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NFL rescinds celebration fines for Williams and Ja’Marr Chase

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 11:53 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Brooks rescinds fines

Appeals officer Derrick Brooks rescinded fines for Detroit Lions' Jameson Williams and Bengals' Ja’Marr Chase.
Williams' $26,867 and Chase's $29,852 fines were erased.
Fines stemmed from Week 2 celebrations that simulated smoking and a “People’s Elbow” tribute.
NFLPA director JC Tretter urged a review of celebration penalties.
The league will issue guidance on gray-area celebrations.

Summary

Williams scores two

Jameson Williams caught two touchdown passes in Detroit’s 45-21 Week 5 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Detroit’s defense recorded five sacks, one interception and forced five punts in that win.
In Week 4, Williams posted his first 100-yard game with six catches for 102 yards against the Carolina Panthers.
Williams, a 2023 first-round pick, has 18 receptions for 276 yards and two touchdowns this season.

History

Historical Context

In 2000, the NFL, led by Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, adopted a rule banning excessive celebrations, authorizing $10,000 fines per infraction. That regulation generated 45 penalties in the 2001 season, costing teams a combined $450,000 in disciplinary fees. Now appeals officer Derrick Brooks erased $26,867 for Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams and $29,852 for Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase, reviving the celebration-fine controversy. NFLPA director JC Tretter’s call for clearer guidance could reshape enforcement, echoing the league’s earlier attempts to balance player expression with uniform standards.

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Brooks rescinds fines

Appeals officer Derrick Brooks rescinded fines for Detroit Lions' Jameson Williams and Bengals' Ja’Marr Chase.
Williams' $26,867 and Chase's $29,852 fines were erased.
Fines stemmed from Week 2 celebrations that simulated smoking and a “People’s Elbow” tribute.
NFLPA director JC Tretter urged a review of celebration penalties.
The league will issue guidance on gray-area celebrations.

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