Jameson Williams won his appeal Tuesday in Detroit against league penalties for celebrations. The decision rescinds thousands of dollars in penalties. The rulings wiped out financial penalties from a Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The NFL rescinded penalties of $14,926 and $11,941, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network and ESPN. Williams had received both penalties earlier this season.
On one fine, Williams denied his “brief gesture” was offensive, Rapoport reported. Williams argued “that marijuana is legal in some states if that was the gesture he was making.”
The other fine was for a separate “vulgar” act, Rapoport reported.
NFL appeals officer Derrick Brooks rescinded the first penalty. Rapoport said Brooks wrote Williams a message about the choice.
“Although I rescinded this fine, please make every effort to celebrate with your teammates in the best professional manner possible.”
Williams is the latest player in Detroit to see celebration penalties dropped. Other players across the league also recently won appeals over similar penalties.
The San Francisco 49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk was disciplined for allegedly celebrating by simulating drinking beer. His appeal was successful, ESPN reported. Juszczyk argued he was simulating drinking a juicebox because his nickname is “Juice.”
Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals also won appeals this week, Rapoport reported. Chase had received fines for a “people’s elbow” celebration.
NFL players can appeal financial discipline to neutral officers appointed by the league and the players union. These officers review game film and player statements before making a final ruling on financial disputes.
Williams plays wide receiver for the Detroit Lions.
