For the second time this month, the NFL has rescinded fines relating to player celebrations. First it was Kyle Juszczyk, and now it’s Ja’Marr Chase.
In Week 2, Chase was issued two fines of $14,926 over his “People’s Elbow” celebration in the Bengals’ win over the Houston Texans. However, after nearly a month of review, the league has decided to rescind the fines.
Chase reportedly argued that he “received no warning” that such a celebration was not permitted and declared that it was not offensive.
“On appeal, Mr. Chase… further contended that even if he committed the violation, his fine should be reduced because he received no warning that this was not allowed,” the appeals office letter said, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport. “He added that this is a new celebration with his teammate and that it is not offensive. Mr. Chase finally stated that the NFL is assuming the worst of him and his teammate without discussing with the NFLPA.“
Fans Weigh In
For the most part, fans found the idea of an appeals hearing including people trying to describe the People’s Elbow – the signature wrestling move of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson during his WWE run – pretty funny.
“I’d love to have heard that appeals hearing. Trying to explain the people’s elbow with a straight face had to be entertaining,” one fan wrote on X.
The appeals office finally smelled what ja’marr was cooking,” another joked.
“The NFL fined Ja’Marr chase 30 grand for a people’s elbow and he beat it on appeal because nobody warned him it was illegal. fining a guy for a move with no rule against it is a shakedown,” a third declared.
Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
It’s been an interesting start to the 2026 season for Ja’Marr Chase and the Bengals. They just ended a two-game skid with a win over the Miami Dolphins to reach 3-2 on the season, but Chase himself hasn’t been quite as productive as we’re used to seeing.
Through five games Chase has 27 receptions for 289 yards and four touchdowns. He’s having the lowest yards per game and yards per catch average of his career.
The season is still young though. So there should be plenty more opportunities for him to have more People’s Elbow celebrations.
