Every year, the NFL chooses specific things to focus on and crack down on. One part of the game that has seen a dramatic change this season has obviously been kickoffs. The league introduced the “dynamic kickoff” starting this season, and it really hasn’t had much of an effect on games. Their intended purpose hasn’t come to fruition yet, but there are still plenty of games left in the season.

One thing they’ve clearly chosen to crack down on, though, are “violent gestures“, particularly during touchdown celebrations. We’ve seen offensive players like CeeDee Lamb and Drake London get fined for celebrations that the NFL has deemed “obscene“. Generally, it’s because the player is doing a shooting a gun type of motion.

Ja’Marr Chase gets fined for perfectly normal TD celebration

This week, the NFL hit another wide receiver with a hefty fine for a celebration. Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase was the victim, but everyone is hard-pressed to find exactly what he did wrong.

This is not the first time Chase has been fined this season, either. Following a heated discussion with an official during the Bengals’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Chase was handed a $31,599 bill for “abusive language” toward the referee.

That fine was met with criticism at the time, but this one has truly baffled and even upset fans. After scoring the touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens, Chase hits the famous Griddy dance and then does a celebration with fellow wideout Tee Higgins. But no one understands why it’s being considered “unsportsmanlike” or “violent”.

Most believe the NFL is just trying to line its pockets in as many ways as possible.