The Kansas City Chiefs’ players have shown passion on the field after big plays this season. The NFL and NFL Players Association issued a joint statement urging players to rein in future celebrations.
To clarify the line between player expression and conduct that may result in discipline, players were reminded this week that the following are prohibited and may result in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, a fine, or both:
- Gestures that depict violence, including the use of guns or other weapons, or gang-related signs.
- Gestures that depict smoking or drug use.
- Gestures that are sexual in nature.
When conduct falls into a gray area, the NFL will contact the player and provide direction before imposing discipline. The player will be advised that continued use of the identified celebration may result in future fines. The updated notice follows the NFL fining multiple players for a drinking gesture on the field in celebration.
Fines are $14,926 for Unsportsmanlike Conduct, $11,941 for Taunting, and $8,357 for Football Into Stands. The Chiefs will host the Los Angeles Chargers in another AFC West battle on October 18, their first game after a Week 5 bye.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: NFL, NFLPA address sportsmanship ahead of the Chiefs’ Week 6 game
