Some NFL Players Tone Down Celebrations After Surprise Fines

Some NFL players adjusted their celebratory displays following surprise fines for unsportsmanlike conduct during Week 2 games. Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Amon-Ra St. Brown all received fines for their Week 2 celebrations. Chase and Higgins modified their celebrations, while St. Brown avoided repeating his previous gesture of pretending to smoke.

Chase and Higgins had previously modeled their Week 2 celebrations after The Rock's "people's elbow," but the NFL deemed them obscene gestures and illegal celebrations. Chase insisted the new celebration was harmless. Abdul Carter, a Giants pass rusher, was also penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, though the specific infraction was not disclosed.

The NFL imposed 22 fines totaling $300,089 for unsportsmanlike conduct violations during Week 2 games, with 13 fines for illegal celebrations and vulgar acts, five for obscene gestures, and four for taunting. The players have the option to appeal the fines. The NFL Players Association stated they were unaware such celebrations would result in fines and are working with the league to address the issue. The NFL announced their intention to enforce sportsmanship-related rules more strictly this season.