A few weeks ago, the Detroit Lions were hit with several fines by the NFL for celebrations. In their Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills, several Lions players imitated a smoke motion—resulting in the following fines:
On Tuesday, it was announced that Williams had appealed his two fines and won both appeals. According to Ian Rapoport, Williams argued that marijuana was legal in some states and therefore not an obscene act. As for the taunting punishment, the brief gesture he made, Williams said, was not offensive.
Appeals officer—and Hall of Fame linebacker—Derrick Brooks offered the following response to Williams’ appeal.
“Although I have withdrawn this fine, please make every effort to celebrate with your teammates in the best professional way possible.”
This offseason, the NFL has tried to reduce celebrations that refer to drugs or alcohol. The same week the Lions were hit, players like 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson were fined for their “chugging” celebrations. Since then, they have both withdrawn their fines.