NFL Pauses Videographer's License Over Tyreek Hill Celebration
A stirring incident unfolded during the Miami Dolphins' triumph over the Carolina Panthers on October 15th. Following a touchdown, Tyreek Hill dashed towards the field's edge, commandeering the camera of University of Miami student Kevin Fitzgibbons. In a moment of exhilaration, Hill executed an acrobatic backflip in front of the lens.
Fitzgibbons shared his account of the encounter on a platform previously known as Twitter, expressing his friendship with Hill, labeling him as "one of my best friends." Fitzgibbons wrote, "Tyreek surprised me by the sideline and snapped his phone to pull off the backflip."
"That was the coolest moment ever," Fitzgibbons mused in a video response. "I ran to the tunnel to send the clip to the NFL." Fitzgibbons mentioned working for the Dolphins' home NFL games starting in 2022.
The NFL didn't impose a financial penalty on Hill for the stunt but penalized the team with a 15-yard penalty instead. The league notified Fitzgibbons of his disciplinary action, citing his unintended access to the celebration. Fitzgibbons was instructed to remain aloof despite his lack of foreknowledge, ensuring he wouldn't approach the sideline.
"One of the best moments in my life was turned upside down within seconds," Fitzgibbons added in the video. "I understand why the NFL made this decision and wished I could have done something to prevent it, but I'm grateful for the memory Tyreek gave me. It's the best job in the world, and I have no regrets."
CNN has yet to solicit another comment from Fitzgibbons. His post amassed over 36 million views, with endorsements from LeBron James, DraftKings, and Hill himself.
On Thursday, Hill confirmed his longstanding friendship with Fitzgibbons and discussed the temporary suspension of his working privileges.
"I told him, 'Don't let this get to you,'" cited Hill. "‘Keep your head up, you're young. Keep doing what you love.' I and he will continue to work together. I told him I'd cover his salary, regardless of the NFL's compensation. I assured him I'd do the right thing and take care of him, ensuring he didn't lose his job. That's who I am."
An NFL source confirmed Fitzgibbons' suspension as a result of multiple transgressions against the league guidelines, although Fitzgibbons claimed he had not been privy to Hill's impending jubilation. The source clarified that Fitzgibbons would continue to serve as a contractor and was encouraged to participate in projects beyond the league and individual player ventures.
The Dolphins, currently enjoying an 8-3 record atop the AFC East, credit Hill with 10 touchdowns so far this season.
Additional sources revealed little to no information regarding Kevin Fitzgibbons or Tyreek Hill's backflip celebration. It appears there might be a miscommunication or lack of detail in the presented data, necessitating further investigation to secure accurate information.
