James Pierre’s first-quarter interception helped spur a Pittsburgh Steelers victory against the Indianapolis Colts this past Monday night.
It also helped spur a celebration that cost some Steelers defenders a collective $132,484.
Thirteen defensive players were fined amounts ranging from $4,715 to $13,261 in relation to their actions following Pierre’s interception of Matt Ryan 5 minutes and 44 seconds into what ended up a 24-17 win in Indianapolis.
As had been the defense’s tradition throughout training camp that had bled over into games, the turnover induced many of the 11 players on the field (and, apparently, others off the bench) to sprint to the end zone, toss the football up in the air as if it was a clay pigeon shoot and mimic firing a machine gun at it repeatedly.
Although this had been done multiple times in the past, this time cameras and microphones appeared to be closer to the act. A spattering of a sound like gunfire could be heard during the celebration. The league did not respond to a request for an explanation as to why the fines were levied, but the NFL in the past has fined players for using gun-like motions or the impersonation of other weapons when in celebration.
Those fined $13,261 included linebackers T.J. Watt, Myles Jack and Marcus Allen and defensive backs Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cameron Sutton, Levi Wallace and Terrell Edmunds.
Also fined were defensive backs Tre Norwood ($4,715), James Pierre ($4,989), Damontae Kazee ($6,597) and Arthur Maulet ($8,528) and linebackers Alex Highsmith ($6,495) and Malik Reed ($8,333).
Related:
• Steelers 4 Downs: Kenny Pickett’s strong work under pressure bests even vet QBs
• Steelers enjoying Alex Highsmith’s ascent as one of NFL’s premier pass rushers
• Upbringing in life, football compel otherwise affable Steelers DB Arthur Maulet to play ‘angry’
• Steelers activate DL DeMarvin Leal of IR, place Ahkello Witherspoon on IR
The $13,261 figure represents the penalty for a first-time offender of unsportsmanlike conduct, and it was assessed to the higher-paid of the disciplined players. The players who were fined less than that were assessed fines that are a percentage of their income, as instructed by the NFL/NFLPA collective bargaining agreement.
The NFL in recent years has relaxed its rules against excessive celebrations. But some actions are still prohibited.
Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.
Chris Adamski is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Chris by email at cadamski@triblive.com or via Twitter .
Read More: 13 Steelers players fined in relation to machine gun-like interception