The Ravens emerged victorious with a 31 – 2 win.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs secured a 29 – 10 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, continuing their successful season after also winning this year’s Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers.
However, the spotlight shifted from the football games to Beyoncé’s much-anticipated halftime show.
The Grammy-winning artist performed tracks from her latest album, Cowboy Carter, and was joined on stage by Post Malone and Shaboozey.
The performance, however, stirred controversy…
During the show, Beyoncé made a gun gesture with her fingers, which sparked backlash on social media.
“Queen Bey’s tone-deaf finger gun display at Netflix’s Christmas game highlights celebrity privilege,” one person commented.
Another individual remarked on the perceived double standard, saying: “One set of rules for celebrities and another for everyone.”
The NFL considers gun finger gestures as a ‘violent gesture’ and prohibits players from making them.
This issue has gained attention recently following fines imposed on players, such as New York Jets receiver Allen Lazard. The NFL maintains that these rules have been in place for a long time.
When questioned about Lazard’s fine, a league spokesperson told NBC Sports: “Not commenting on a specific player, but that’s been a longstanding rule as part of the reference to any violent gesture. It’s also part of the players’ manual.”
‘Violent gestures’ like gun fingers are categorized as unsportsmanlike conduct.
The manual states, according to the New York Times: “There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct. This applies to any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”
“Such acts specifically include, among others: (a) Throwing a punch, or a forearm, or kicking at an opponent, even though no contact is made. (b) Using abusive, threatening, or insulting language or gestures to opponents, teammates, officials, or representatives of the League. (c) Using baiting or taunting acts or words that may engender ill will between teams. (d) Any violent gesture, or an act that is sexually suggestive or offensive.”
The fines for such infractions can be sizeable, reaching into the thousands. For instance, Lazard was fined $14,069.
Additionally, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and tight end David Njoku incurred fines of $13,569 each last year for a gun-themed celebration.
According to NBC Sports, nine fines for violent gestures have been issued in the 2024 season.