The NFL has backed down for the second time this month on celebration fines, and this time it's Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase who got his money back. Chase was hit with two fines totaling $14,926 after busting out the "People's Elbow" — the iconic WWE move made famous by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson — during a Week 2 win over the Houston Texans. But after weeks of back-and-forth, the league has decided to wipe the slate clean.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the appeals office sided with Chase after he argued that he never received any warning that the celebration was prohibited and that it was far from offensive. In the official letter, Chase's defense was laid out: "On appeal, Mr. Chase… further contended that even if he committed the violation, his fine should be reduced because he received no warning that this was not allowed. He added that this is a new celebration with his teammate and that it is not offensive. Mr. Chase finally stated that the NFL is assuming the worst of him and his teammate without discussing with the NFLPA."
The news sparked plenty of laughs across social media, with fans imagining the absurdity of an appeals hearing where someone had to describe the People's Elbow with a straight face. One fan tweeted, "I'd love to have heard that appeals hearing. Trying to explain the people's elbow with a straight face had to be entertaining." Another joked, "The appeals office finally smelled what Ja'Marr was cooking." A third fan didn't hold back: "The NFL fined Ja'Marr Chase 30 grand for a people's elbow and he beat it on appeal because nobody warned him it was illegal. Fining a guy for a move with no rule against it is a shakedown."
This isn't the first time the league has reversed course on celebration fines this month. Earlier, San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk also had a fine rescinded, signaling a possible shift in how the NFL handles player expression on the field. The trend raises questions about the league's consistency, especially when similar fines for other players have sparked debate.
For Chase and the Bengals, the season has been a rollercoaster. After dropping two straight, they bounced back with a win over the Miami Dolphins to improve to 3-2. But Chase's numbers have been uncharacteristically modest: 27 catches for 289 yards and four touchdowns through five games, with career-low averages in yards per game and yards per catch. Still, the season is young, and there's plenty of time for more highlight-reel moments — and perhaps more People's Elbows.
The appeal victory is a small but notable win for Chase, who has always played with a flair that resonates with fans. As the Bengals look to build momentum, having their star receiver off the hook financially might be just the boost they need. And for the NFL, it's a reminder that sometimes, the best move is to just let the players have their fun.
