After running back a pick six off of Tom Brady, Chiefs DB Housain Abdullah, a devout Muslim went down to his knees in a show of prayer. Soon after the celebration he was penalized for “unsportsmanlike conduct, going to the ground” by referees. According to the rulebook, as part of the taunting rule, “players are prohibited from engaging in any celebrations while on the ground.” But there are exceptions for giving praise as Mike Periera pointed out last year. NFL referees have to use common sense in these situations and the referee who penalized Abdullah was clearly in the wrong.
you're not penalized for going to the ground to give praise after a TD
— Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) November 25, 2013