Arizona Cardinals QB Palmer could be fined for ‘taunting’

Somewhere the karma police are writing tickets

Mike Florio at ProFootballTalk is reporting that Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Palmer could be fined $11,576 for his “crotch-chop” gesture to the Seattle fans after Andre Ellington ran for 48 yards in what proved to be the decisive play in the Cardinals 39-32 win over the defending NFC Champions in Seattle.

Palmer, seen below, can be seen in a jubilant state (although maybe not as jubilant as Drew Stanton) after Ellington stayed in-bounds and scored with less than 2 minutes left in the game.

Florio points out the rule stating:

"Rule 12, Section 3, Article (1)(c) defines unsportsmanlike conduct as “[u]sing baiting or taunting acts or words that engender ill will between teams.” Note 4 specifically prohibits “throat slash; machine-gun salute; sexually-suggestive gestures; prolonged gyrations; or stomping on a team logo.”"

To everyone scratching their heads as to the subjective wording of the rule, keep on scratching. Like the definition of a catch, the wording is ambiguous for a reason. I, for one, have not seen many that would consider anything that Carson Palmer does as “sexually-suggestive”, must like watching him run for a first-down, you just don’t want to see that in any shape or form.

While we’re on the subject, why not fine players for taunting when running, high-stepping, skipping or flipping into the end zone (here’s looking at your Marshawn Lynch), if that’s not taunting, then I’m not sure what the definition is.

I’m sure we’ll find out the verdict in the coming days, no suspension would be included, just a small donation to NFL charities, of which 100% of fines go to. I’m sure Palmer, knowing the man he is, would donate much more.