NFL fines Saints’ Carr for celebrating Michael Jackson TD dance

In a recent development, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr has been fined for his exuberant touchdown celebration during Week 2 of the NFL season. This celebration, which drew inspiration from the iconic Michael Jackson, caught the attention of league officials.

During a decisive match against the Dallas Cowboys, Carr scored a touchdown by sneaking the ball in from the 1-yard line in the third quarter. Following his successful play, he performed a dance move famously associated with Jackson, capturing the playful spirit of the moment by mimicking the pop star’s signature gesture.

The NFL has relaxed its rules regarding touchdown celebrations since 2017, allowing players to express themselves more freely on the field. However, the league still maintains specific guidelines. According to the rulebook, players can be penalized for acts deemed “sexually suggestive or offensive,” which leaves room for interpretation in cases like Carr’s celebration.

While the details of the fines from Week 2 have not been fully disclosed, it has been reported that a first-time penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct typically carries a fine of $14,069. Notably, Carr did not receive a penalty during the game for his celebration, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about player conduct and personal expression in the NFL.

After the game, Carr shared insights into his choice of celebration, revealing that he had promised his family he would honor the legendary entertainer with a dance if he scored a touchdown. “People don’t know a lot of stuff about me. … Weddings or birthdays, I’m always dancing,” he explained. Carr further mentioned a memorable occasion when he performed the Michael Jackson move, which prompted his brothers to encourage him to replicate it on the field following a touchdown.

This celebration has sparked conversations among fans and analysts about the boundaries of self-expression in professional sports. While Carr’s adaptation of a beloved pop culture reference was lighthearted and aimed at sharing a personal moment with his family, it also caught the scrutiny of the league, which remains vigilant about maintaining certain standards of conduct within the game.

The fine serves as a reminder that even in a league that has taken steps toward allowing more expressive celebrations, players still navigate a complex landscape of rules and regulations. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the NFL continues to respond to player expressions of joy and individuality following touchdowns.

Pro Football Talk was the first to report on Carr’s fine, further fueling the discussion surrounding the celebration itself and how it reflects broader themes of sportsmanship, community, and personal expression in the NFL.