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NFL rescinds fines of Ja'Marr Chase for 'people's elbow' celebration after WR argued the league assumed 'the worst of him'

The NFL has reversed its decision to penalize Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase for his signature touchdown celebration, known as the 'people’s elbow,' after he contested the fines in an appeal. Chase was initially hit with two separate $14,926 penalties for performing the move twice during Week 2 against the Houston Texans, a celebration he described as a wrestling-inspired gesture.

In his appeal, Chase argued that the league had unfairly assumed the worst about the move without consulting the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), and that he had received no prior warning it was prohibited. The celebration involves extending an arm downward in a specific angle, which Chase and teammate Tee Higgins had adopted as part of their post-touchdown routine.

Higgins, also fined for the same move, clarified in a separate interview that the gesture was inspired by Dwayne Johnson’s WWE wrestling finish. The NFL’s reversal comes after Chase’s appeal highlighted concerns over the league’s enforcement of player celebrations without clear communication or prior notice to athletes.

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