Michael David Smith ,
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The NFL fines players every week for various rule violations, many of which are illegal hits that put opponents’ health at risk. But this week’s biggest fine went to a player who did nothing more than celebrate a touchdown by hugging the goal post.
Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens was fined $26,085 for what the league termed “Unsportsmanlike Conduct-Use of prop.”
The prop Pickens used was the goal post, which he jumped onto after scoring a touchdown. That’s against the rules in the NFL, although as rule violations go it wouldn’t seem to be as serious as helmet-to-helmet hits, hip-drop tackles, roughing the passer, hits on defenseless receivers and the other penalties players were fined for this week. And yet none of those fines were as much as the $26,085 Pickens got for his celebration.
Pickens was one of two players fined this week for similar goal post celebrations. Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams was fined $14,491 for his violation.
Williams was apparently fined less because he has committed fewer unsportsmanlike conduct violations this season. Pickens’ infraction on Monday night was his fifth of the season. The NFL typically increases fines based on repeat offenses. Pickens has had multiple taunting fines, a fine for removing his helmet, and a fine for a violent gesture. Williams’ infraction was only his second of the season.
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