The CFL has asked Duke Williams to put his money where his mouth is for his nacho-eating touchdown celebration last week, but it appears that the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ star receiver won’t have to pay all of his fine out of pocket.
In the aftermath of the league’s announcement of supplemental discipline on Thursday, a GoFundMe was launched by Riders fans in order to cover the cost of the punishment levied at Williams. At the time of publication, the fundraising drive had amassed $1,045 via 57 separate donations.
The fine was a result of Williams’ actions after scoring the go-ahead touchdown against Edmonton last week. The popular pass catcher hopped the barricade to enter Commonwealth Stadium’s field-level seating and celebrate with visiting Rider fans, reclining in a chair while eating a plate of stolen nachos. The act violated the CFL’s security protocol when it came to entering the fan seating area, incurring a financial penalty.
@GreenZoneSK @jamienye Can you see anyone fearing for their lives!? What an experience that will not soon be forgotten, or apparently talked about. Have cheese ready for Friday night…. Lots of cheese!! pic.twitter.com/AzlplU3Xls
— Jason Butler (@JJ_buhler) August 19, 2022
As per league policy, the amount of Williams’ fine was not disclosed. The maximum financial penalty the CFL can impose under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement is half of a player’s game cheque. For Williams, who will receive a base salary of $180,000 in 2022, that would amount to $5,000.
The GoFundMe currently has a target goal that matches that potential max penalty. According to the description written by organizer Trent Ooms, any money raised in excess of the official fine amount will be donated to KidSport Canada under Williams’ name.
Those donating aren’t the only fans making their displeasure known regarding the nature of Williams’ punishment, as another member of Rider Nation took the internet by storm on Friday after sending the CFL head office a delivery of nachos to poke fun at the incident.
