The NFL has come under fire after Jameson Williams was fined $19,697 for grabbing his crotch, despite the NFL using the gesture to promote his YouTube highlights.
The Lions wide receiver connected with Jared Goff for a 64-yard score in Detroit’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars last week.
Williams celebrated by jumping in the air and putting his hand on his genitals – just like Marshawn Lynch did after his iconic ‘Beast Quake’ run against the Saints in 2011.
The Seahawks legend pulled the same move after a 79-yard touchdown run a decade ago.
Lynch was fined $11,050 for the second dive and now Williams has been disciplined for ‘Unsportsmanlike Conduct (obscene gestures)’.
But eagle-eyed fans noticed that Williams’ celebration is the thumbnail image on the NFL’s official YouTube highlights of the game. By Saturday evening, the video had already been viewed 1.1 million times.
The NFL is under fire after Jameson Williams was fined $19,697 for grabbing his crotch
Williams’ celebration is the thumbnail of the NFL’s official YouTube highlights
“Funny how this gesture is labeled ‘obscene’ by the NFL and yet used to market their own videos,” a social media post said.
Other fans were also frustrated by the punishment. ‘What a joke. There are bigger things to worry about and the league is focusing on that,” one person said.
“The NFL is drawing more attention to the ‘gesture’ with the fine than the gesture received when he did it,” another added.
Patrick Mahomes also received a hefty fine from the NFL for a touchdown celebration.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback found Noah Gray on a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.
After connecting with the tight end, the three-time Super Bowl winner made a gesture that caught the attention of those in power.
Mahomes pointed with two fingers on both hands, which the league said mimicked the use of weapons. The NFL has been cracking down on gun-related gestures this season, and Mahomes has become the latest to fall victim to the league’s stricter measures.
The 29-year-old was fined $14,069 by the league for unsportsmanlike conduct — “a violent gesture,” according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.