NFL Overturns Fines for Williams, Chase
27 sourcesUpdated Oct 14, 20261 min read
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams won appeals overturning two fines totaling $26,867 for celebrations during the team’s Week 2 game against Buffalo. Williams argued that a gesture interpreted as simulated smoking was not offensive, noting that marijuana is legal in some states; appeals officer Derrick Brooks rescinded the fines but urged him to celebrate professionally. Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase also won an appeal overturning $29,852 in fines after arguing his gesture mimicked The Rock’s “People’s Elbow” wrestling move. The NFL and NFLPA clarified that simulated smoking or drug-use gestures remain prohibited, while celebrations mimicking drinking a beverage are allowed.
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Chase's wrestling bit was silly but harmless, so it's fair they dropped the penalty instead of punishing every bit of personality.
Good on the NFL for reversing those fines on Williams. His celebration didn't seem worth nearly 27k and the league was overreaching.
