‘Clown League’: Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce’s Expected Punishment For Behavior Sparks Fans Anger

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had record-breaking days on Christmas; one could be punished for what he did in celebration.

Jackson broke Michael Vick’s all-time rushing record for an NFL quarterback during the Ravens 31-2 blowout of the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Kelce broke former Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez’s record for most touchdown receptions (77) in franchise history during Kansas City’s 29-10 win over the Steelers.

Kelce was the Chiefs leading receiver on the day, catching eight passes for 84 targets and a touchdown.

In celebration, Kelce dunked the football over the goalpost, a celebration Gonzalez was known for when he played for the Chiefs.

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Travis Kelce will likely face a fine

USATSI 24857134 — Nov 24, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) makes a cut during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The move appeared premeditated, as Gonzalez said on Nov. 29 that he would pay any fine from the league if Kelce dunked the ball when he broke the record.

“If he dunks it, I will pay that fine!”@TonyGonzalez88 wants to see @tkelce do his celebration if he passes his franchise TD record today!#BlackFridayNFL | @Chiefs pic.twitter.com/S2Yws2OHz0

— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) November 29, 2024

The league has yet to issue a fine to Kelce, but the NFL officials already sent a punishment in the Chiefs’ direction. Kelce was flagged for an unsportsmanlike penalty for the dunk.

Kansas City Chiefs fans react to the possible fine

Nov 29, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs with the ball against Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Fans on social media reacted to the idea that Kelce could be punished for the celebration.

“Travis Kelce honoring legends of the sport after a historic moment and this clown (expletive) league gave him a penalty and will give him a fine,” wrote a fan.

“You’d think the damn NFL was going bankrupt the way they’re fining the flipping players,” posted another.

Albert Breer with Sports Illustrated took issue with the possible fine and flag.

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“I believe Tony Gonzalez said he’d pay any fine Travis Kelce gets for the celebration—and if the NFL fines Kelce that’s just as ridiculous as the flag,” posted Breer.

I believe @TonyGonzalez88 said he’d pay any fine Travis Kelce gets for the celebration—and if the @NFL fines Kelce that’s just as ridiculous as the flag. https://t.co/tmAdHMc2HC

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 25, 2024

“The rule is stupid, but if every player player gets a penalty and a fine the. It’s fair that Kelce does as well. You can’t just ignore a rule for a record,” wrote a fan.

“At least he didn’t fake putting presents in Santa’s bag. That was appalling and unacceptable. I kid that also was a dumb penalty. They must have been warned no mention of Christ birth or dunking the ball,” posted another.