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Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers had the best game of his rookie campaign on Sunday though the Raiders fell to the Dolphins, 34-19. The pass catcher logged career-highs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards as he carried the offense.
He also found the endzone in the third quarter of play. That 23-yard scoring play get the Raiders within five points as they got set to enter the final 15 minutes of action.
He promptly celebrated with a trendy dance alongside teammates. Bowers was seen doing the “Trump Dance,” a celebration that’s now been used by Nick Bosa, Calvin Ridley, and UFC fighter Jon Jones in recent weeks.
🕺 #LVvsMIA pic.twitter.com/VYJFcO8DAj
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) November 17, 2024
Despite advertising the celly on their social media outlets, the Raiders were hesitant to let Bowers speak on the moment after the game. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk said that the team ended the tight end’s media availability after he fielded a question about his dance in a postgame press conference.
“I’ve seen everyone do it,” Bowers responded. “I watched the UFC fight last night and Jon Jones did it. I like watching UFC, so I saw it, and thought it was cool.” It would be the only comment the pass catcher was allowed to make.
It’s a fair answer to a fair question. But here’s what’s weird. The Raiders ended Bowers’ media availability after the answer about the Trump dance.
And there’s no sign of the video. It’s not on the Raiders’ website. It’s not on their YouTube page. The Bowers transcript sent by the Dolphins doesn’t include the question and answer.
-Mike Florio
Why they stopped the interview is not known. Were they worried about the rookie potentially voicing his support of Donald Trump? The reaction was confusing, to say the least, but it wasn’t the only one!
CBS is being accused of editing Brock Bowers’ celebration out of its broadcast.
Bowers was clearly seen doing the “Trump Dance” after snagging that touchdown pass. The Raiders marketed the moment on X. CBS chose not to do so.
Instead of staying with the tight end after the score, the cameras quickly panned to owner Mark Davis celebrating in his suite. Was it on purpose, or just coincidence? People are asking!
Brockin’ and Rollin!#LVvsMIA | 📺 @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/tUq5NzKADV
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) November 17, 2024
We likely won’t get clarity on either CBS or the Raiders’ reactions to the Brock Bowers situation. It did seem a bit odd! Bowers wasn’t overly concerned in his brief postgame response. We’ll see if he tables the celebration the next time he finds the endzone.