On Saturday the NFL handed down a hefty fine for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Jefferson was fined a total of $13,659 for his celebration after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of last week’s game against the Detroit Lions.
The NFL fined #Vikings WR Justin Jefferson $13,659 for unsportsmanlike conduct after his TD last week.
It’s apparently for Jefferson making a brief, gun-like signal at the camera here, violating Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1(d)
with a “violent gesture.” pic.twitter.com/3azdLW5ARx— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 30, 2023
After making a spectacular grab in the corner of the endzone for the touchdown, Jefferson got up and celebrated the score with his signature “Griddy” dance. Near the end of the celebration, Jefferson appeared to make a gun gesture with his hand before bringing it back to his face. This, the NFL deemed, was a violation of their policy against “violent gestures”.
Jefferson has a number of variations on his “Griddy” celebration, and likely won’t be going back to this one after losing more than $10K over it. Hopefully we’ll get to see what he has instead in the Sunday night matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Minnesota needs a win to stay alive in the NFC playoff picture, and with Green Bay down their top two corners, Jefferson figures to be a large part of the Vikings offense.
