- Kevin Fitzgibbons was suspended for jumping after Hill filmed the backflip
- He became close to Hill in creating content after the WR’s trade to Miami
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The NFL has suspended a camera operator for the remainder of the season and “possibly permanently” for his role in Tyreek Hill’s viral touchdown celebration in Week 6.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Hill celebrated a touchdown he scored against the Carolina Panthers by grabbing a phone from Fitzgibbons and recording a selfie of himself doing a backflip, for which he was penalized that day.
Fitzgibbons worked as a cameraman for the league at the time.
“The NFL then informed me that I was suspended for the remainder of the season and possibly permanently,” the 20-year-old said in a video he posted to social media.
“They said that regardless of whether I knew the party was coming or not, I still had to be disciplined and that I shouldn’t have been on the sidelines after the game.
The NFL has suspended cameraman Kevin Fitzgibbons “possibly permanently” for his role in Tyreek Hill’s backflip celebration, he revealed in a video on social media
Dolphins WR Hill grabbed a phone from Fitzgibbons to record a selfie of himself doing a backflip
‘One of the best moments of my life turned upside down in a matter of seconds. I understand why the NFL had to make this decision and wish I could have done something to prevent it, but I am grateful for the memory Tyreek gave me.
“This was the best job in the world and I never took a day for granted. I can’t thank the NFL enough for this opportunity. Whether it’s returning to the NFL or starting a new sport, I just hope to get another chance to do what I love.”
“Tyreek scored a touchdown in the exact same corner of the end zone I was filming in,” Fitzgibbons said of the play.
‘He noticed me and surprised me by grabbing my phone and doing a backflip. It was the coolest moment ever and I ran down the tunnel to send the clip to the NFL.”
It was expected that Hill would be fined for the celebration, but to the surprise of many spectators, the NFL decided against it.
The NFL said Fitzgibbons was suspended for jumping up and down after the celebration
Fitzgibbons went on to say that he and Hill became good friends after working together after the seven-time Pro Bowler was traded to Miami.
When asked about the moment after the game, Hill had told reporters, “You know, I saw the camera and I just took it away from him. And he didn’t want me to take it away from him, so that’s my KFitz guy.”
On the other hand, Hill said of Fitzgibbons’ video, “I would respond, but I could get fined.”