Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams has won his appeals of two fines from the Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills, Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday. The fines were $14,926 and $11,941.
Both came from a touchdown celebration in the 41-31 loss at Buffalo on September 17. Williams pretended to take a puff of something and pass it to teammates, who were also fined for joining in. Bills-Lions recap.
The argument that worked
Williams denied that the gesture was offensive. Rapoport reported that he also argued “that marijuana is legal in some states if that was the gesture he was making.”
Appeals officer Derrick Brooks rescinded both fines but added a warning. “Although I rescinded this fine, please make every effort to celebrate with your teammates in the best professional manner possible,” Brooks wrote.
What is still not allowed
The ruling does not open the door to similar celebrations. In a joint statement, the NFL and the NFL Players Association said drinking-related celebrations are allowed, but celebrations that simulate smoking or drug use are still prohibited.
Williams’ appeal was decided around the same time as Ja’Marr Chase’s win over his “people’s elbow” fines. Chase story. Williams was also fined $23,417 for illegal use of the helmet in Week 3.
Detroit on the bye
The 3-2 Lions are off this week after a 45-21 win at the Arizona Cardinals. Week 5 recap. That win cost them linebacker Devin White, who broke his forearm, and return man Tom Kennedy, who needs season-ending knee surgery. Kennedy story. As of Wednesday, the club’s transaction log showed no injured reserve move for either player.
Dan Campbell first discussed the White and Kennedy injuries in his postgame news conference in Glendale:
Detroit returns to play the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on Sunday, October 25, at 4:25 p.m. EDT.
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