UPDATE: The Associated Press reports, NFL says Chiefs safety should not have been penalized for dropping to his knees in prayer.
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Original story: When Kansas City safety Husain Abdullah dropped to his knees after a 39-yard interception and a touchdown against the New England Patriots Monday night, the 29-year-old player was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct even though he was obviously saying a prayer — a Muslim prayer, the Sajdah. (USA Today)
The flag begged the question: Was the 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct the result of a double standard, since many NFL players routinely give praise to a Christian deity? (SBNation.com)
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CJ LaBoy, Abdullah's agent, thought the penalty was unfair, judging from the tweet he sent.
Given that the Chiefs smashed the Patriots 41-14, maybe the referees thought Abdullah was rubbing it in and did not realize his gesture was a simple prayer. Maybe they anticipated something more mocking and did not recognize what it was. (LarryBrownSports.com )
Questions are sure to persist, starting with: What is the difference between bowing to the ground and pointing to the sky? Why was the first gesture penalized on Monday night and why is the second one routinely exempted from the NFL celebration rules?
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