News Digest

American football player penalised for Muslim gesture after touchdown

In a move that is sure to generate some discussion, Husain Abdullah of the Kansas City Chiefs was flagged 15 yards for kneeling in the end zone in prayer after scoring a touchdown off an interception of Tom Brady. The penalty call to Abdullah, a Muslim, sparked a quick outrage on Twitter where it was noted that plenty of Christian players mark their scores with a sign of deference, reflection or tribute to their higher power. Abdullah took the high road after the game and said he thought he was penalized for sliding into the prayer, though the head referee cited “falling to the ground on the knees” in announcing the infraction.

If I get a pick, I am going to prostrate before God in the end zone. For me, I just got a little too excited. I think it was for the slide.

Husain Abdullah talking to reporters after the game on the penalty call

While some fans assume the NFL rulebook provides an exception for praying players, that isn’t exactly true. The excessive celebration rule is actually kind of vague, stating players are “prohibited from engaging in any celebrations while on the ground.” Prayer is never specifically mentioned, and there is a permissive view that NFL officials usually take toward religious exhibition.