Hopping up in the air to mercilessly tease an opponent isn’t as nearly as bad as using your helmet to hit an opponent in his helmet and potentially cause a brain injury.
It’s only half as bad.
According to Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review, Panthers guard Trai Turner was fined $9,115 for unsportsmanlike conduct, for his celebration in the area of a Broncos player in the opener.
While that may seem out of whack, considering Broncos safety Darian Stewart was fined $18,231 for ear-holing Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, you should really stop and think. Someone’s feelings could have been seriously hurt by such an intimidating act.
Turner’s little dance was also the first incident of a penalty which could have resulted in an ejection if it was repeated, per the league’s new rule designed to promote sportsmanship. Perhaps someday they’ll take concussions as seriously.