NFL: Chiefs Safety Won't Be Penalized For Praying On Field

The NFL said in a statement Tuesday that Kansas City Chiefs safety Husain Abdullah should not have been punished during Monday's game when he took a knee in prayer after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots.

Abdullah, a Muslim, received a penalty by referees on Monday night after he slid to his knees and performed a Sajdah, or Islamic religious prostration, after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots. Abdullah was marked with unsportsmanlike conduct and penalized 15 yards. 

Hitting the ground in celebration is forbidden by the NFL except in cases of prayer, as seen by former Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow's taking to one knee to pray after making a play. Some suggested that Abdullah was penalized for sliding to his knees, arguing that the referees did not notice the player was taking a knee in prayer.

The NFL rule book states "prolonged or excessive celebrations or demonstrations by an individual player" are forbidden, and players are "prohibited from engaging in any celebrations while on the ground."

Regardless, the NFL said in a statement Tuesday that Abdullah should not have been penalized for his prayer and would not be fined by the league.

"Husain Abdullah should not have been penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct following his fourth quarter touchdown," NFL spokesman Michael Signora told USA Today.

"Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1 (d) states 'players are prohibited from engaging in any celebrations or demonstrations while on the ground.' However, the officiating mechanic in this situation is not to flag a player who goes to the ground as part of religious expression, and as a result, there should have been no penalty on the play."