DeAndre Hopkins played the role of Santa Claus in the Houston Texans' Christmas Day loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, gifting a football by throwing it into the stands following an incredible touchdown catch.
Hopkins was then issued a $6,000 fine from the league office Friday, and he's fighting the decision with an appeal.
"The NFL shouldn't fine you when you're giving fans something they're going to treasure forever. It doesn't make sense," Hopkins told Mark Berman of Fox 26.
Per NFL rules, it's deemed unsportsmanlike to throw a football into the stands as part of a touchdown celebration. First-time offenders get a $6,000 slap on the wrist, with second-time offenders having to pay double. Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has opened his wallet on more than one occasion after handing a football to fans following rushing touchdowns.
Hopkins will miss Sunday's game due to injury for the first time in his five-year career. He leads the league in touchdowns (13) and is second in receiver yards (1,378).
