The NFL fined Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison $6,503 for his touchdown celebration Sunday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.
Mattison, 24, went viral online after he broke free on a 14-yard touchdown run. He celebrated his score by pretending to pull his hamstring, falling to the ground and then either twerking or humping on all fours.
The NFL fined #Vikings RB Alexander Mattison $6,503 for this viral celebration last week, per source.
That’s $2,167 per twerk. pic.twitter.com/LwNK0PjCWc
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 9, 2022
After receiving the fine, Mattison took to Twitter to express his seeming displeasure over the incident.
“They share it like crazy..then fine you like crazy smh,” Mattison wrote with laughing emojis.
They share it like crazy.. then fine you like crazy 😂😂 smh
— Alexander Mattison (@AlexMattison22) December 9, 2022
Shortly thereafter, Mattison tweeted again about how the NFL social media engagement apparently skyrocketed because of his hilarious celebration, while his pockets took a nosedive.
NFL Social media engagement from sharing my celebration📈.. My pockets 📉 .. 🤨 https://t.co/0ZeE0EfpSW
— Alexander Mattison (@AlexMattison22) December 9, 2022
For the NFL to fine Mattison like this is weak to me. I don’t believe there should be any boundaries while celebrating a touchdown.
Scoring a touchdown is the perfect opportunity for players to do something funny and to catch the world’s attention. For the league to discipline their players like this and to crack down on their celebrations is no fun at all. (RELATED: Baker Mayfield Leads Los Angeles Rams To Victory In Incredible Comeback After Joining Team Only Two Days Before)
Maybe the NFL should consider changing its name from the “National Football League” to the “No Fun League.”