Did the NFL Make a Mistake Penalizing Chiefs’ Abdullah for Praying?

Last night the NFL got it wrong when they hit Kansas City Chiefs safety Husain Abdullah with a 15-yard penalty for praying.

Abdullah picked off Tom Brady and returned it for a touchdown. He then gave thanks and was given an unsportsman-like penalty.

According to Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1 (d),
"Players are prohibited from engaging in any celebrations or demonstrations while on the ground."

I understand the rule and why it’s there but we don’t throw a flag on players who pray.

Abdullah is a devout Muslim that doesn’t make him a terrorist just religious and there should have never been a penalty.

The NFL has had a long-standing tradition that a player can go to the ground as part of their religious expression with no penalty given during a celebration. Just look up that guy Tim Tebow, so what happened here?

I hate to say it but the officials porked the pooch on this one. A NFL crew is made up of seven guys on the field and in theory these men are educated people. People who should know the rules and how to enforce them.

Not one of these seven people officiating the game stopped and said ‘hey he is praying’ there isn’t a foul. I’m just a DJ and I knew what was going on as soon as I saw him score.

So instead of getting it right, the officials threw the flag and gave the NFL another black eye.