The Bengals left Week 2 with a 20-6 win over the Houston Texans, but the NFL’s weekly fine sheet told a much uglier story for Cincinnati’s top pass catchers.
Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were both hit multiple times when the league released its fines on Saturday, and Higgins ended up tied with Detroit Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown for the most fines in Week 2 with four. Chase also took a major hit, with two fines on the list.
Here’s how the Bengals’ penalties broke down:
Ja'Marr Chase , $14,926: unsportsmanlike conduct (obscene gesture)
Ja'Marr Chase , $14,926: unsportsmanlike conduct (obscene gesture)
Tee Higgins, $14,926: unsportsmanlike conduct (obscene gesture)
Tee Higgins, $14,926: unsportsmanlike conduct (obscene gesture)
Tee Higgins, $14,926: unsportsmanlike conduct (obscene gesture)
Tee Higgins, $14,926: unsportsmanlike conduct (illegal celebrations and vulgar acts)
D.J. Turner, $11,941: unnecessary roughness (facemask)
Those totals add up fast. Chase was fined $29,852, while Higgins was docked $59,704.
The backlash around the league was loud, too. The NFL handed out 13 fines worth $182,135 for controversial celebrations in Week 2, drawing criticism from analysts and fans on social media over the number of “illegal celebrations and vulgar acts” penalties.
Cincinnati wasn’t the only team caught up in the celebration crackdown. Along with St. Brown, the league also fined Lions receiver Jameson Williams, Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell, Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson, and 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
Ferguson has already said he’s appealing his fine, and many expect Juszczyk to do the same after the NFL said he was mimicking chugging a beer. Juszczyk said he was drinking juice, which is where his nickname comes from.
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