Things get exciting in the NFL, and sometimes, players celebrate a bit too much on the field. That’s what happened during the Dallas Cowboys‘ 33-16 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, November 17, on the road. Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens copied a move that was made by Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams the day prior, and as with Williams, he got hit with a penalty.
During the first half of the game, Pickens scored a touchdown, and to celebrate, he jumped up and hugged the base of the goalposts. That move, by the NFL rules, gets a player an unsportsmanlike penalty, which is what Pickens got. Pickens finished the showdown with nine receptions, 144 yards and one touchdown, so it was a solid showing for the wide receiver.
But, it may not end there. The NFL hands down punishments to players every Saturday for actions taken during the previous week’s games. According to the league, that these actions are “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity.” Also, the NFL and NFL Players Association agree on the set of game-related rules violations that may result in accountability measures.
George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys Coming Up on Punishment Decision
So, Pickens may be in for a fine this weekend. The NFL sends out fines and punishments for actions that are deemed unsportsmanlike conduct, such as what Pickens did, and for what it’s worth, Williams may be in for a punishment, too.
According the NFL operations’ official rules, the fine set for an initial unsportsmanlike penalty is roughly $14,491. But, at least Pickens wouldn’t be suspended for a game for anything like that goalpost hug. When that happens, players can lose more than $1 million, depending on what they made per NFL game.
So, on Saturday, November 22, Pickens will learn his fate on whether he’ll be fined. If he is, according to the official statement from the NFL, the funds raised from his fine will go to the Professional Athletes Foundation to “support legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.” So, it’s for a noble cause.
Dallas Cowboys Are Moving Up
The Dallas Cowboys have moved up in the NFL’s power rankings for Week 12. In the feature, published by Eric Edholm of the NFL’s website on Tuesday, November 18, the Cowboys are up three spots to No. 20.
“The Cowboys needed Monday’s convincing win over the Raiders after two straight losses, but it naturally came with drama, in the form of first-series benchings of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens,” Edholm notes in the piece. He adds that quarterback Dak Prescott threw for four touchdowns. “The meat of Dallas’ schedule lies ahead, with several rough games coming up, but the ‘Boys turned in a good overall effort Monday after a slow start,” he adds. “That’s something.”
So, at No. 20, the Cowboys aren’t where they want to be at this point in the season. But, they’re trending up just at the right time.
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