Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, was fined over $14,000 for making what the NFL considered a “violent gesture” during a game against the Buffalo Bills last week.
Online videos and images seem to show the Super Bowl champion raising his hands in what appears to be a gun or rifle shooting motion during the game’s fourth quarter on November 17. The Bills prevailed 30–21.
Since the gesture was deemed “unsportsmanlike conduct,” the NFL penalized Mahomes $14,069 for it. The football league declined to provide any additional commentary on the ruling.
“To protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity, the NFL and NFL Players Association have agreed on a set of game-related rules violations that may result in accountability measures,” the NFL said on its website documenting fines against their athletes.
A request for comment was not immediately answered by a Mahomes spokesman.
Mahomes has previously received a punishment for acting unsportsmanlike during a game against the Buffalo Bills. He received a $50,000 punishment last December for shouting at and disparaging referees during a game.
According to ESPN, Mahomes acknowledged the repercussions of his behavior and promised to grow from the choice.
Following recent house invasions that targeted both Mahomes and star tight end Travis Kelce off the field, the NFL and NBA warned their respective players about the need of taking personal safety precautions.
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