Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard is having a breakout season in his fifth year in Green Bay.
During the Christmas Day game in Miami Lazard took out three Dolphins defenders on a block. He then proceeded to celebrate by looking back at the pile of players on the turf and counting one . . . two . . . three.
The NFL responded by handing Lazard a $10,609 fine, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.
Allen Lazard #13 of the Green Bay Packers looks on at halftime against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Lazard also pointed in the Dolphins players respective directions while they were still on the ground. The wide out was not flagged by referees.
Another wide receiver was fined earlier this season for a similar act.
Eagles Pro Bowler A.J. Brown had to pay a $10,000 fine after he pointed towards the opposing team in a Week 8 game. Brown racked up three touchdowns on the day.
Allen Lazard #13 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a touchdown with Aaron Rodgers #12 during the first half in the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on September 18, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
(Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Shortly after the play the Packers shared a video on Twitter of the highlight-reel play.
Pro Football Talk also reported that Lazard does plan to appeal the fine.
Lazard expressed his frustrations about the punishment when he spoke to reporters.
“I think it doesn’t make sense to highlight a play and to use it on your social-media platforms to give it more attention but also to have a negative connotation. It’s very contradictory.”
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates with wide receiver Allen Lazard (13) after setting the franchise record for most passing TDs in the first quarter during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field.
(Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers praised Lazard’s block, which proved to be one of the key plays to help lift Green Bay to victory over Miami.
“He’s been doing this for a long time, so this is nothing new,” Rodgers said on Wednesday. “With all due respect to Allen, we’re not surprised by that. We’re not. We’re excited about it, but we’re not surprised.”
Lazard leads the team with 688 yards and is tied for second with five touchdowns on a career-high 51 receptions.
“They love it because it gives the NFL more attention and the fans enjoy it but they somehow don’t condone it,” Lazard added. “It’s very contradictory.”
