Husain Abdullah and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid believe the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty handed out following a Tom Brady interception was a result of Abdullah sliding, not his act of prayer.
Husain Abdullah and Andy Reid speak about celebration penalty
The NFL came under fire on Monday night when it appeared a player was flagged for praying, but those involved believe it was something else.
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
The defensive back spoke after the game and explained his understanding of the flag.
“For me, I just got a little too excited,” Abdullah said. “I think it was for the slide.”
Abdullah wasn’t told explicitly his slide was the reason for the penalty, but Reid told him “You can’t slide,” when he returned to the sideline. The Chiefs coach understood the rule, but had a different thought on the matter.
“When you go to Mecca, you should be able to slide wherever you want,” Reid said after the game. “We’ve got two priests in here. They’d probably vouch for me.”
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