Chiefs safety Husain Abdullah was flagged for going to his knees on Monday. (USATSI)
Husain Abdullah checked a couple items off his bucket list Monday intercepting Tom Brady and returning the pick to the end zone for a touchdown.
When he got there Abdullah a practicing Muslim slid on his knees and prayed. Abdullah was flagged by the refs for going to the ground in celebration.
If I get a pick I'm going to prostrate before God in the end zone Abdullah said via the Kansas City Star.
So he did just that but got flagged for it. It's technically against the rules Section 3 Article 1 (d) of the NFL playing rules notes it's illegal to celebrate on the ground.
Players are prohibited from engaging in any celebrations while on the ground the rules read.
But there's an unwritten exemption for players going to the ground in prayer. Most notably Tim Tebow (who somehow managed to have taking a knee become Tebowing ) who routinely went to a knee after scoring.
Abdullah who took the 2012 NFL season off to visit Mecca with his brother Husian was gracious after the game.
For me I just got a little too excited Abdullah said. I think it was for the slide.
But Andy Reid who explained to Abdullah he was flagged for sliding certainly put it best.
When you go to Mecca you should be able to slide wherever you want Reid said. We've got two priests in here. They'd probably vouch for me.
His agent made it clear their camp won't be happy if the NFL decides to fine Abdullah.
Best guess here is the NFL won't be doing that. If anything the NFL should note Abdullah wouldn't be flagged for going to his knees as long as he doesn't slide on the ground if he scores again. And do whatever they can to make sure Abdullah can freely celebrate his religion on the field.
The NFL announced Tuesday morning Abdullah 'should not have been penalized.'
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