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Official Shields Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Texans Sideline Melee After Flagged Goalpost Dunk

League discipline for the celebration remains unresolved despite a record-setting night that extended his NFL receiving lead.

Overview

  • Seattle beat Houston 27-19 on Monday Night Football to move to 5-2, with the Seahawks heading into a bye after the primetime win.
  • Smith-Njigba was immediately hit with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for dunking the ball over the goalpost, a violation of NFL Rule 12, Section 3.
  • The league can issue monetary fines for such celebrations based on its schedule of discipline, though no additional punishment has been announced.
  • After a fourth-quarter interception by Derek Stingley Jr., a stiff arm knocked Smith-Njigba’s helmet off and Texans players pushed him toward their bench, leading to an unnecessary roughness penalty on Stingley.
  • Field judge Nate (Nathan) Jones, a former NFL defensive back, stepped between Smith-Njigba and Texans players to shield him, drawing praise from broadcasters and reporters for de-escalating the scene.