Controversial fines are nothing new for the NFL, and they’re getting called out on social media for their latest.
During last week’s game between the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets, Vikes running back Alexander Mattison went viral for a hilarious touchdown celebration that saw him fake an injury before going on all fours and twerking in the end zone.
The NFL seemed to enjoy the celebration enough to promote it on their Twitter page:
At the same time, they didn’t seem to entirely approve of the dance, as they also fined Mattison $6,503 for the celebration—which, as Tom Pelissero pointed out, works out to be $2,167 per twerk.
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It’s obviously a mind-boggling decision from the NFL. How do you promote a celebration on your social media page, then turn around and fine the player for said celebration? Are you trying to promote these types of fun acts? Or trying to remove them from the game?…
Make up your damn minds!!!
That’s the feeling that many were left with after Mattison’s fine was made public. And among those who were left questioning the league was the Vikings running back himself.
Mattison took to Twitter to blast the NFL for “sharing” his celebration “like crazy,” then ‘fining him like crazy.’
He also questioned whoever it is that comes up with “these random number amounts for fines.”
It is hard to argue with Mattison here. Perhaps the NFL should consider covering his fine with whatever they presumably made by marketing it to their fans.
Vikings Continue To Roll
The Vikings emerged from that game against the Jets with a victory, despite a furious comeback attempt from Gang Green late in the contest.
They enter their week 14 contest against the Detroit Lions with an 11-2 record. They’re five wins clear of the Lions for top spot in the NFC North, and just one game back of the Eagles for top spot in the entire NFC (although, the Eagles own the tiebreaker after beating Minny earlier in the year).
