Chase and Higgins were fined for their impersonation of The Rock

Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were penalized by the NFL following a celebration during last Sunday's game against the Houston Texans.

After a successful offensive play, the two players performed a gesture they describe as a new version of the “People's Elbow,” the famous move popularized by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson during his WWE career. The gesture involves grabbing one's elbow with the other hand before thrusting the forearm forward.

The celebration quickly sparked reactions on social media, with some users attributing a different meaning to it than the one suggested by the players. Chase, however, explained that he and Higgins had simply wanted to create a new way to celebrate a first-down play.

The NFL nevertheless decided to fine the two wide receivers. According to amounts reported by the Associated Press, a first offense for unsportsmanlike conduct carries a fine of $14,926, while a penalty for taunting is set at $11,941. The exact amount imposed on Chase and Higgins, however, was not publicly confirmed in the report.

Chase Wants to Challenge the Decision

Ja'Marr Chase has indicated that he would like to appeal the decision. The wide receiver believes the gesture can be interpreted in different ways and considers it to have been simply a creative celebration.

Chase also used the opportunity to call for greater involvement from the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), particularly regarding fines imposed on players.
This is yet another penalty for Chase, who has already been fined several times throughout his career. His six previous fines totaled $613,162, according to the Associated Press. Last season, he was also suspended for one game after spitting in the direction of cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

The controversy comes as the NFL appears to be cracking down on celebrations this season. San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Kyle Juszczyk was also fined this week for a gesture the league interpreted as mimicking someone drinking beer. Juszczyk maintains, however, that it is his usual celebration tied to his nickname, “Juice.” (Sportsnet.
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For Chase and Higgins, what happens next will depend on whether they file an appeal. Chase has not confirmed whether they will continue to use this celebration.

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