Following his touchdown celebration last Sunday, October 1, against the Carolina Panthers, wide receiver Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings has been penalized by the NFL.
Upon making the “too small” gesture toward cornerback D’Shawn Jamison in the end zone on the final play of the third quarter, Jefferson was penalized by the league with a fine of almost $11,000, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.
On Saturday, October 7, Seifert published to X, “Justin Jefferson was fined $10,927 for unsportsmanlike conduct in last Sunday’s victory at Carolina.”.
The timing of it and the amount match a first offense for taunting, according to the statement.
Go for it.
“.
NFL Does Not Issue Fine for Justin Jefferson’s Well-Known “Griddy” Celebration.
According to NBC Sports, the NFL’s definition of taunting is as follows:.
‘The use of baiting or taunting acts or words that sow discord between teams.
“.
taunting results in a 15 yard loss as the on-field penalty.
Jefferson is well-known for his well-liked touchdown celebration, The Griddy, which is exempt from league fines for taunting.
The “too small” gesture, which is popular among NBA players, is directed specifically at an opponent as opposed to a more jovial and general celebration of a big play, which may be the difference in the NFL’s eyes.
Jefferson stated after the game that his choice of antics was a message to the rest of the league.
He was speaking to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
Jefferson said, “I mean, that’s a message to the league.
“I’ll go there to demonstrate that it makes no difference who is out there trying to rip me off.
I’m going to play. A catch will be made by me.
I’ll go to any lengths to ensure that my team succeeds.
“.
Vikings are attempting to recover from their rocky season debut.
Even though Jefferson’s celebration against the Panthers resembled slightly smudged coloring, his enthusiasm is understandable.
All three of their games, with the exception of the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, saw the Vikings play competitively, yet they started the season 0-3.
Kirk Cousins’ late interception in the end zone cost Minnesota a close game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3.
Prior to the game in Carolina, Jefferson vented his frustration over all the losses.
He then went on to score twice, helping the Vikings earn their first victory of the season and a 1-3 record.
Through four games, 543 receiving yards for Jefferson are the most in the league.
In addition, he has 33 receptions and three touchdowns, two of which came last weekend against the Panthers.
The Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning Super Bowl champions, will be Minnesota’s toughest test yet this weekend in Minneapolis.
As of Saturday night, the Chiefs were 3-point, 5-point favorites according to Draft Kings Sportsbook