The NFL’s crackdown on violent on-field celebrations has been inconsistent at best, according to New York Giants receiver Darius Slayton.
During Sunday’s 29-20 win over the Seattle Seahawks, decided to celebrate a 41-yard reception by signaling for a first down. Only instead of going through the familiar arm motion like an NFL official, Slayton extended two fingers on his outstretched left hand while holding his right arm near his face, as if he were firing a rifle.
Slayton received a 15-yard penalty for the play.
In response to the flag, Slayton shared an X post showing Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Juju Smith-Schuster as well as Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb performing similar celebrations. The difference, as Slayton pointed out on X, was that the Chiefs teammates and Lamb weren’t penalized.
‘It’s cool when they do it,’ Slayton wrote online.
Giants receiver Darius Slayton is not impressed with NFL officials during this season
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) signals a first down on Monday
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Slayton’s complaint echoes similar concerns that the defending-champion Chiefs get the benefit of the doubt from league officials.
Conspiracy theories peaked last season as Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s relationship with pop star Taylor Swift helped attract scores of new fans to the league.
The complaints have continued in 2024, particularly after defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was permitted to call a timeout earlier in the season – a right strictly reserved for head coaches.
Fan theories were further fueled on September 24, when Los Angeles chargers All-Pro safety Derwin James was suspended ahead of a game with the Chiefs.
‘Commissioner is protecting Queen Mahomes and the Swifties,’ one fan wrote. ‘Suspended Derwin James for playing the game the right way. I don’t see you throwing flags at the Steelers or the Chiefs for that matter. Head hunt Mahomes.’
Slayton is not the only player to get such a flag this season.
Falcons wide receiver Drake London was penalized after catching a touchdown pass in the final minute of Atlanta’s 22-21 victory in Philadelphia September 16 for pretending to shoot in the air.
London immediately apologized on the sideline, according to Falcons coach Raheem Morris, and later did some again in front of the media.
‘There’s a lot of stuff going around in the world with gun violence that I don’t think I should have displayed there,’ London told reporters. ‘So, I’m not too happy with it, and [you] probably won’t see that again from me.’
The NFL has strict rules for celebrations and players are reminded annually that violations will result in unsportsmanlike penalties.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster signals a first down on Monday
Slayton reacted to the penalty online by sharing a post of other players who did similar things
London’s 7-yard TD catch on a pass from Kirk Cousins tied the score at 21-21. His penalty pushed the extra point back 15 yards but Younghoe Koo made it from 48 yards out to give Atlanta a lead and Jessie Bates intercepted Jalen Hurts’ pass on the ensuing drive to seal the victory.
‘We approach player celebrations as expressions of exuberance that are part of the excitement of the game. Rules were modified in 2017 that permitted group celebrations, including choregraphed demonstrations. Offensive demonstrations, celebrations that are prolonged and delay the game, and those directed at an opponent are still penalized,’ NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement.
‘Players are reminded annually and it’s part of the player manual that demonstrations that constitute taunting or unsportsmanlike conduct, or delays the game, will result in a foul against his team.
‘Also prohibited acts that occur anywhere on the field or sideline include longtime prohibitions against throat slash; machine gun salute; sexually suggestive gestures; or stomping or demonstrations on a team logo.’
London’s celebration came 12 days after four people were killed in a shooting at Apalachee High School near Winder, Georgia. The Falcons hosted the school’s football team at their practice facility last week.
