SANTA CLARA, Calif. – San Francisco linebacker Ahmad Brooks says he was benched for the second half of Sunday's road win against the Giants for heated words he directed at defensive line coach Jim Tomsula in the second quarter.
Brooks was frustrated with his playing time on a day linebacker Aldon Smith returned following a nine-game suspension. The outside linebacker apologized to Tomsula and says they have moved forward.
Coach Jim Harbaugh spoke to Brooks and said "it's not insubordination."
Brooks is scheduled to play Sunday when the 49ers host the Washington Redskins.
Brooks said he realized on the cross-country flight home that an apology to the team was in order because "I felt bad and I didn't like that feeling."
The 30-year-old Brooks has 20 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble. He has started 58 straight games under Harbaugh.
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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
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