Schultz and Ian Rapoport occurred Wednesday afternoon at a Starbucks in the JW Marriott during the NFL Scouting Combine.

Witnesses say the confrontation began when Schultz approached Rapoport, who was speaking to an agent. Schultz purportedly said, “We need to talk,” to which Rapoport responded, “We don’t need to talk.” The dialogue quickly escalated, leading to accusations and tensions reportedly running high.

Social media buzz around the incident was ignited when Eric Sollenberger, known as PFT Commenter, tweeted about a confrontation involving “two NFL newsbreakers,” prompting speculation and discussions among fans and the media.

Interestingly, the altercation took place at a Starbucks, where Schultz is the son of former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. Witnesses described the two reporters standing face-to-face, with Schultz allegedly declaring, “If you have anything to say to me, say it to my fucking face. If this continues, we’re going to have a fucking problem.” Schultz later stated that he did not recall using profanity during the exchange.

Rapoport reportedly requested Schultz to step back, indicating the situation was escalating. After the incident, Schultz reached out to PFT, stating, “It really isn’t anything too much. Ian Rapoport and I had a verbal confrontation. It lasted a little over a minute,” adding that NFL Security took statements from multiple witnesses.

Rapoport declined to comment directly on the matter, but it was noted that he informed a witness that NFL Security was involved due to concerns regarding potential threats of physical violence.

The confrontation appeared to stem from Schultz’s report earlier that day regarding Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford meeting with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady in Montana, which Rapoport later described as an unplanned encounter. This incident underscores an ongoing rivalry between the two journalists.

The NFL has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the altercation, which has stirred considerable buzz amid what has otherwise been a subdued week in Indianapolis.