13 Steelers players fined for machine gun-like catch celebration

James Pierre’s first-quarter interception fueled the Pittsburgh Steelers’ victory over the Indianapolis Colts last Monday night.

It also prompted a celebration that cost some Steelers running backs a collective $132,484.

Thirteen defensive players were fined between $4,715 and $13,261 for their actions after Pierre’s tackle on Matt Ryan 5 minutes, 44 seconds into the game. 24-17 win in Indianapolis.

As has been the tradition of the defense during practices that bled the game, the turnover prompted many of the 11 players on the field (and, apparently, others off the bench) to sprint toward the end zone, kick the football. the air is as if it were a clay pigeon shot and it imitates the repeated firing of a machine gun.

Although it has been done several times in the past, this time the cameras and microphones seemed to be closer to the action. In celebration there was a splash of what sounded like a gunshot. The league did not respond to a request to explain why the fines were imposed, but the NFL has fined players in the past for using weapon-like moves in celebration or impersonating other weapons.

Among those fined $13,261 were linebackers TJ Watt, Myles Jack and Marcus Allen and defensive backs Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cameron Sutton, Levi Wallace and Terrell Edmunds.

Tre Norwood ($4,715), James Pierre ($4,989), Damontae Kazee ($6,597) and Arthur Maulet ($8,528) and running backs Alex Highsmith ($6,495) and Malik Reed ($8,333) were also fined.

Related:

• Steelers 4 Downs: Kenny Pickett’s solid work under pressure makes QB vets better too
• Steelers enjoying Alex Highsmith’s rise as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers
• Growing up in life, football forces the otherwise pleasant Steelers DB Arthur Maulet to act “angry.”
• Steelers activate DL DeMarvin Leal from IR, place Ahkello Witherspoon on IR

The $13,261 figure represents a penalty for a first offense of unsportsmanlike conduct, and was rated the highest paid among disciplined players. Players fined less than that were fined a percentage of their earnings, as mandated by the NFL/NFLPA collective bargaining agreement.

The NFL has relaxed its rules against excessive celebrations in recent years. But some actions are still prohibited.

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