NFL breakout star slapped with fine after taking | Sports News

Jaxon Smith-Njigba borrowed a transfer from Travis Kelce‘s playbook whereas celebrating a landing during the Seattle Seahawks’ 27-19 victory over the Houston Texans — however the ‘Monday Night Football’ gesture got here with a hefty price tag.

With beneath 5 seconds left within the opening quarter, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold threaded an 11-yard landing move between two Texans defenders straight into Smith-Njigba’s palms. After hauling within the disputed catch, the standout extensive receiver jumped up and slammed the ball over the sphere aim crossbar.

The transfer instantly triggered a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that was utilized on the next additional level attempt. He has now discovered of further penalties. On Saturday, the NFL issued additional self-discipline towards Smith-Njigba, slapping him with a $14,491 fine for “unsportsmanlike conduct (use of prop).”

Speaking to the media during a postgame information convention, he disclosed that the costly celebration was an impulsive selection quite than premeditated. “That was very spontaneous,” Smith-Njigba mentioned. “Definitely saw a lot of my favorites do it [growing up], but that was really on the spot right there.”

Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez was one of the gamers who popularized the dunk over the goalposts celebration.

During the Kansas City Chiefs’ 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17 of final season, Kelce replicated the legendary transfer after hauling in a record-breaking landing move. After eclipsing Gonzalez for many receiving touchdowns in Kansas City Chiefs franchise historical past (77), Kelce hammered the ball via earlier than rejoicing with his teammates.

Ironically, Smith-Njigba turned the point of interest of one other incident on Monday that resulted in a substantial fine from the NFL. Midway via the fourth quarter, Darnold was picked off by Texans’ Derek Stingley, who returned it the alternative direction for 17 yards. As Smith-Njigba tried to deal with him, the cornerback grabbed onto his facemask whereas transferring towards the sideline.

A minor altercation broke out on the sideline as Smith-Njigba turned utterly encircled by Texans gamers. Official Nate Jones shortly intervened to safeguard the 23-year-old and separate him from the opposing group.

The unlawful facemask penalty resulted in Stingley being fined $11,593. Smith-Njigba, to his credit, maintained that he wasn’t apprehensive during the on-field confrontation regardless of being with out his helmet.

“Nah. I told ’em I felt comfortable over there,” he mentioned after the sport. “It’s Monday night, I’m not really worried about anything when it comes to my face and all that.”

Speaking about Jones’ commendable actions, Smith-Njigba mentioned: “We had a nice little conversation. I took a deep breath, tried to enjoy the moment as much as I could, then run back to my sideline.”

Despite his wallet taking a hit, Smith-Njigba, an Ohio State product, has lots to be pleased about as he is within the center of his best season but. He leads the league in receiving yards (819) and yards per sport (117.0), and is tied for third in targets (70) after seven video games.

“A pretty good start,” Smith-Njigba commented. “Like I said, my motive has always been to win games, get into the playoffs, get a ring, helping this team win. Anything that I can do I’m going to do.”