NFL star hits out at Chiefs double standard
The NFL’s crackdown on violent celebrations on the field has been inconsistent at best, New York Giants receiver Darius Slayton said.
During Sunday’s 29-20 win over the Seattle Seahawks, the decision was made to celebrate a 41-yard reception by signaling for a first down. Only instead of doing the signature arm motion like an NFL official, Slayton extended two fingers on his outstretched left hand while holding his right arm near his face, as if firing a gun.
Slayton was assessed a 15-yard penalty on the play.
In response to the flag, Slayton shared an X-post showing Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Juju Smith-Schuster and Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb performing similar celebrations. The difference, as Slayton noted on X, was that the Chiefs teammates and Lamb were not penalized.
“It’s cool when they do it,” Slayton wrote online.
Giants receiver Darius Slayton isn’t impressed with NFL officials this season
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) signals a first loss on Monday
Slayton’s complaint reflects similar concerns that the defending champion Chiefs are being given the benefit of the doubt by league officials.
Conspiracy theories reached a fever pitch last season when Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, attracting dozens of new fans to the league.
The complaints continued into 2024, especially after defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was allowed to call a timeout earlier this season — a right strictly reserved for head coaches.
Fan theories were further fueled on September 24, when Los Angeles All-Pro safety Derwin James was suspended prior to a game with the Chiefs.
“Commissioner protects Queen Mahomes and the Swifties,” one fan wrote. ‘Derwin James suspended for playing the game the right way. I don’t see you throwing flags at the Steelers or the Chiefs, by the way. Go hunt Mahomes.”
Slayton isn’t the only player to receive such a flag this season.
Falcons wide receiver Drake London was penalized after catching a touchdown pass in the final minute of Atlanta’s 22-21 win at Philadelphia on September 16 for pretending to shoot in the air.
London immediately apologized on the sideline, according to Falcons coach Raheem Morris, and later apologized again in front of the media.
“There’s a lot of stuff going on in the world with gun violence that I don’t think I should have shown,” London told reporters. “So I’m not too happy about it, and [you] I probably won’t see that anymore.’
The NFL has strict rules regarding celebrations and players are reminded annually that violations will result in unsportsmanlike penalties.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster signals a first down on Monday
Slayton responded to the punishment online by sharing a post of other players doing similar things
London’s 7-yard TD catch on pass from Kirk Cousins tied the score at 21-21. His penalty pushed the extra point back 15 yards, but Younghoe Koo made it from 48 yards out to give Atlanta a lead and Jessie Bates intercepted Jalen Hurts’ pass on the ensuing drive to seal the victory.
“We approach player celebrations as expressions of exuberance that are part of the excitement of the game. In 2017, rules were changed allowing group celebrations, including choreographed demonstrations. Offensive demonstrations, celebrations that extend and delay the game, and demonstrations directed at an opponent will continue to be penalized,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement.
‘Players are reminded annually and it is part of the player’s manual that demonstrations involving taunting or unsportsmanlike conduct, or delaying play, will result in a foul against his team.
‘Also prohibited acts that take place anywhere on the pitch or on the sidelines include long-term bans on throat slitting; machine gun salute; sexually suggestive gestures; or stomping or demonstrating on a team logo.”
The celebration in London took place 12 days after four people were killed in a shooting at Apalachee High School near Winder, Georgia. The Falcons hosted the school’s football team at their practice facility last week.