REPORT: NFL Hands Out A Hefty Punishment To Patrick Mahomes For “Violent Gesture” vs. Bills

On Sunday, the Kansas City Chefs and Patrick Mahomes suffered their first loss of the season, losing 21-30 at the hands of the Buffalo Bills.Unfortunately for Mahomes, the NFL rubbed salt in the wound by handing out a $14,069 fine for a “violent gesture” while celebrating a touchdown. 

This gesture was Mahomes making his hands look like guns, which gun-themed celebrations are something the league has been cracking down on.

“It’s a long-standing policy and we are going to enforce that,” said Commissioner Roger Goodell in October. “Troy had a direct conversation with the union I think just last week about it.

We’re going to continue on that focus. We don’t think it’s appropriate in those circumstances and sends the wrong messages. So, we’ll continue to do that.”

It shows that the NFL is at least staying consistent with their punishments, even if it means finning Mahomes, who’s viewed as the face of the league.

The Fine Likely Won’t Hurt Patrick Mahomes Too Much

$14,000 is a lot, but Mahome’s net worth won’t take too much of a hit.

The two-time MVP is under a 10-year $450 million contract with the Chiefs, making the fine look like just a small chunk of change.

This doesn’t even include the massive amounts he makes from sponsorships.

NFL Fines Patrick Mahomes $14,069 for “Violent Gesture” During Bills Game

Patrick Mahomes, the superstar quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, has been fined $14,069 by the NFL for a gesture deemed inappropriate during his team’s Week 11 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The fine adds controversy to a game that already saw the Chiefs suffer their first loss of the season, falling 30-21 to their AFC rival.

The Gesture That Sparked Controversy

The gesture in question involved Mahomes mimicking guns with his hands while celebrating a touchdown. While such actions may appear harmless to some, the NFL has adopted a strict stance against gun-related gestures as part of its broader initiative to discourage inappropriate celebrations.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reaffirmed the league’s commitment to this policy in October, stating, “It’s a long-standing policy, and we are going to enforce that. We don’t think it’s appropriate in those circumstances and sends the wrong messages.” The league has maintained that these actions, even from high-profile players, contradict the NFL’s efforts to promote a more positive image.

A Consistent Policy Enforcement

The NFL’s decision to fine Mahomes demonstrates a commitment to consistency, applying its policies equally across the board—even to one of its most celebrated athletes. Mahomes, a two-time MVP and widely regarded as the face of the league, has an immense influence on fans and players alike. By enforcing this fine, the league underscores its zero-tolerance approach, regardless of the player’s stature.

Impact of the Fine on Mahomes

While $14,069 is a hefty amount for most, it is unlikely to significantly impact Mahomes, who is currently playing under a record-setting 10-year, $450 million contract with the Chiefs. Additionally, Mahomes boasts substantial earnings from endorsements, making the fine a minor financial setback in the grand scheme of his wealth.

Fan and Media Reaction

The fine has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Supporters of the NFL’s decision argue that professional athletes bear a responsibility to set positive examples, especially in today’s climate of heightened sensitivity around gun violence. However, critics have labeled the penalty as excessive, suggesting that the league’s crackdown on celebrations may stifle players’ ability to express themselves.

Social media has seen a flood of opinions, with some fans voicing their frustration over the NFL’s focus on penalizing gestures instead of other pressing issues. Others have applauded the league for upholding its rules and staying consistent in its application of penalties.

Mahomes’ Legacy and NFL Policies

Despite this minor setback, Patrick Mahomes’ legacy as one of the NFL’s greatest players remains intact. However, incidents like this highlight the ongoing tension between individual expression and the league’s desire to maintain a polished, family-friendly image. As the NFL continues to navigate this balance, cases like Mahomes’ serve as reminders of the challenges in regulating player behavior on the field.

For now, Mahomes will move forward with his season, focusing on maintaining the Chiefs’ strong position in the AFC playoff race while leaving the controversy—and the fine—behind.