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Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell blasted the hypocrisy of the National Football League this week. He subtly referenced promotional content used by the NFL this season which included a touchdown celebration from wideout Jameson Williams.
Williams was fined for his actions on the field. That didn’t stop the league from spamming the clip across its social media outlets to highlight the top moments from the week!
Williams scored a touchdown on a 64-yard reception in Week 11 against the Jaguars. Upon crossing the goal line, he imitated former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch’s signature move.
@nfl no stopping jamo #jamesonwilliams #nfl #detroitlions ♬ original sound – NFL
The gesture landed the wide receiver a near $20,000 fine as it violated NFL policy. After punishing Jameson Williams for the celebration, though, the league then went on to use the image as a thumbnail for its online content.
Dan Campbell called them out on their hypocrisy in a recent press conference. He subtly shaded the “No Fun League” while addressing the media.
“It depends on what [celebration] that is and whether the league lets it happen or not… They’ll use whatever they need to for content.”
NFL uses Jameson Williams’ Marshawn Lynch touchdown celebration as the thumbnail for their Jags/Lions highlights video
NFL then fines Jameson Williams $19,697 for the gesture
Today, #Lions HC Dan Campbell called the league out for their hypocrisy https://t.co/nWYVVvIWIc pic.twitter.com/j4LN9XxOeM
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) November 26, 2024
It’s not the first time we’ve seen this from the NFL. Earlier this year, Derek Carr was slapped with a $14,000 fine after mimicking Michael Jackson in the endzone following a touchdown run. Again, the league later promoted the punishable act on its social media pages!
It seems the NFL only wants players to have fun when it benefits their brand. They’re double dipping by marketing player celebrations while also hitting those stars where it hurts – their wallets! Dan Campbell wasn’t happy about the hypocritical trend, and he made sure to voice that opinion on the highest stage.