NFL ruins Rams TE Tyler Higbee’s bye week by disciplining him for incident during Week 7 matchup against Jaguars
The NFL has hit Tyler Higbee with a fine.
The Los Angeles Rams entered their bye week with some momentum after winning back-to-back games, including a huge 35-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
Unfortunately for tight end Tyler Higbee, he got hit with news he didn’t want to hear on Saturday. During the first quarter of Los Angeles’ game against the Jaguars, Higbee caught a nine-yard pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford for a first down. Following the catch, Higbee did the “nose-wipe” celebration, which the NFL has deemed as a violent gesture.
NFL has cracked down in recent years on violent gestures
Higbee’s fine will cost him $14,491, falling under the category of unsportsmanlike conduct. The “nose-wipe” specifically was just added to the list of banned celebrations this past offseason, as it is believed to reference a gang sign. Similar gestures that are banned include the throat slash and a simulated gun act.
Higbee was not penalized for the celebration. He finished the game with three catches for 19 yards. On the season as a whole Higbee has recorded 13 receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown. His yardage and catch totals lead all Rams tight ends, but Davis Allen leads in touchdowns with two.
It’s probably safe to say that Higbee didn’t mean anything negative by making the gesture, and he will learn from it and not let it happen again. He and the Rams will put the incident behind them as they begin preparations for the New Orleans Saints in just over one week.
Los Angeles is in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC West with the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. The Rams will face both of those teams following their matchup against New Orleans. Their matchup against the 49ers will be particularly important, as they have already lost to them back in Week 5.
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