The NFL recently made headlines when it addressed the viral “YMCA” dance performed by several players in celebration after touchdowns and sacks. These players, including Las Vegas Raiders’ Brock Bowers, Tennessee Titans’ Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Detroit Lions’ Za’Darius Smith and Malcolm Rodriguez, were seen mimicking the dance popularized by President-elect Donald Trump. Despite this growing trend, the league clarified that no fines would be imposed on players for participating in the celebration, signaling a hands-off approach to these kinds of expressions.
The decision to not fine the players came shortly after San Francisco 49ers’ defensive end Nick Bosa was penalized over $11,000 for wearing a MAGA hat. This inconsistency sparked debate, with some questioning why the NFL felt the need to address the new celebration, given that celebrations usually don’t warrant such responses from the league. ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith voiced his frustration on his YouTube show, claiming the NFL’s need to comment on the matter was unnecessary and indicative of the overreach of “woke” culture and cancel culture.
Smith argued that the attention around the dance and the NFL’s statement was a reflection of broader societal issues. He blamed the rise of “woke” and “cancel culture” for creating an environment where people feel pressured to conform to political correctness, even in casual settings like sports celebrations. According to Smith, this environment contributed to the election of Donald Trump, suggesting that these cultural dynamics have a significant impact on the nation’s political and social climate.
Smith also contrasted the NFL’s response with UFC President Dana White’s lack of comment when UFC fighter Jon Jones performed the same dance after his victory at UFC 309, with Trump in attendance. Smith argued that, unlike in the NFL, no public response was needed in the UFC, highlighting that athletes in different sports, including football, basketball, and mixed martial arts, should be free to express their political support without facing scrutiny or repercussions from their leagues.
Despite the controversy, the NFL confirmed to Fox News Digital that it had “no issue” with players performing the Trump-inspired dance moves. The league’s stance was reinforced when Bowers, who was one of the players seen doing the dance, explained that he was simply inspired by watching UFC fighter Jon Jones do it and thought it was cool. Although Bowers’ media session was cut short after his answer, the league’s lack of action on the matter made it clear that players would not face penalties for such celebrations, quelling any speculation that the move might be prohibited.
