Some NFL Players Tone Down Celebrations After Surprise Fines

The NFL imposed fines on several players for unsportsmanlike conduct during Week 2 games, which seemed to prompt a change in their celebration styles for Week 3. Bengals wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, as well as Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown, all received fines totaling $10 each. Chase's new celebration involved crossing his left arm across his chest and waving his right hand in a wavy motion.

Higgins made a more subdued catch, while St. Brown celebrated with teammates in the end zone, not repeating his Week 2 act of pretending to smoke. Chase and Higgins had copied The Rock's "people's elbow" celebration, but the NFL disagreed, citing obscene gestures and vulgar acts. Chase expressed disappointment in the ruling, stating, "I think this is where the superstars have to get in with the NFLPA and fight for our money."

Higgins and St. Brown each received four fines of $59,704 each. Giants defensive end Abdul Carter was also fined for unsportsmanlike conduct following an interception, but the specific infraction remains unclear. The NFL announced 22 fines in total, with 13 for illegal celebrations and vulgar acts, five for obscene gestures, and four for taunting.

The NFL Players Association is working with the league to address the fines related to celebratory activities, stating they were unaware such actions would be subject to penalties.