Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase learned the hard way that the NFL's celebration police are always watching. The league announced Thursday that Chase has been fined for unsportsmanlike conduct after he busted out The Rock's iconic "People's Elbow" during Week 2.
The celebration came after Chase hauled in a touchdown that gave the Bengals an early 7-0 lead. He finished the day with seven catches for 75 yards and two scores, putting together a vintage performance. But the post-touchdown theatrics — a direct homage to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's signature wrestling move — apparently crossed a line in the eyes of the league office.
The exact amount of the fine wasn't disclosed, but Chase made it clear he's not taking the punishment lying down. The All-Pro wideout vented to reporters about the state of player discipline, suggesting it's time for the NFL's biggest names to take a stand.
"This is where the superstars have to get in with NFLPA and fight for our money," Chase said. "I'm getting fined for an elbow and doing a first-down thing. We can't even tweet about it because we get fined for tweeting about it."
Chase's frustration is understandable. The league has become increasingly strict about on-field celebrations, and the fines have piled up for players across the league. It's a topic that has sparked plenty of debate among fans and players alike, especially as the NFL continues to rake in record revenue. For a player of Chase's caliber, the fine is a drop in the bucket financially, but the principle clearly stings.
He wasn't the only one hit in the wallet this week. San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk was fined $14,926 for his own Week 2 celebration, which involved pretending to chug a drink. The league cited Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1 — the same rule that covers unsportsmanlike conduct — in penalizing Juszczyk. The veteran fullback has already appealed the fine, telling ESPN's Adam Schefter that his celebration was simply a nod to his nickname, "Juice."
"I don't even drink beer," Juszczyk told Schefter, adding a layer of absurdity to the whole situation.
The double dose of fines has reignited conversations about whether the NFL should evaluate celebrations on a case-by-case basis rather than issuing blanket punishments. After all, celebrations are part of what makes the game entertaining. They give players personality, create viral moments, and connect fans to the stars they cheer for. Handing out fines for harmless fun feels like a buzzkill — and players are starting to say so out loud.
For Chase, the fine is just the latest chapter in a busy stretch. He's been in the news for plenty of reasons lately, from downplaying a knee scare at practice to dealing with the inevitable speculation that swirls around a star receiver in Cincinnati. There's also been chatter about Joe Burrow's long-term future with the Bengals, which only adds to the pressure on the franchise to maximize its championship window.
On the field, Chase remains one of the most electric playmakers in football. His combination of speed, route-running, and contested-catch ability makes him a nightmare for defenses. But if the NFL keeps fining him for celebrating, he might have to get creative — or just save the wrestling moves for the locker room.
For now, Chase and his fellow players will keep pushing for change through the union. Whether the league listens is another question entirely. One thing is certain: the next time Chase finds the end zone, everyone will be watching to see what he does — and whether the NFL reaches for its checkbook again.
