Travis Kelce has been penalized with a significant fine due to an ‘obscene gesture’ he made during a football game.
In football, players are expected to maintain a PG13 demeanor on the field. However, their emotions can sometimes get the best of them.
Take, for instance, New York Jets receiver Allen Lazard, who received a $14,069 fine for using a gun finger gesture as part of a celebration.
This gesture falls under the ‘violent gestures’ category as outlined in the NFL’s manual on unsportsmanlike behavior.
In 2024, it was reported that nine players were fined for making what were deemed violent gestures.
But it isn’t only violent gestures that can cause problems; inappropriate ones can as well.
On September 14, during the Kansas City Chiefs’ match against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce celebrated a 23-yard gain with what appeared to be an unusual gesture directed at his crotch.
This action did not go unnoticed, and Kelce was subsequently fined $14,491, according to NBC Sports.
His gesture, labeled ‘obscene’, might have been classified under the ‘taunting’ section of the NFL’s rules on unsportsmanlike behavior, as well as being considered ‘sexually suggestive or offensive’.
The NFL manual, as reported by the New York Times, states: “There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct. This applies to any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.
“Such acts specifically include, among others: (a) Throwing a punch, or a forearm, or kicking at an opponent, even though no contact is made. (b) Using abusive, threatening, or insulting language or gestures to opponents, teammates, officials, or representatives of the League. (c) Using baiting or taunting acts or words that may engender ill will between teams. (d) Any violent gesture, or an act that is sexually suggestive or offensive.”
The Chiefs have been contacted for a statement.
In the same game, Kelce was also seen expressing frustration by slamming his helmet and making an expletive remark to his teammates.
Footage captured the 35-year-old exclaiming, “I’m sick of this sh*t!” Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid later defended Kelce’s outburst.
“Listen, he was trying to get guys fired up and going,” Reid said to reporters, adding: “That’s him. He’s that way every week if you keep an eye on him. He’s all-in all the time. That’s the way he was today.”
Football enthusiasts were puzzled by Kelce’s actions, as his outburst occurred shortly after teammate Patrick Mahomes’ touchdown.
“Wtf is he sick of,” one person questioned on Reddit, while another speculated: “I think he means he’s sick of Mahomes having to do everything.”
Another viewer expressed confusion, saying: “I don’t get it why is he disappointed with a TD?”