Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams was handed a hefty fine of $25,325 for his touchdown celebration during the Divisional Round game against the Washington Commanders. The fine was for unsportsmanlike conduct, specifically for making obscene gestures after scoring a 61-yard rushing touchdown. This was a predictable consequence, and many were curious about the exact amount.
Williams’ celebration included a gesture that could have been worse if not for Amon-Ra St. Brown stepping in to prevent him from going too far, stopping him before he reached “three pumps” a la Hingle McCrinkleberry. Had he continued, his fine might have been even higher.
This fine marked Williams’ fourth of the season, with two other instances being related to touchdown celebrations. One notable fine was a $19,697 penalty for imitating Marshawn Lynch’s infamous crotch-grab during a touchdown in Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Williams’ behavior earned him a penalty for repeat unsportsmanlike conduct, and as a result, the NFL treated him more harshly. To add perspective, the fine took nearly half of his pay for the playoff game.
However, Williams wasn’t the only player penalized in this game. Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu received two fines totaling $33,766 for unflagged hits on Lions quarterback Jared Goff and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Goff had to leave the game briefly for a concussion evaluation after Luvu’s hit. Despite these potentially dangerous plays, Luvu’s fines were still less than Williams’ fine for his touchdown celebration, raising questions about the NFL’s inconsistency in penalizing behavior, especially when it comes to actions that could harm players.
