Chiefs safety Husain Abdullah flagged for praying after pick 6 play [video]

The NFL was dubbed the “No fun league” by pundits long ago. We know that generally, touchdown celebrations are frowned upon. But, what if you just got a pick 6 and wanted to give thanks to your religious source.

Chiefs safety Husain Abdullah celebrated his interception return for a touchdown, by going to his knees in prayer. Abdullah was penalized for “unsportsmanlike conduct”

Abdullah is a practicing Muslim, which includes, fasts during Ramadan – even during NFL training camp – and missed the 2012 NFL season so he and his brother, former Broncos/Cardinals safety Hamza, could visit Mecca during the Hajj in October. The NFL announced Tuesday morning that the flag shouldn’t have been thrown.

“Husain Abdullah should not have been penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct following his fourth quarter touchdown,” Signora wrote in an email to PFT. “Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1 (d) states ‘players are prohibited from engaging in any celebrations or demonstrations while on the ground.’  However, the officiating mechanic in this situation is not to flag a player who goes to the ground as part of religious expression, and as a result, there should have been no penalty on the play.”

Chiefs embarrassed the New England Patriots 41-14.

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