In the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 10-9 defeat to the Denver Broncos, New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard was assessed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Lazard had just made a 12-yard catch for a first down when he was penalized for performing a “finger gun” celebration. This penalty pushed the Jets back from 1st-and-10 at the 18-yard line to 1st-and-10 at the 33, forcing them to settle for a 40-yard field goal, which temporarily gave them a 9-7 lead.
This week, Lazard expressed to reporters that he is preparing for a potential fine from the league.
“It’s something very silly,” he said, according to the New York Post. “I expect the NFL to fine me based on similar past situations.”
Lazard also made it clear that if he does receive a fine, he plans to contest it.
“If I am fined, I will definitely fight it,” Lazard stated. “It wouldn’t be fair to penalize someone for something that was never previously warned about. It’s like introducing a new driving rule: if you never told me I can only drive with two hands, that’s not fair. That’s not how a lawful democracy should operate.”
Lazard’s unsportsmanlike conduct was part of a larger issue, as the Jets incurred 13 penalties totaling 90 yards in the game. The loss to the Broncos left New York with a 2-2 record as they prepare to face the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in London.
So far this season, the 27-year-old Lazard has showcased his connection with Aaron Rodgers, which they developed during their time in Green Bay. He currently leads the Jets in receiving yards (206) and touchdowns (three), and his 16 catches rank third on the team behind Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall.
