You know those towels that hang from the hips of pretty much every NFL player? It turns out, players should not throw those towels whenever they're angry at an official. Doing so will result in a 15-yard penalty, a possible ejection, and a pretty big fine.
Just ask Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who was fined $24,309 by the NFL this week, according to USA Today's Tom Pelissero.
During the fourth quarter of the Chiefs' win over the Jaguars, Kelce wanted the officials to throw a flag for defensive pass interference. When they didn't, Kelce decided to throw his towel instead.
Chaos ensued. Another official entered the fray to throw a flag and the first official tossed his hat into the air.
#Chiefs TE Travis Kelce throws towel, ejected for second unsportsmanlike. pic.twitter.com/FfvX6yUz3w
— The Sports Daily (@SportsDailyBlog) November 6, 2016
Kelce ended up getting tossed for his second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Travis Kelce was ejected in Kansas City, but got a huge face pop on the way out. pic.twitter.com/arVlg42gBD
— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) November 6, 2016
After the game, Kelce said, "I can't throw my flag on the ref, but he can throw his all day long." Yes, that actually makes sense given the official's job is to throw flags and Kelce's job is to play football.
Later, he apologized for his actions.
I apologize to everyone that had to witness my actions on the field today... it was unprofessional and unsportsmanlike...
— Travis Kelce (@tkelce) November 6, 2016
A missed call is just that... missed. No matter how much frustration builds on the field, the refs don't deserve that kind of response.
— Travis Kelce (@tkelce) November 6, 2016
The NFL seems to have accepted his apology -- in the form of a hefty fine.