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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Robert Zeglinski

The NFL fined Jamaal Williams for being too sensual and fans questioned the league’s priorities

Jamaal Williams NFL Quay Walker Lions Packers Tom Pelissero

The NFL’s standards regarding the safety of people and good old-fashioned fun in a game continue to amaze with its ridiculousness. Two crucial contrasting “incidents” highlighted these poor standards from the Detroit Lions’ humbling beatdown of the Green Bay Packers in Week 18.

First, you had the Lions’ Jamaal Williams, a guy who clearly enjoys his time as a pro athlete, suggestively thrusting his hips after scoring two crucial touchdowns — including the game-winner — in Detroit’s emphatic 20-16 Week 18 win. Then, there was the Packers’ Quay Walker inexplicably pushing a medical trainer who was simply trying to do their job and help someone.

On Saturday, the NFL announced fines for both players. Which, at first glance, without any context — really? Williams deserved fines for just enjoying himself and not hurting anyone? Eh, I don’t know about that one!

But then you see the amount Williams was fined — less than Walker, who, again, pushed a non-player — and you remember the pro football powers that be have terribly misplaced priorities:

I genuinely don’t understand why the league makes these sorts of decisions. Not to say I’m surprised, but it makes me furl an eyebrow at a league facilitating one of the most dangerous, violent sports around still wanting to project a “wholesome” image. And they punish anyone who even potentially detracts from that perception no rational person has of them!

As opposed to, you know, a player putting their hands on a person not even involved in a game. What are we doing here, folks? Let’s have a hearty reflection and take a step back.

NFL fans couldn't believe Williams' celebrations were fined more than Walker pushing an athletic trainer

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