The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) have had a rough season, but last week they snapped a three-game losing streak with a 20-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, boosted by the return of star running back Bucky Irving.
Despite battling a shoulder tweak suffered in Week 12 against the Detroit Lions, Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield has continued to perform well amid an injury-riddled offense.
On Saturday, less than 24 hours before Tampa Bay faces the New Orleans Saints, the NFL announced its weekly fines, and Mayfield was hit with a $14,191 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct after making a “violent gesture” at the 4:01 mark of the third quarter against the Cardinals.
More news: Jared Goff Incident Could Lead to Big NFL Fine for Cowboys Pass-Rusher
More news: Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Could Make Surprising Career Change
The celebration involved Irving, as the two performed the popular “nose swipe” celebration.
According to the NFL, the gesture was enough to warrant a fine—a reflection of the league’s increased crackdown on on-field celebrations this season. In total, the NFL issued 29 fines stemming from Week 13.
Irving was also fined, receiving $6,349 for the celebration. The difference in fines comes down to the percentage of each player’s contract, which is why Mayfield’s penalty was higher.
This is Mayfield’s first fine of the season, but was monitored closely earlier in the season for comments he made about the officials after a Monday night showdown against the Detroit Lions. The league ultimately elected to not impose a punishment in that case.
Mayfield is completing 62.8% of his passes this season for 2,600 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, while maintaining a 93.4 passer rating.
More news: Browns QB Shedeur Sanders’ Popularity Tops All NFL Players in New Ranking
