The NFL fined Jamaal Williams for being too sensual and fans questioned the league's priorities

The NFL’s standards regarding the safety of people and good old-fashioned fun in a game continue to amaze with its ridiculousness. Two crucial contrasting “incidents” highlighted these poor standards from the Detroit Lions’ humbling beatdown of the Green Bay Packers in Week 18.

First, you had the Lions’ Jamaal Williams, a guy who clearly enjoys his time as a pro athlete, suggestively thrusting his hips after scoring two crucial touchdowns — including the game-winner — in Detroit’s emphatic 20-16 win. Then, there was the Packers’ Quay Walker inexplicably pushing a medical trainer who was simply trying to do their job and help someone.

On Saturday, the NFL announced fines for both players. Which, at first glance, without any context — really? Williams deserved fines for just enjoying himself and not hurting anyone? Eh, I don’t know about that one!

The NFL fined #Lions RB Jamaal Williams $18,566 again for excessive sexiness – excuse me, unsportsmanlike conduct – as a result of his hip-swiveling TD dances in last Sunday night’s win over the #Packers.

No flags were thrown. pic.twitter.com/Xf5KhUF12b

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 14, 2023

But then you see the amount Williams was fined — less than Walker, who, again, pushed a non-player — and you remember the pro football powers that be have terribly misplaced priorities:

The NFL fined #Packers LB Quay Walker $13,261 for shoving a #Lions athletic trainer, who was trying to attend to an injured player last Sunday night. Walker was also flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 14, 2023

I genuinely don’t understand why the league makes these sorts of decisions. Not to say I’m surprised, but it makes me furl an eyebrow at a league facilitating one of the most dangerous, violent sports around still wanting to project a “wholesome” image. And they punish anyone who even potentially detracts from that perception no rational person has of them!

As opposed to, you know, a player putting their hands on a person not even involved in a game. What are we doing here, folks? Let’s have a hearty reflection and take a step back.