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Nine players have been fined during the 2024 NFL season for similar actions.
Beyoncé stirred up controversy with her halftime show performance at an NFL game, leaving fans and critics debating her actions.
The iconic singer took center stage on Christmas Day (December 25) at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, during the halftime break of the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans.
The Ravens went on to dominate the match, winning 31-2, while elsewhere, the Kansas City Chiefs secured a 29-10 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This win added to their stellar year after clinching the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers.
But while the games themselves delivered plenty of excitement, it was Houston native Beyoncé’s halftime show that had everyone talking.
Beyoncé’s Performance
Beyoncé, known for her electrifying performances, showcased songs from her latest album, Cowboy Carter. The show also featured surprise appearances from Post Malone and Shaboozey, much to the delight of the crowd.
However, her performance drew criticism after she made a gesture that caused quite a stir.
The Gesture That Sparked Controversy
During her performance, Beyoncé used a gun gesture with her fingers, which quickly ignited debates online.
Fans and critics alike expressed their disapproval on social media.
One person tweeted, “Queen Bey’s tone-deaf finger gun display at Netflix’s Christmas game highlights celebrity privilege.”
Another added, “One set of rules for celebrities and another for everyone. NFL players get fined for this all the time.”
Why Is the Gesture Banned in the NFL?
The NFL has long prohibited “violent gestures,” including gun fingers, as part of its unsportsmanlike conduct rules. The league views such actions as contrary to the principles of sportsmanship and has enforced strict fines for players who violate these guidelines.
The issue has been a hot topic recently, particularly after fines like the one issued to New York Jets receiver Allen Lazard.
When asked about Lazard’s fine, a league spokesperson explained to NBC Sports, “That’s been a longstanding rule as part of the reference to any violent gesture. It’s also part of the players’ manual.”
What Does the NFL Rulebook Say?
The NFL’s manual explicitly prohibits actions deemed unsportsmanlike, including violent or offensive gestures. As per the New York Times, the rulebook states:
“There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct. This applies to any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”
It further clarifies that the following are prohibited:
- Throwing punches, forearms, or kicks, even if no contact is made.
- Using abusive, threatening, or insulting language or gesturestoward others.
- Engaging in baiting or taunting actsthat may provoke hostility.
- Making violent gesturesor acts deemed sexually suggestive or offensive.
How Much Are Players Fined?
The fines for violating these rules are hefty, often amounting to thousands of dollars.
For example:
- Allen Lazardwas fined $14,069 in October for a gun-themed gesture.
- Last year, Cleveland Browns players Deshaun Watsonand David Njoku were fined $13,569 each for a similar celebration.
So far in the 2024 season, NBC Sports has reported that nine fines have been issued for violent gestures.
Celebrity Privilege vs. NFL Rules
The incident with Beyoncé has reignited discussions about double standards, with many fans questioning why the NFL’s strict rules don’t seem to apply to celebrities performing at their events.
While Beyoncé hasn’t commented on the backlash, her gesture has certainly added an unexpected layer of controversy to what was meant to be a highlight performance.
