The NFL cracked down hard on post-play celebrations following Week 2, and Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins took the brunt of the league’s disciplinary actions. The league handed out 22 fines totaling $300,089 for infractions under unsportsmanlike conduct, illegal celebrations, and vulgar gestures.
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, Tee Higgins received four separate fines that added up to $59,704, tying Amon-Ra St. Brown for the most fines in the league after Week 2. Ja’Marr Chase was also fined $29,852.
“The NFL issued 22 fines totaling $300,089 for Week 2 infractions. Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and Bengals WR Tee Higgins tied for the lead with four fines each totaling $59,704,” Pelissero tweeted.
Higgins’ fines came from Cincinnati’s 20-6 win over the Houston Texans. The Bengals WR was fined four times for the exact same gesture. Higgins and fellow receiver Ja’Marr Chase celebrated key receptions by grabbing one elbow with the opposite hand and pushing the forearm forward. The gesture was their tribute to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s iconic WWE finishing move.
Higgins shared his feelings about the fine on the “Up and Adams Show” on Thursday.
“So, I’m a WWE fan, you know The Rock? So, that’s the People’s Elbow. [move] It was a first-down celebration, but we got fined for it,” Higgins said.
Apart from Chase and Higgins, Amon-Ra St. Brown received four fines totaling $59,704 for celebrations during Detroit’s game against Buffalo. Jameson Williams was fined $26,867 for an illegal celebration and taunting, while Jahmyr Gibbs was fined $14,926 for a touchdown celebration.
San Francisco fullback Kyle Juszczyk was fined $14,926 for a celebration that appeared to mimic chugging a drink after a touchdown against Miami. Juszczyk appealed the fine and said the gesture was a reference to his nickname, “Juice.” Indianapolis Colts guard Matt Goncalves was also fined $8,847 for a similar celebration after a touchdown against Kansas City.
Ja’Marr Chase Calls Out the NFL Over His Fine
Star wideout Ja’Marr Chase’s $29,852 fine brought Cincinnati’s total for its receivers to $89,556. The five-time Pro Bowler criticized the NFL for punishing players for celebrations.
“It’s literally a wrestling move,” Chase told reporters. “It was something different. Something new. They [the NFL] just stopping the fun.”
Chase said players have little power when they disagree with league discipline. He pointed out that they cannot even complain about fines on social media without risking another penalty.
