A week ago against the Falcons, Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds was flagged for roughing the passer. The league never fined him -- which is usually the case on personal-foul penalties -- suggesting that the NFL disagreed with the call on the field. It will be interesting to see if Steelers cornerback William Gay also avoids a fine following one official's decision to flag him for taunting on Sunday against the Chiefs.
Late in the third quarter with Pittsburgh leading Kanas City, 17-6, and the Chiefs facing a 3rd andn 16, linebacker Lawrence Timmons tackled tight end Travis Kelce for no gain. As Timmons made his way off the field, Gay stood next to him, arms crossed, presumably admiring Timmons' work.
Gay was promptly flagged.
Will Gay called for taunting...Lawrence Timmons? pic.twitter.com/PfL7oZB89W
— Dave Dameshek (@Dameshek) December 21, 2014
A wider angle:
wut? pic.twitter.com/jcxklF8MlE
— OneForTheOtherThumb (@OFTOT) December 21, 2014
Instead of punting, the Chiefs were awarded a first down and eventually settled for a field goal to make it 17-9.
One of the worst calls of the season gives KC a field goal. Steelers lead 17-9 with 10:18 left. Tomlin giving it to the ref now.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) December 21, 2014
Even former NFL official Mike Carey questioned the call.
In PItt, it would have been best to leave taunting alone. The action was directed not to an opponent, but to his own player. #KCvsPIT
— Mike Carey (@MikeCareyRef94) December 21, 2014
The Steelers would hold on to win, 20-12, and earn a playoff spot in the process. The Chiefs, meanwhile, will need to beat the Chargers in Week 17 -- and get some help -- in order to return to the postseason.
