The NFL has found itself in the midst of a significant controversy involving Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown. In a recent Monday Night Football game, Brown's actions after scoring a touchdown led to a fine. This incident has sparked a debate about the league's rules regarding touchdown celebrations and players' use of props.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct Fine and the Incident

Chase Brown was fined $5,481 for jumping into the Dallas Cowboys' gigantic red Salvation Army donation kettle. This unsportsmanlike conduct fine came in response to his second-quarter touchdown reception during the Bengals' 27-20 win over the Cowboys on Dec. 9. ESPN reported this fine earlier this week. The NFL has been cracking down on players using props during touchdown celebrations in recent years, as these celebrations have become more ingrained in the game.After the game, Brown was shocked to learn that he could potentially be fined for his celebration. Jumping into the red Salvation Army kettle has become a somewhat of an NFL tradition in Dallas during the holidays when the team sets up the display behind the endzone. Brown told reporters that he was so used to seeing it happen every year that he wasn't aware of any rules against such a celebration. "I've seen everybody do it since I was a kid, so I'm like, 'screw it, I'm gonna do it," Brown said in a postgame video shared by ESPN's Ben Baby.A reporter then asked Brown if he would get a fine for jumping in the kettle. "Do I really?" Brown said, looking shocked. "I hope not. Like, a big fine?" Another reporter asked if it was "worth it" to get fined for jumping in the kettle. "No, definitely not!" the Bengals running back laughed. "I don't make enough money for that s—."NBC Sports noted that Brown was not penalized by officials during the game for unsportsmanlike conduct. The outlet also reported that the NFL has been inconsistent with fines related to the red kettle jump, sometimes issuing a fine and sometimes not. For example, Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot was fined $13,369 for jumping in the kettle in 2018 but wasn't fined for the same celebration in 2016. In Nov. 2023, during a game on Thanksgiving Day, the league didn't issue fines after multiple Cowboys players jumped in the red kettles behind the endzone and ate turkey legs hidden inside them.

The Appeal and Brown's Perspective

In an interview with The Athletic on Tuesday, Brown said he plans to appeal the NFL's decision. He expressed his desire to donate the fine amount instead. Brown pointed out that the kettles are in "every corner" of the stadium and the opportunity to jump in is too good for players to pass up. "It's bait!" Brown laughed. "We're getting set up."This incident has raised questions about the balance between allowing players to express themselves during touchdown celebrations and maintaining the integrity of the game. It remains to be seen how the NFL will handle similar situations in the future and whether they will continue to enforce strict rules regarding props in touchdown celebrations.