As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for their Super Bowl matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, star tight end Travis Kelce has reportedly been fined for violating an NFL rule. During this week’s AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills, Kelce confronted Bills safety Damar Hamlin, which has now led to repercussions.
In the second quarter of the game, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambled and scored a touchdown, but upon crossing into the end zone, he was hit by Hamlin, prompting a swift reaction from Kelce. He quickly ran up to Hamlin, got in his face, and shook his head while grinning at the Bills defender. Although there was no penalty assessed at the time for taunting, the NFL later reviewed the incident and decided to fine him.
According to a report from Pro Football Talk, Kelce has been fined $11,255 for his taunting behavior. The NFL rulebook specifically prohibits “abusive, threatening, or insulting language or gestures to opponents” and “baiting or taunting acts or words that may engender ill will between teams,” indicating that the league believes Kelce violated these standards.
This decision from the NFL has stirred considerable reactions on social media, with fans voicing their opinions. One fan stated, “Too little, too late,” in the comments on NewsBreak. Others added commentary such as, “After the fact, it should have been a penalty,” and “He needs to put his ego in check.” Another user commented, “Serve him right,” while someone else questioned, “So he got a fine but no flag?”
One fan expressed frustration, saying, “I saw that when it happened and screamed unsportsmanlike conduct. Nothing. And now he gets fined? Kinda late NFL. I’m sure he’d rather get fined for what he spends on a night out than get flagged to give the Bills some advantage.” While the reason for the lack of a flag at the time remains unclear, the league has ensured that Kelce is now facing the consequences of his actions.
