Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has had $26,867 in fines overturned after appealing penalties for gestures made during Detroit’s Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills.
The NFL rescinded two fines of $14,926 and $11,941 on Tuesday, October 13, after Williams argued in his appeal that the gesture in question related to marijuana, which is legal in some states. ESPN’s Ian Rappaport reported that appeals officer Derrick Brooks ruled in Williams’s favour, writing, “Although I rescinded this fine, please make every effort to celebrate with your teammates in the best professional manner possible.”
Williams had made the gestures during the game in Buffalo, which the Lions lost 41-31. On the day, he recorded two catches for 33 yards but drew attention more for the celebrations that led to the fines rather than his on-field statistics.
He was not alone in winning appeals on celebration fines. Ja’Marr Chase, wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, also had two fines of $14,926 overturned. According to Rappaport, those fines were related to a “people’s elbow” celebration.
The NFL’s strict rules on celebrations have often resulted in fines for players, but these recent reversals suggest some degree of flexibility or reconsideration in enforcement. The league has not commented further on the decisions beyond the official statements from Brooks.
Williams’s successful appeal means he can cancel the payments for the penalties issued after the Bills game, removing a financial hit from his rookie season. The Lions continue to work through their campaign with Williams developing as a key target in their wide receiving corps.
According to Yahoo Sports.
