In a surprising twist for New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr, his exuberant touchdown celebration during Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys has cost him $14,000.
After executing a quarterback sneak to perfection, Carr decided to channel his inner Michael Jackson, much to the NFL’s dismay.
The Dance That Did Him In
After scoring, Carr couldn’t resist showcasing one of the King of Pop’s signature moves—a leg kick followed by a crotch grab.
While many fans appreciated the throwback to Jackson’s iconic style, the NFL deemed the latter gesture inappropriate.
Interestingly, Carr didn’t face any penalties during the game, but the league later reviewed the footage and issued a fine.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Carr isn’t the first athlete to draw inspiration from Michael Jackson’s dance repertoire; countless players have incorporated his moves into their celebrations.
Given the late pop icon’s enduring influence, it’s clear that these dance moves have left a lasting mark on sports culture.
No Sweat for Carr
Having signed a lucrative four-year, $150 million contract with the Saints in 2023, Carr can likely brush off the fine without breaking a sweat, even if he disagrees with the league’s stance.
Fans are hopeful that he’ll have more opportunities to bust out some classic moves in future games, as Jackson’s catalog offers plenty of celebratory options that should stay off the NFL’s radar.
Past Incidents and Public Reaction
This isn’t the first time a player has faced scrutiny for similar antics.
Back in 2017, Baker Mayfield, then the quarterback at Oklahoma, found himself in hot water for a similar gesture that didn’t result in any punishment as he was en route to winning the Heisman Trophy.
However, Carr’s move wasn’t aimed at taunting the Cowboys players, adding another layer to the discussion.
A No Fun League?
The NFL’s decision to fine Carr has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many fans labeling the league as the “No Fun League” yet again.
As Carr looks ahead to his next game, where the Saints will host the Eagles, fans are eager to see if he’ll break out more of Jackson’s iconic moves—hopefully, without the hefty fine!