DK Metcalf has found a way to finess the NFL after losing nearly $100,000 in fines for excessive celebrations

Metcalf has began to use American Sign Language to celebrate his TDs as a way of avoiding the NFL from imposing any fines on him.

DK Metcalf has found a way to finess the NFL after losing nearly $100,000 in fines for excessive celebrations

DK Metcalf (via Imago)

The NFL has been getting a bit too out of hand when it comes to penalizing players for celebrating touchdowns. In 2023 alone, the league has imposed 95 infractions on players for unsportsmanlike conduct and the total fine amount has added up to $1,112,438. While there is no definition for what construes unsportsmanlike conduct as per the NFL, it is frustrating for players who are not able to celebrate their hard-earned TDs.

DK Metcalf, the wideout for the Seattle Seahawks, has found a way to go around the system. He has been at the receiving end of the NFL’s hammer on numerous occasions.

Metcalf has been fined twice this year and has lost $38,245 for celebrating his touchdowns. This is just a fraction of what he has lost in his career as punishment for unsportsmanlike conduct. The wideout has lost an estimated $98,033 for TD celebrations.

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Metcalf is now tired of losing money for celebrating his hard work. He has now reverted to using ASL (American Sign Language) to convey his post-TD messages. On Thursday night, against the Cowboys, he had himself a night as he ended the game with 134 yards and 3 TDs. The first TD wherein he turned on the jets and went on a 73-yard run to the endzone was the highlight of the night.

DK Metcalf’s plan to use sign language has been succeeding

Metcalf celebrated the touchdown in an unconventional manner by making certain motions with his hands. He said “Standing on business” through ASL sign language. Good luck on fining that, NFL.

It is not the first time that Metcalf has used sign language to celebrate his TDs, in Week 11 after scoring on the Los Angeles Rams, his sign conveyed the message, “44, my son.”

DK Metcalf
DK Metcalf (via SI)

That was his way of taking shots at Ahkello Witherspoon, the cornerback on the Rams who was guarding him. The receiver has addressed his new method of celebrating his TDs previously on The Rich Eisen Show wherein he stated that he 

kept getting flagged for mouthing, so got to sign my sh*talking now.

The NFL’s crackdown on players for celebrating touchdowns, turnovers, and in-game achievements has never been as ridiculous as this season. It takes the fun out of the game when players can no longer talk smack to one another and have to watch their step around celebrating touchdowns.

The league has left it up to the discretion of the referees to determine what construes as unsportsmanlike conduct. This has been the biggest issue, as it leads to a lot of confusion around the whole procedure.

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