Browns Deshaun Watson and David Njoku hit with fines totaling over $49,000 for ‘violent gesture’ of gun-themed TD celebration against Steelers

Another feather added to the Browns recent string of unfortunate events.

Browns Deshaun Watson and David Njoku hit with fines totaling over $49,000 for ‘violent gesture’ of gun-themed TD celebration against Steelers

NFL fines Deshaun Watson for unwarranted celebration (Image via IMAGO)

Deshaun Watson might have gotten away with his alleged rough behavior with the officials during the Pittsburgh Steelers game, but the league had other ideas. They found several other infringements that forced their hands to punish the Cleveland Browns quarterback.

Not one, not two, but three fines were issued against Watson. One of which was a celebration by the 28-year-old. In the third quarter, Watson and tight end David Njoku were filmed enacting a gun-themed gesture after scoring a touchdown that gave the Browns a 22-19 lead. After careful consideration and almost six days of discussion, the league decided to impose a $13,659 fine on both of them. The QB has been fined $35,513 in total, including two fines for unnecessary roughness.

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They also issued a statement regarding Deshaun Watson’s shove at a referee in the third quarter. “Officials are called upon to maintain order on the field,” the NFL committee said. “[Sometimes] there is inadvertent contact between players and officials. [In their judgment], the contact did not rise to the level of a foul.”

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Deshaun Watson penalized for aggression against the Steelers players

In the game of football, there’s bound to be a scuffle between the players. They may be friends off the pitch, but there’s only one thing on their minds: how to win the game. When the adrenaline kicks in, it’s hard to contain the urge to play without full throttle. And as a result, sometimes things can get heated.

Browns Deshaun Watson and David Njoku hit with fines totaling over $49,000 for ‘violent gesture’ of gun-themed TD celebration against Steelers
Watson played for the Houston Texans prior to joining the Cleveland Browns (Image via IMAGO)

While Deshaun Watson may come off as a calm and cool customer, he too is a football player who earns more than $40 million a year. With such a massive number over his head, there’s always pressure to perform in every game. But when the going gets tough, even the most chilled personnel can get riled up. Hence the unwarranted behavior toward the match officials and the unnecessary grabbing of Steelers players’ facemasks. Watson answered both of those infractions after the loss.

“Both penalties were my fault,” he said. “But as far as the facemask and things like that, I’m stiff-arming just like everyone else.”

The three-time Pro Bowler claimed that once they get entangled, it’s hard to step away. “Once they grab my arm as I’m running, they keep pushing; the only way I can really let go is to swing across,” Watson described what happened. “And once they do that, my hand is stuck in their helmet or in their facemask.”

He did promise to improve upon the mistakes and watch the films to prepare for their next encounter. The Browns currently have a win and a loss. Next, they will face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

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