The Minnesota Vikings gave it their all during the eventual 30-24 loss. However, from the latest report, one of the star players will be receiving a significant reduction to their paycheck for a roughly 3-second gesture.
Minnesota Vikings Star Fined
According to reports, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been fined $14,000 for making a gun gesture at the camera during his touchdown celebration against the Detroit Lions. The exact amount according to Tom Pelissero is $13,659, but either way, whether rounded up or not that is a good chunk for something that would easily be forgotten about the next day.
The exact rule that the Minnesota Vikings receiver broke is in the bylaws. Specifically Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1(d) for celebrating a touchdown with a “violent gesture”. While on its face it makes sense to not want to glorify gun violence, the fine really draws more attention to something that the NFL is trying to not advertise.
Would the NBA fine players for shooting a bow and arrow after making a three? Or Misfits Boxing come down on Logan Paul for aiming his banana?
The real issue arises when the line is crossed, as in the case of Ja Morant. But for something that wasn’t even noticed during the broadcast, it is a celebration gesture that is now living a second round of life on the internet. As it makes rounds after news of the fine what could have stayed a three-second moment, will now become a viral sensation.
Minnesota Vikings Receiver Not The First
In a long list of puzzling fines, this exact incident happened earlier with the Minnesota Vikings opponents in the AFC. Earlier in the year Cleveland Browns quarterback and tight end, Deshaun Watson and David Njoku were also fined $13,659 for using a gun gesture during their touchdown celebration.
At least being consistent in how this fine is levied, it is clear that the NFL feels that they have given plenty of leeway for celebrations and will now crack down on anything that is seen as crossing the line.
Minnesota Vikings And Others Future WIth Fines
With the fine for a gun gesture, even those who may disagree with how the NFL is going about this specific aspect can understand why the NFL is trying to get rid of any notions of guns during games. Other fines have been far more egregious, particularly football players making routine plays being fined days later without there even being a flag on the play.
This has led some to speculate that the NFL is setting itself up in a position in the next collective bargaining to offer to take away the over-the-top fines, in exchange for something else. What could this be and what could this look like? Hard to say at this moment. But based on how events have unfolded in Denver lately the NFL may be jockeying itself in a position to be able to allow teams to revisit player contracts as needed, getting rid of long-term stability and guaranteed options.