NFL Fines Buccaneers’ Mayfield and Irving for Unsportsmanlike Celebration
The NFL is intensifying its scrutiny on player celebrations that cross the line into unsportsmanlike conduct. In a recent move, the league imposed fines on two Tampa Bay Buccaneers players following their victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13.
Fines for Unsportsmanlike Conduct
After the Buccaneers took a commanding 17-3 lead against the Cardinals, Baker Mayfield and Bucky Irving celebrated with a display that the NFL deemed inappropriate. Both players were penalized for what was classified as a “violent gesture” during their post-touchdown celebration.
Irving received a fine totaling $6,349, while Mayfield faced a heftier penalty of $14,491, reflecting the league’s commitment to maintaining a level of decorum on the field.
This decision underscores the NFL’s ongoing effort to regulate player conduct and ensure that celebrations remain within the boundaries of sportsmanship. As the league continues to adjust its stance on various aspects of player conduct, players will need to be more mindful of their actions in the heat of the moment.
