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The NFL fined Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes over $14,000 for a touchdown celebration involving a gesture resembling a gun, which the league deemed a “violent gesture.”
The NFL has been cracking down on such celebrations, with many players penalized for similar actions, even when done innocently. Last month, the NFL implemented stricter penalties due to concerns over “gun-related” celebrations. Spotrac reports the league has issued 17 fines for “obscene gestures” this season, compared to none in 2023.
“[The rule] has been in the books for years, and it hasn’t really surfaced… haven’t really noticed it that much until this year,” one league executive said to CBS Sports last month. “Now it’s almost an epidemic of them.”
“We don’t think it’s appropriate.… It sends the wrong message,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
The NFL fined #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes $14,069 for unsportsmanlike conduct (violent gesture) as he celebrated a touchdown pass last week in Buffalo … pic.twitter.com/dXgnmYJSYp
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 23, 2024
Last year, Mahomes was fined $50,000 for “verbally abusing” an official. Adding to the sting, the Chiefs suffered their first loss of the season after a nine-game winning streak. They look to bounce back Sunday against the Panthers in Carolina.
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